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I’m disabled. What does the Equality Act 2010 mean for me?
In a recent Devon Disability Voice (DDV) meeting, we talked about the Equality Act 2010. Some knew a little, some knew a lot, some knew nothing of what it could mean if you are disabled.
To help, we’re here to explain more about the Equality Act 2010. What it means if you’re disabled or have a long-term health condition, where to find out more information and how to take action in relation to the Act.
Looking for easy reads? Learning Disability Devon is an easy read website for people with a learning disability. We have added the Government and Mencap easy read guides about the Equality Act here too:
The Equality Act 2010 is the law that stops employers, businesses and service providers discriminating against you.



It is illegal to discriminate against someone because of a protected characteristic. Disability is one of the nine characteristics in the Equality Act.
The Equality Act 2010 defines disability as a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities. If you think you’ve experienced disability discrimination, Citizen’s Advice website can help you check if the Equality Act 2010’s definition of disability applies to you.
There are six main types of disability discrimination. The Equality and Human Rights Commission covers each in more detail.
- Victimisation
- Direct discrimination
- Indirect discrimination
- Failure to make reasonable adjustments
- Discrimination arising from disability
- Harassment
If you have been a victim of disability discrimination what can you do? There are organisations that will provide advice and information.
Disability Rights UK wants to increase awareness of the Equality Act and the ways it can protect disabled people from discrimination in everyday situations. Its Right to Participate website provides a number of useful resources. It includes accessible information, template complaint letters and guided pathways to positively assert your rights.
There are more organisations that can provide you with support and help