DWP study on disability discrimination act tracks employers’ disability attitude changes

Employers continue to have a narrow conception of disability, focusing mainly on sensory and mobility impairments, according to government research out yesterday.

The Department for Work and Pensions study, on awareness of the Disability Discrimination Act, found 80 per cent of establishments were aware of the employment aspects of the DDA.

However, only 66 per cent were aware of provisions relating to goods and services, though awareness had risen since a similar survey in 2003.

Compared with 2003, employers displayed more positive attitudes towards employing disabled people, with those who had experience of disabled staff tending to have the most positive views.