Disability Equality Scheme

The Disability Discrimination Act 2005 requires organisations across the public sector to be proactive in ensuring that disabled people are treated fairly. However, this duty is not necessarily about changes to buildings or adjustments for individuals - it's all about including equity for disabled people into the culture of public authorities in practical and demonstrable ways.

The tool used to demonstrate how public sector bodies will achieve this duty is the Disability Equality Scheme (DES). Local Authorities have to produce a DES that shows they have considered the impact of their policies, practices and procedures on disabled people.

Herefordshire Council's DES and Action Plan for 2006-2009 can be found at the bottom of this page along with a summary document and some alternative formats. The priorities of the Scheme were drawn from the results of public consultation which started in March 2006. Documents relating to this consultation are also attached below. In addition, the results of the Public Disability Survey carried out in May 2006 can be found at the bottom of this page.

Below, you can also find the 2007 Annual Review of the DES, together with an update of the Action Plan. If you need any help accessing this information, or require a particular format, please call the Diversity Team on 01432 260216 or e-mail diversity@herefordshire.gov.uk.

Last Updated: 19 September 08,
Review Date: 20 September 2005