In Australia, it’s against the law to treat someone unfairly because of their disability. This is the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, also called the DDA.
What it protects
– Getting a job, and being treated fairly at work
– Going to school, TAFE or uni
– Using shops, services, websites and public transport
– Finding a place to live
– Joining clubs and sports
What counts as disability?
Physical, intellectual, mental health, sensory, neurological and learning disability. It also protects people who have had a disability in the past, and carers and family who support someone.
What is discrimination?
– Being treated worse because of your disability
– A rule that seems fair but leaves you out
Reasonable adjustments
Employers and services need to make changes so you can take part, like captions, ramps or flexible hours. The only exception is if the change would cause “unjustifiable hardship” (a very large cost or difficulty).
If something goes wrong
You can make a free complaint to the Australian Human Rights Commission at humanrights.gov.au or on 1300 656 419.
This is general information, not legal advice.
