NEW DISCRIMINATION LAWS FOR BLIND AND PARTIALLY SIGHTED PERSONS
Employers need to be aware of new laws that come into force on 14th April 2003 which extend the protection given to blind or partially sighted people. The legislation makes it clear to employers that people who are certified blind or partially sighted will be classed as �disabled� for the purposes of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
This means that blind and partially sighted people cannot be discriminated against in
- employment
- the supply of goods, facilities and services
- the disposal of premises
- in education
The updated legislation has resulted from recommendations made in the ‘From Exclusion to Inclusion’ report published by the Rights Task Force, set up by Government in 1999. You can get a copy of the regulations from the Government at
www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2003/20030712.htm
