Demand for helpline predicted to grow

The Disability Rights Commission expects calls to its helpline to
increase by at least one third in 2004-5, after new Disability
Discrimination Act 1995 duties come into force in October.

In its annual report, the commission predicts about 250,000 calls
per year by 2007 and warns of a knock-on effect on other services,
including legal work.

As a result, the DRC plans to do greater in-depth analysis at the
helpline stage, with casework focusing on cases that are
significant for the individual or help clarify and establish the
meaning of the law.

The body also wants to make more use of its legal powers to conduct
formal investigations. One focusing on the quality of treatment for
disabled people in the health service is planned for the end of the
year.

The report also re-affirms the DRC’s commitment to ensure that the
establishment of a new single commission for equality and human
rights “will not lead to any downgrading of the priority accorded
to disability nor to any loss of momentum in delivering existing
and new disability rights on the ground”.

– Report from
www.drc-gb.org/newsroom/newsdetails.asp?id=697&section=4