Behçet’s and Discrimination
Unfortunately, patients with Behcet’s may, at some time, face discrimination due to their condition.
The Equality Act 2010 (EA) in Britain and the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 in Northern Ireland legally protects those with a disability from discrimination.
Is Behçet’s considered a disability?
Many people with Behçet’s do not consider themselves to be disabled. However, they may be entitled to protection from discrimination if their Behçet’s affects them in such a way that they meet the definitions of having a disability.
The definition of having a disability is if you have a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on their ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities. This can include limitations in:
• mobility
• manual dexterity
• the ability to lift, carry or otherwise move everyday objects
• memory or the ability to concentrate, learn or understand.
Long-term and fluctuating or progressive conditions are specifically included in the definition of disability in both the Equality Act and Disability Discrimination Act.
Protection in England, Scotland and Wales
In Britain, you are protected from discrimination by the Equality Act 2010 (EA).
Having a disability is deemed a “protected characteristic” which means you are legally protected from discrimination in the following circumstances:
- at work
- in education
- as a consumer
- when using public services
- when buying or renting property
- as a member or guest of a private club or association
You are also protected from discrimination if:
- you’re associated with someone who has a protected characteristic, for example, a family member or friend
- you’ve complained about discrimination or supported someone else’s claim
Protection in Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, you are protected by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and protected in education by the Special Educational Needs and Disability Order (SENDO).
Employment – further reading
Behçet’s UK have produced a useful Employer’s guide. The guide has been written to help employers understand Behçet’s, their responsibilities as an employer of someone with Behçet’s and how they can help their employee and it also highlights their legal responsibilities.
ACAS https://www.acas.org.uk/discrimination-bullying-and-harassment
Education – further reading
Behçet’s UK guide: Supporting Children and Young People with Behçet’s in mainstream schools
UK Government: The Equality Act 2010 and Schools
Council for Disabled Children: Disabled Children and the Equality Act
2010 for Schools
A short guide to the Special Educational Needs and Disability Order (NI) 2005
Disability Discrimination Code of Practice for Schools
Useful contacts
AbilityNet
National charity and provider of advice on computing and disability.
0800 269 545 or 01926 312 847
abilitynet.org.uk
ACAS
ACAS provide up to date information, independent advice and can help employers and employees to solve problems and improve performance.
0300 123 1100
www.acas.org.uk
Access to Work – England, Scotland and Wales
For more information or to apply online
0800 121 7479
(Textphone: 0800 121 7579)
www.gov.uk/access-to-work
Access to Work – Northern Ireland
If you want more information or wish to apply for help through this programme contact ‘Preparation for Work Programmes Branch’.
028 9072 6756
www.nibusinessinfo.co.uk/content/disability-employment-service
Or you can contact the Work Coach in your local Jobs and Benefits office.
Advicenow
An independent not-for-profit website providing accurate up to date information on rights and legal issues in the form of factsheets which can be downloaded from their website.
www.advicenow.org.uk
Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Occupational Health and Ergonomics
A proactive group, promoting best practice in the field of Occupational Health Physiotherapy. Online search
facility for local physiotherapists.
01284 748202
www.acpohe.org.uk
Benefits and Work
An independent website offering helpful guides for anyone making, renewing or appealing DLA, PIP, ESA, UC benefit claims.
www.benefitsandwork.co.uk
Benefit Enquiries
For help with disability benefits.
Disability Living Allowance Helpline: 0845 712 3456
Attendance Allowance helpline: 0345 605 6055
PIP Helpline: 0845 850 3322
www.gov.uk/benefits-adviser
Chartered Society of Physiotherapists
Can help you to find a chartered physiotherapist that offers private services.
020 7306 6666
www.csp.org.uk (PHYSIO2U section)
Citizens Advice Bureau
The Citizens Advice service helps people resolve their legal, money and other problems by providing free, independent and confidential advice, and by influencing policymakers.
Telephone your local CAB office
www.adviceguide.org.uk
Civil Legal Aid
A government-funded legal aid service available to those who qualify for legal aid. Can provide legal advice about discrimination issues at work.
0845 345 4345
www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice
Contact (for families with disabled children)
Contact help families feel valued, supported, confident – providing best possible guidance and information.
Helpline: 0808 808 3555
contact.org.uk
Commercial Occupational Health Providers Association (COHPA)
Provide assistance with finding a provider in your area based on your needs.
0333 772 0401
cohpa.co.uk
Council for Disabled Children
The umbrella body for the disabled children’s sector bringing together professionals, practitioners and policy-makers.
councilfordisabledchildren.org.uk
DIAL UK
See SCOPE
Disability Law Service
Provides legal advice/representation to disabled people and has a useful fact sheet on employment rights.
020 7791 9800
www.dls.org.uk
Disablement Employment Service
For Northern Ireland: provides advice and practical and financial support to disabled people and their employers to help overcome work-related obstacles resulting from a disability.
028 9025 7777
www.delni.gov.uk
Disability Rights UK
Aim to provide high-quality information to those living with a disability, including factsheets on work and benefits and contact details for many other useful organisations.
020 7250 3222 General enquiries – this is not an advice line)
www.disabilityrightsuk.org
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
The EHRC has a statutory remit to promote and monitor human rights; and to protect, enforce and promote equality across the nine “protected” grounds – including disability. Their website includes information pages on work and work issues.
0808 8000082
(Textphone: 0808 800 0084)
www.equalityhumanrights.com
The Equality Advisory and Support Service
Aims to provide bespoke advice to those facing discrimination issues via the helpline.
0808 800 0082
(Textphone: 0808 800 0084)
www.equalityadvisoryservice.com
Equality Commission for Northern Ireland
Provides free general advice to employers on recommended good practice.
028 9050 0600
(Textphone: 028 9050 0589)
www.equalityni.org
Employment Tribunals
Judicial bodies established to resolve disputes between employers and employees over employment rights. These websites provide information about the tribunal’s procedures and give guidance on responding to a
claim.
England/Wales 0300 1231024
Scotland 0141 354 8574
www.justice.gov.uk/tribunals/employment
Northern Ireland 028 9032 7666
www.employmenttribunalsni.co.uk
Fit for Work
Free service offering support to GPs, employers, and employees to help those in work and off work sick.
Tel: 0800 032 6235
fitforwork.org
Gov.uk
Information about government services.
www.gov.uk
Independent Parent Special Education Advice (IPSEA)
IPSEA offers free and independent legally based information, advice and support to help parents get the right education for children and young people with all kinds of special educational needs (SEN) and disabilities.
www.ipsea.org.uk/
Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors
Advice on how to choose and where to find an ergonomist.
Tel: 01509 234904
www.ergonomics.org.uk
020 7357 6480
Jobcentre Plus
Supporting people, from England, Scotland and Wales, of working age from welfare into work, and helping employers to fill their vacancies. Part of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
0800 055 6688 (new benefit claims only)
0345 604 3719 (to cancel/change appt)
www.gov.uk/contact-jobcentre-plus
They also employ Disability Employment Advisors (DEA).
www.gov.uk/looking-for-work-ifyoure-disabled
Jobs and Benefits Office (NI)
Supporting people, of working age from welfare into work, and helping employers to fill their vacancies in Northern Ireland.
Tel: 0300 200 7822
To find your local office visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/contacts/jobsbenefits-offices
Looking for work if you are disabled
Details of local Jobcentres and information about the Disability Employment Adviser are available
from the following website.
www.gov.uk/looking-for-work-ifdisabled
Law Centres Network
Support a national network of Law Centres that work with some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in society. You can find details of your local Law Centre using the search facility on their website or by
calling the general enquiry number.
0207 842 0720
www.lawcentres.org.uk
Remploy
A specialist employment services group, provides a range of services to help people get the right job.
0845 601 5878
www.remploy.co.uk
Royal College of Occupational Therapists
Provides online information about private OT services and can help find local occupational therapists specialising in employment.
020 7357 6480
www.rcot.org.uk
To find a private OT www.cotss-ip.org.uk enter postcode/town and select “Work/Vocational Support”
Scope
DIAL which is part of Scope provides information and advice to disabled people and to others on living with a disability.
Helpline 01302 310 123
www.scope.org.uk/dial
Shaw Trust
A national charity that provides training and work opportunities for people who are disadvantaged in the labour market due to disability, ill-health, or other social circumstances.
01225 716300
www.shaw-trust.org.uk
UK Rehabilitation Council
Consists of a community of rehabilitation associations to ensure access to high-quality services in the
UK.
rehabcouncil.org.uk