DDA 25 years on: ‘Phenomenal activism… but deeply flawed legislation’

Disabled campaigners celebrated the activists whose efforts helped lead to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), while highlighting the continuing flaws in equality legislation and the need to continue the fight for comprehensive civil rights.

In this Disability News Service article Andrew Lee, on behalf of the COVID-19 Support and Action Group, which is co-run by People First (Self Advocacy), said the DDA had been “a ground breaking piece of legislation and campaigning by self-advocates with learning difficulties made sure our rights were included and recognised within it”.

But he added: “We were an after-thought then, and sometimes we feel like we are an after-thought now."

“It boils down to stigma and how we‘re perceived. Too often society doesn’t see us as having the same rights as others."

“People with learning difficulties often feel isolated and forgotten about, and cut off from society."

“Although our rights are enshrined in law, the law is inaccessible and unaffordable for us to use. We are also concerned that it isn’t always enforced."

“It’s about human rights and we are human beings. We will continue to fight for our rights to live full and independent lives in the way that we choose for the next 25 years and beyond.”

Read the full article here