21 July 2004 - The Disability Rights Commission - a year of achievement
The annual report and accounts of the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) were published today.
Laying the Report before Parliament, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Andrew Smith said:
“This Annual Report demonstrates the Commission’s many achievements in the last year, not least in their raising awareness of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).”
Maria Eagle, Minister for Disabled People, commented:
“The DRC has done a great job during its very busy fourth year. It has raised awareness of people’s rights and responsibilities under the DDA, drafted codes of practice, published its review of the DDA and completed its first formal investigation which was into website accessibility.
“The commission has also provided a range of quality services to an increasing number of people. Their Helpline responded to 120,000 enquiries, their caseworker service handled 1,384 cases and the Commission supported some 50 legal cases“.
Notes for editors
- The Annual Report is presented to Parliament pursuant to para.16(3) of Schedule 1, and the Accounts, pursuant to para.15(2) of Schedule 1 to the Disability Rights Commission Act 1999.
- From 1 October, anyone providing a service to the public needs to tackle physical barriers to disabled people accessing their services. In addition, small employers will for the first time have the same duties towards disabled staff as larger firms. This means not discriminating against employees or potential employees on grounds of disability and making reasonable adjustments to the workplace.
- The Disability Rights Commission’s website can be found at: www.drc-gb.org
For more information contact:
Press office: 020 7238 0756
Out of hours: 0781 807 1922
Public enquiries: 020 7712 2171