The disability discrimination act in relation to universities

The Disability Discrimination Act (D.D.A) is a federal act which is there to protect you if you have a disability. It is an anti discrimination act, which means that others cannot treat you unfairly because you have a disability.

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Who does the D.D.A. protect?

The definition of "disability" in the D.D.A includes:

• Physical
• Intellectual
• Psychiatric
• Sensory
• Neurological, and
• Learning disabilities, as well as
• Physical disfigurement, and
• The presence in the body of disease-causing organisms.

This broad definition is meant to ensure that everyone with a disability is protected.
The D.D.A covers a disability which people:

• Have now,
• Had in the past (for example: a past episode of mental illness),
• May have in the future (eg: a family history of a disability which a person may also develop),
• Are believed to have (for example: if people think someone has AIDS).

The D.D.A also covers people with a disability 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 or hearing dog, or
• They use equipment or an aid, such as a wheelchair or a hearing aid.

The D.D.A also protects people who have some form of personal connection with a person with a disability like relatives, friends, carers and co-workers if they are discriminated against because of that connection or relationship. For example, it is unlawful discrimination if:

• A parent is refused a job because the employer assumes he or she will need time off work to look after a child with a disability
• People are refused access to a restaurant because they are with a friend who has a disability
• A carer of a person with a disability is refused accommodation because of his or her association with the person with a disability
• A worker is hassled about working with a person with a disability.

Harassment because of disability, such as insults or humiliating jokes, is unlawful in employment, education and in the provision of goods, services and facilities.

What areas of life does the D.D.A. cover?

The D.D.A makes it against the law to discriminate against someone if they have a disability in the following areas of life :

• Employment. For example, when someone is trying to get a job, equal pay or promotion.
• Education. For example, when enrolling in a school, TAFE, university or other colleges.
• Access to premises used by the public. For example, using libraries, places of worship, government offices, hospitals, restaurants, shops, or other premises used by the public.
• Provision of goods, services and facilities. For example, when a person wants goods or services from shops, pubs and places of entertainment, cafes, video shops, banks, lawyers, government departments, doctors, hospitals and so on.
• Accommodation. For example, when renting or trying to rent a room in a boarding house, a flat, unit or house.
• Activities of clubs and associations. For example, wanting to enter or join a registered club, (such as a sports club, RSL or fitness centre), or when a person is already a member.
• Sport. For example, when wanting to play, or playing a sport.
  
  Employment and the D.D.A
  A person cannot earn lower just because they have a disability. Nor can they be sacked because of that (that is if they can do the job) as it is unlawful.
  
  Workplaces must make some adjustments if a person as a disability.

 Education and the DDA
It means that a student cannot be excluded from any activities. It also means that a student cannot be treated unfairly or unfairly excluded to their detriment.

It also means that a student can also receive a alternative assessment should they need.

Students have the right to seek help from their tutors/lecturers as well as the Disability Unit.


They also have the right to complain to the University if they are unsatisfied. But make sure that you get some assistance from the Student Union.

For more information do check out the Human Rights Commission site