Warrington Disability Partnership
Supporting independence throughout life and work
Warrington Disability Partnership
Legal MattersThere are a wide range of legal issues for disabled people - principally those things that affect everyone, but may have greater impact for disabled people. These include things like housing, debt, motoring, employment, bereavement etc. In addition, there is specific legislation designed to ensure that disabled people are not excluded or disadvantaged in any way. Primarily this is covered by the Disability Discrimination Acts (DDA) 1995 and 2005. The 2001 Special Education Needs and Disabilities Act (SENDA) explains the responsibilities of governing bodies of education providers - including higher education. Under the DDA 2005 all public bodies must:
If you feel that you have been unfairly treated because of disability and you cannot get satisfaction through usual channels, contact:
Equality and Human Rights Commission Hate CrimeDisability hate crime is a matter of current concern. This occurs when disabled people are victimised because of their disability. It maybe that they have been the victim of theft because of their perceived vulnerability, or they may have been bullied, or had their lives made intolerable because of the attitude of neighbours or others. If you believe that you or someone you care about has been the victim of a disability related hate crime, you could try to ensure that the police record it as such. Warrington Disability Partnership has staff who are trained in recording Disability Hate Crime, so if you would like to talk to one of our staff in confidence, please ring 01925 240064. Legal Aid and AdviceLegal aid is a way of ensuring that people with limited means have access to the justice system. Community Legal Advice run a website that can help you find answers on a lot of legal issues, help you find an advisor, and also help you check if you might be entitled to free support through the legal aid scheme. They run a legal information helpline on 0845 345 4 345, or to request a call back from the Community Legal Advice helpline simply text 'legalaid' and your name to 80010 and they'll call you back within 24 hours. Local Legal Advice
VATA person who is "chronically sick and disabled" may be able to claim exemption from VAT on certain items they need to buy related to their disability.
VotingDisabled people should not be excluded from exercising their right to vote, and to this end, a lot of work is being done to make polling stations more accessible. However, if you prefer to vote by post or by proxy, that is your choice. A form to register for a postal vote is available from the electoral registration officer at your local council. Download postal vote registration.. You need to be careful to select the right form - or get one direct from your local electoral registration officer. RepresentativesFinally, if you are finding difficulty getting your needs recognised and met, particularly in the public arena, you might contact your local representatives - either your Councillor or your MP. Details of Warrington Councillors are here Your MP can be contacted at the House of Commons (020 7219 3000) or via their constituency office. This website will help you to find who your MP is, if you are not sure. http://www.parliament.uk/directories/directories.cfm Health and SafetyHealth & Safety is, on occasions, used as a false excuse to justify discriminating against disabled workers. Health & Safety law and its implementation is in the interests of all employees, whether disabled or non-disabled, and of the employer. Disabled people should expect effective and enabling risk management in the workplace. You can find help and advice on risk assessments for people with disabilities on HSE's website: |
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Warrington Disability Partnership
The Centre for Independent Living, Beaufort Street,Warrington WA5 1BA
Telephone: 01925 240064
E-mail:
Charity Registration No. 1113597 Data protection reg Z1073411 |
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