Rights and Discrimination

Disability discrimination

If you or your child are treated unfavourably because of your disability, that could amount to disability discrimination, which is illegal. Citizen’s Advice has a good explanation of what counts as disability discrimination with examples.

Reasonable adjustment

Another useful concept is the requirement for organisations to make reasonable adjustments for your disability. If a lack of such adjustments places a disabled person at a substantial disadvantage compared with others who are not disabled, this will be regarded as discrimination.

However, the definition of ‘reasonable’ is not defined in law, so for example schools do not have to substantially change their buildings if it would be difficult or costly to do so, although they should have a plan to make their premises more accessible.

Education rights

Enquire has a page for parent carers about education and children’s rights, which also covers jargon and the professionals who may be involved with your child at school.

Young people’s guide to disability rights

Young Scot has a guide to young disabled people’s rights.