KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: THE DEFINITION OF DISABILITY UNDER THE EQUALITY ACT 2010

It is important to know the Government’s definition of Disability

THE 2010 EQUALITY ACT

This act does not apply to Northern Ireland – click here for more details

You’re disabled under the Equality Act 2020 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.

What does ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ mean?

‘SUBSTANTIAL’ is more than minor or trivial, eg: it takes much longer than it usually would to complete a daily task like getting dressed

‘LONG-TERM’ means 12 months or more, eg: a breathing condition that develops as a result of a lung infection

Progressive conditions

A progressive condition is one that gets worse over time. People with progressive conditions can be classed as disabled.

However, you automatically meet the disability definition under the Equality Act 2010 from the day you’re diagnosed with HIV infection, cancer or multiple sclerosis.

What isn’t counted as a disability

Click Here for guidance on conditions that aren’t covered by the disability definition, eg: addiction to non-prescribed drugs or alcohol.

Here is a further guide to help

Disability Rights

Reasonable adjustments for workers with disabilities or health conditions

Discrimination: your rights

Medical conditions, disabilities and driving

Financial help if you’re disabled

Your rights and the law