According to the UK Government Equalities Office “The Equality Act 2010 is intended to provide a new cross-cutting legislative framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all; to update, simplify and strengthen the previous legislation; and to deliver a simple, modern and accessible framework of discrimination law which protects individuals from unfair treatment and promotes a fair and more equal society”. From 1 October 2010, the majority of the Equality Act 2010 will be implemented and will replace major parts of the provisions of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 & 2005 – education Part IV of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 as amended by the Special Educational Needs and Disability Act 2001. Most sections of The Equality Act 2010 will operate in Scotland, England and Wales but not Northern Ireland

Directgov provides an overview about the Equality Act, and points out that “it aims to protect disabled people and prevent disability discrimination.”

We have produced a series of short guides relating to issues raised by students when accessing teaching and learning materials. These guides have links to more resources including the JISC TechDis Accessibility Essentials. JISC TechDis also has a Guide to obtaining textbooks in alternative formats.

Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities has produced a series of guides for staff and students in Higher Education.