The Equality Act 2017 makes it unlawful for a service provider to treat another person less favourably than they would treat another because of one of the characteristics protected by the Act.
Those characteristics are:
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Sexual Orientation
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Sex
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Gender Reassignment
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Race
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Religion
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Disability
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Pregnancy & Maternity
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Age
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Disability
It is also unlawful to treat another person unfavourably because of their pregnancy or maternity or for a reason connected to a person's disability. The Act also requires a service provider to take positive steps to ensure that disabled people can access their services. This is called the duty to make reasonable adjustments.
This may include the formats used by a service provider to offer information, such as:
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Large print
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The change to a physical feature such as providing a temporary ramp, doorbell or marking the edge of a step in a contrasting colour
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Providing an induction loop for hearing impaired people
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Audio visual fire alarms
It is not possible to anticipate the needs of every individual, but you are required to think about and take reasonable steps to overcome those barriers. By carrying out an access audit of your service and then preparing an access statement, a disabled person is able to make a decision whether your service is accessible to them.
In doing this, you are opening up your potential market to a wider audience.
The disability provisions in the Equality Act 2017 replace and repeal the Disability Discrimination Act 2006.
For further information or understanding of the Equality Act 2017, please click here.
Access Statement Guidance for Accommodation
Access Statement Guidance for Eateries
Access Statement Guidance for Attraction and Activity Providers