Know Your Rights: A Guide to the Equality Act for Disabled People
A practical introduction to disability discrimination and reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010 in Great Britain.
Last reviewed: 6 July 2026 · UK guidance
In brief
The Equality Act 2010 protects disabled people in areas including work, education, services, transport and housing in England, Wales and Scotland. Northern Ireland has separate discrimination law. The Act uses a legal definition of disability and different duties apply in different settings.
A poor or unfair experience is not automatically unlawful discrimination. Record the disability-related disadvantage, what the organisation knew, the treatment or barrier, the adjustment requested and the outcome. Time limits for legal claims can be short, so obtain specialist advice early.
Check whether the legal definition may apply
The Act generally looks for a physical or mental impairment with a substantial and long-term adverse effect on normal day-to-day activities. Some conditions receive special treatment and effects of medication may need consideration. Do not rely on an employer or provider’s informal opinion about whether you “look disabled”.
Identify the type of problem
The issue may involve direct discrimination, discrimination arising from disability, failure to make reasonable adjustments, harassment or victimisation. The facts and possible justification differ, so describe exactly what happened before attaching a legal label.
Request a reasonable adjustment
Explain the policy, environment or communication method causing substantial disadvantage and propose an effective change. What is reasonable can depend on effectiveness, practicality, cost, resources and the setting. Ask for alternatives if the first request is refused.
Preserve evidence and use internal routes
Keep emails, policies, dates, witnesses, adjustment requests and decisions. Use the organisation’s complaint, grievance or appeal process where appropriate, but do not assume this pauses an external legal deadline.
Get advice for the correct jurisdiction
Employment, education, service and housing claims use different forums and deadlines. Contact an equality, union, legal or advice service promptly. In Northern Ireland, use the separate national equality framework.
A practical checklist
- Record facts before choosing the legal label.
- Link an adjustment to a specific disadvantage.
- Keep decisions, policies and dates.
- Take advice before external time limits expire.
Check the current information
These are the most relevant official or specialist places to confirm live rules, availability and application details.
gov.uk
Open official informationequalityadvisoryservice.com
Open official informationgov.uk
Open official informationcitizensadvice.org.uk
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