Other changes to legislation

The DDA Amendment Regulations (2003) have made important changes to the employment provisions of the DDA. These may affect programmes of study in higher education which lead to careers in areas where professional accreditation or membership of a professional organisation is required. Teaching staff on such courses should be aware of these changes, particularly if they are involved in admissions processes.

From October 2004 trade organisations and professional bodies have been covered by Part 2 of the DDA and must not discriminate against disabled people.

Qualifications bodies are defined as 'an authority or body which can confer, renew or extend a professional or trade qualification'. As a result, many qualifications bodies are reviewing their competence standards and the means of assessing them, to ensure that they maintain professional standards but are not unjustifiably discriminatory.

1. Legal and professional context
2. Disability Discrimination Act
3. Disability Rights Commission
4. Other changes to legislation
5. Quality assurance and disability