November 2020 saw the 25th anniversary of the passage of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA). At the time, I was a schoolboy of 16 and the campaign for disabled peoples’ Civil Rights was very close to my heart as a result of being born with a physical disability. An impairment has implications far beyond the issues such as medical negligence. Particularly when it comes to society’s misconceptions and stereotypes.
The road to disabled people’s rights was not smooth. In March of 1994, a Private Members’ Bill, the Civil Rights (Disabled Persons) Bill, was run out of Parliamentary time and so, was prevented from becoming law, amid much protest. These events made a huge impression on me, as I saw how important the law is in ensuring a person can take their place as an equal in society. I was concerned that there should be a level playing field. I wanted the same opportunity to build a future just like anyone else. Why should my Cerebral Palsy mean that I did not have the same goals and aspirations as anybody else? I was forthright in articulating this point to my then Local MP. The Campaign ignited a passion for the law, that inspired me.
I look forward to a time when firms of Solicitors are more vocal in valuing disabled members of staff and recognise the talents and insight that lived experience of disability brings. When I deal with Solicitors’ firms , I am always disappointed that I have yet to encounter a Solicitor or even a Paralegal who is like myself. In the 21st century, that’s shocking and surprising.
The “low priority” afforded to disabled people can be seen from weak and poorly enforced legislation that took the form of the Disabled Persons (Employment) Acts of 1944 and 1958. Following these Statutes there was a voluntary register for Disabled People and a quota system established. This quota system was supposed to require employers of 20 or more people to employ a workforce of disabled people to the proportion of 3% of the total workforce. This legislation lacked an effective enforcement mechanism and fell into disuse.
It would seem that the attitude, that disabled people were a ‘burden’ and a section of society to be addressed as a ‘problem’, rather than as a section of society with something to offer, and part of the community to be engaged with, was the prevailing one for many years and is still stubbornly persistent.
The 1995 DDA had many weaknesses, it lacked an enforcement Commission[1]. It also failed to cover many aspects of life such as education which was only rectified as late as 2001[2]. Initially, the Act only applied to employers that employed 20 or more people. Sadly, the piecemeal approach Government adopted, belied a “disabled people don’t count the same “ attitude. Campaigning continued, and eventually there was success in obtaining the passage of the Disability Rights Commission Act 1999.[3] The Disability Rights Taskforce of the late 1990s made over 150 recommendations for improvements across the law in a wide range of spheres. Thankfully, the position progressed to the Equality Act 2010 which was intended to take a unified approach to Equality covering the various strands.
It would be a misapprehension to think that that the UK Government led the way globally in the field of Disability Rights Law. In July 2020 groups in the USA marked 30 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act 1990, (ADA). This was the first comprehensive Civil Rights legislation for people with disabilities in the World.
Their legislation sought to open up a new frontier and value the contribution made by disabled citizens. It introduced the idea of “Reasonable accommodation” a concept that was subsequently emulated in the DDA but here it was called “Reasonable adjustment”.
The ADA was championed by Senator Edward Kennedy[4] and Senator Tom Harkin[5], but had bi-partisan support and was signed into law in July 1990. It built on America’s pervious Civil Rights legislation from the 1960s but this set-in train change across the world.
Although the UK has been slow in this arena, there is still opportunity to build on hard won progress and see more inclusion. In the Spring of 2021, the Government will unveil their own Disability Strategy, Justin Tomlinson MP[6] stated[7] the aim
“…to ensure that all disabled people can play a full role in society. The strategy will focus on issues disabled people say affect them most in all aspects of life…”
I hope the wind of change will blow strong and we will see more Solicitors and Paralegals with impairments being able to provide insight and skill that firms use and value. The legislation has improved. I urge, See the ability, not just the disability!
Dominic McDevitt LL.B (Hons)., LL.M (Merit)
[1] Similar to the Equal opportunities Commission and the Commission for Racial Equality, that had been established some years before.
[2] Through the Special Educational Needs and Disability Rights in Education Act 2001
[3] The DRC opened in April 2000 and was eventually replaced with the Commission for Equality and Human Rights as were the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Commission for Racial Equality
[4] The then, Senior Senator for Massachusetts and the younger Brother of Senator Robert F Kennedy, former US Attorney General and 35th President of the USA John F. Kennedy.
[5] Democratic Senator from Iowa
[6] Minister for Disabled People
[7] In a letter sent to the Author dated 15/12/20
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