No. The law says that if you have a disability, organisations/businesses/shops might have to make changes to ensure that you are not at a disadvantage because of your disability. For example, if you are a wheelchair user or have difficulty going up steps a shop may have to provide a ramp or handrail to help you get into the shop safely.
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Can my school discriminate against me because of my disability?
No. The law says that if you have a disability, your school might have to make changes to ensure that you are not at a disadvantage because of your disability. For example, if you have a learning disability you might need changes to be made at school such as letting you have longer in tests and exams. Your school should take reasonable steps to make sure that you can take part in school trips and outings.
Can my employer discriminate against me because of my disability?
No. The law says that if you have a disability, employers might have to make changes to ensure that you are not at a disadvantage because of your disability. For example, if you are applying for a part-time job at weekends and you have an eyesight condition that means you have a problem reading and completing the form, the employer may have to provide a form with larger print or let you make your application in another way.
What is disability discrimination?
The law says that you must not be treated differently or worse without a very good reason because you have a disability. The law protects you if you have a physical or mental disability including a learning disability and that disability makes it hard for you to do everyday things that most other people can do.
Is it ever lawful for me to be discriminated against because of my age?
You have the same rights to non-discrimination as adults. These include the right to equality and freedom when it comes to race, gender, religion, colour, origin of birth and disability.
A difference in treatment may be lawful if:
- Belonging to a particular age group is essential for a job: this is called an occupational requirement. For example, a film company making a film of Oliver Twist may lawfully hire a young boy to play Oliver
- An organisation is taking positive action to encourage or develop people in an age group that is under-represented or disadvantaged in a role or activity
- Your employer has set a compulsory retirement age that it can clearly justify in respect of your role: this is known as objective justification
- The circumstances fall under one of the exceptions to the Equality Act that allow organisations to provide different treatment in employment or services based on age
- A service provider is making age-related concessions and benefits. For example, a cinema can offer over 60s cheap tickets and special screenings or a GP can offer flu jabs to over 65s