Disability discrimination
Disability Rights
What is disability discrimination?
Disability discrimination occurs when a person is treated less favourably, or not given the same opportunities as others in a similar situation because of their disability.
The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (DDA) makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person, in many areas of public life, including employment, education, getting or using services, renting or buying a house or unit, and accessing public places, because of their disability.
Who does the Disability Act relate to?
The DDA covers people who have temporary and permanent disabilities; physical, intellectual, sensory, neurological, learning and psychosocial disabilities, diseases or illnesses, physical disfigurement, medical conditions, and work-related injuries.
It extends to disabilities that people have had in the past and potential future disabilities, as well as disabilities that people are assumed to have.
The DDA protects people with disabilities who may be discriminated against because they are accompanied by an assistant, interpreter or reader; they are accompanied by a trained animal, such as a guide, hearing or assistance dog; or they use equipment or an aid, such as a wheelchair or a hearing aid.
- Download 'Disability Discrimination' PDF (1.01 MB)
- Download 'Disability Discrimination' Word (136 KB)
Further reading
- Know your rights about disability discrimination and harassment
- Guidance and advice from the Australian Human Rights Commission to assist persons and organisations with responsibilities under the legislation to avoid discrimination and meet their responsibilities.
- Explore our collection of tools and resources for people with disability seeking employment, progressing their career or considering self-employment.