Disability information
13 June 2007
In July 1999 the Disability Rights Commission bill received royal assent and the Disability Rights Commission was set up. It works towards the elimination of discrimination against disabled people, promotes the equalisation of opportunities, takes steps as to encourage good practice and keeps under review the working of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
In 1980 the World Health Organization proposed a classification system for impairments, disabilities and handicaps (ICIDH).
This system distinguishes between impairment (disease or condition), disability (physical or mental limitation this imposes on the individual) and handicap (social, economic and psychological consequences for the individual).
http://www.who.int/icidh/index.htm.
Other information factsheets may also be useful:
Visit our information factsheet on World Health Organization
Visit our information factsheet on Statistics
Print resources
Lists of organisations and agencies are kept in the Quick Reference section of the BMA library at Quick Ref 12 ASS. Lists of voluntary agencies are kept at Quick Ref 12 VOL. Library staff have access to the electronic Aslib Directory of Information Sources in the UK.
There is a copy of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 in:
Gooding C. Blackstone's Guide to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Blackstone P, 1996
BMA location: HV 3000
Most materials on disability-related issues are kept with the sections on specific conditions. One recent book is:
Swain J et al.Controversial issues in a disabling society. Open Univ. P. 2003
BMA location: HV 3000
Web resources
There is a wide range of web-based resources. Only a small selection are mentioned here. Others, both in the UK and abroad, can be traced either using a general search engine or a subject gateway .
Youreable.com offers a wide range of information, apart from the addresses section, such as shopping centre, penpals, groups, research:
Disability Living Allowance Advisory Board
Independent statutory body established by the UK government in 1991 to advise the Secretary of State for Social Security on matters relating to the Disability Living Allowance social security benefit. Its website provides information on the responsibilities and current activities of the Board. It includes the full text of its recent annual reports and details of proposed government changes to social security allowances, eligibility for benefit of handicapped and disabled persons and administration of the benefit.
http://www.dlaab.org.uk
Rights net
Up to date social security information and news for advice workers. News section on legislation; issues for asylum seekers; sickness, disability and other benefits. Reviews on social security issues, FAQs, links to other sites, and discussion and contact sections.
http://www.rightsnet.org.uk
Other organisations and libraries
There is a wide range of organisations which deal with specific disabilities as well as those which deal with general issues. Most addresses can be found in print through the Directory of Associations or in the CAF directory, both of which are kept in the reference section.
Age Concern England
Astral House
1268 London Road
London
SW16 4ER
tel: 020 8679 8000:
http://www.ace.org.uk
Disability Alliance
ERA Universal House
88-94 Wentworth Street
London
E1 7SA
tel: 020 7247 8776
fax: 020 7247 8765
http://www.disabilityalliance.org/
The Alliance publish the Disabilities Rights Handbook and runs an advice line.
Disabled Living Foundation
380-384 Harrow Road
London
W9 2HU
tel: 020 7289 6111
fax: 020 7266 2922:
http://www.dlf.org.uk/
You should check this web site for a comprehensive database of disability equipment.
RADAR
12 City Forum
250 City Road
London
EC1V 8AF
tel: 020 7250 3222
fax: 020 7250 0212
minicom: 020 7250 4119
email: radar@radar.org.uk
http://www.radar.org.uk
RADAR are a pan- disability charity who work to represent the views of disabled people, but who also offer advice and information.
Royal National Institute for the Blind
224 Great Portland Street
London
W1N 6AA
tel: 020 7388 1266 (Tape, Braille and equipment service 0345 023153):
http://www.rnib.org.uk
Royal National Institute for Deaf People (RNID)
19-23 Featherstone Street
London
EC1Y 8SL
tel: 020 7296 8000, textphone: 020 7296 8001
information line: 0808 808 0123 (freephone), 0808 808 9000 (freetextphone)
fax: 020 7296 8199
email: informationline@rnid.org.uk
http://www.rnid.org.uk
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/Library/RNID