Disability Discrimination Act

The objectives of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) are to:

1. Eliminate, as far as possible, discrimination on the grounds of disability in the areas of: work; accommodation; education; access to premises; clubs and sport; and the provision of goods; facilities; services and land; and existing laws; and the administration of Commonwealth laws and programs.
2. Ensure, as far as practicable, that persons with disabilities have the same rights to equality before the law as the rest of the community; and
3. Promote recognition and acceptance within the community of the principle that persons with disabilities have the same fundamental rights as the rest of the community.

The DDA covers everyone with a disability. The definition of disability in the DDA is as broad as possible. It includes:

• physical
• intellectual
• psychiatric
• sensory or neurological disability
• learning disabilities
• physical disfigurement
• the presence in the body of disease causing organisms

The DDA also protects people with disabilities being discriminated against because:

• they are accompanied by an assistant, interpreter or reader; or
• they are accompanied by a trained animal, such as a guide or hearing dog: or
• they use equipment or an aid, such as a wheelchair or a hearing aid.

The DDA also protects relatives, friends, carers and co-workers of people with disabilities from discrimination.

Types of discrimination

Direct discrimination - occurs when a person with a disability is treated less favourably, or it is proposed to treat a person less favourably, than a person without the disability would be treated in similar circumstances.

Indirect discrimination - occurs when a person with a disability is expected to comply with a requirement or a condition that is unreasonable and that cannot be complied with due to the disability, but which a person without a disability would generally be able to comply with.

The DDA covers access to all of the following:

• libraries
• shops/stores
• public toilets
• cinemas and theatres
• public transport: trains, trams, boats, planes
• legal services
• public paths and walkways
• banks and credit unions
• restaurants, cafes, hotels
• social and sports clubs
• sports and entertainment venues
• travel agents, tourist venues and accommodation
• educational institutions
• parks and gardens
• pools and leisure facilities
• community centres
• hospitals, medical centres and dental services
• government offices and services

Contact Details

For further information contact the Rural Access Coordinator on 03 5320 5769 or 03 5320 5500 or email debwhitecross@ballarat.vic.gov.au.