Disability and Deaf Equality Scheme 2006 - 2010
Under the Disability Discrimination Act 2005, all local authorities have a public duty to promote disability equality from December 2006. When they deliver services or employ people, local authorities must
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Eliminate discrimination and harassment.
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Promote equality of opportunity between deaf and disabled people and the wider public.
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Promote positive attitudes towards deaf and disabled people.
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Encourage deaf and disabled people to be involved in public life.
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Consider an individual’s impairment, disability or deafness when giving them a service or employment, even if sometimes this means treating them more favourably than other people.
There is also a specific duty under the Act for public bodies including Gateshead Council to produce a Disability Equality Scheme.