Short answer

Disabled people in the North East have the same legal rights as everyone else, plus extra protections against discrimination and exclusion under the Equality Act 2010.

You have the right to:

  • Access work, housing, education and services
  • Receive reasonable adjustments
  • Not be treated unfairly because of disability
  • Challenge discrimination

In one sentence: The law says society must remove barriers, not expect disabled people to overcome them.

Easy Read: Your rights

  • You have the right to fair treatment.
  • You have the right to reasonable adjustments.
  • You have the right to access buildings and services.
  • You have the right to complain about discrimination.

What law protects disabled people in England?

The main law is the Equality Act 2010.

This law makes it illegal to discriminate against disabled people in:

  • Employment and recruitment
  • Education and training
  • Housing and accommodation
  • Healthcare and social care
  • Public services and transport
  • Shops, venues and businesses

What is discrimination?

Discrimination includes:

  • Being treated worse because you are disabled
  • Being refused access or services
  • Being harassed or bullied
  • Being punished for asking for adjustments
  • Being excluded by inflexible policies

What is a reasonable adjustment?

A reasonable adjustment is a change that removes a barrier for a disabled person.

Examples include:

  • Flexible working hours
  • Remote or hybrid work
  • Accessible formats (large print, Easy Read, captions)
  • Physical access changes (ramps, lifts, quiet spaces)
  • Extra time in exams or meetings
  • Assistive technology or equipment
Adjustments are a legal right Not a favour, and not optional

Do I have to be diagnosed to have rights?

No.

The Equality Act protects people with:

  • Physical impairments
  • Sensory impairments
  • Learning disabilities
  • Neurodivergence
  • Long-term health conditions
  • Mental distress and mental health conditions

You do not need a specific label, benefit, or diagnosis to be protected, as long as your condition has a substantial and long-term impact on your daily life.

What about local councils and services?

In the North East, councils, NHS services, transport providers and publicly funded organisations must:

  • Make reasonable adjustments
  • Anticipate disabled people’s access needs
  • Remove physical and digital barriers
  • Not discriminate in policy or practice

What should I do if my rights are breached?

You can:

  • Ask for reasonable adjustments
  • Make a complaint
  • Get legal advice
  • Take legal action (employment tribunal or court)
  • Seek advocacy and support

You do not have to deal with discrimination alone.

FAQs

What rights do disabled people have in the UK?

Disabled people are protected from discrimination under the Equality Act 2010 and have the right to reasonable adjustments in work, housing, education and services.

Do I need to disclose my disability?

No. You only need to disclose if you want adjustments or legal protection in a specific situation.

Can I challenge discrimination?

Yes. You can complain, seek advice, use tribunals or courts, and access advocacy support.

Does this apply in the North East?

Yes. The Equality Act applies across England, including Newcastle, North Tyneside, Gateshead, Sunderland, Durham, Teesside and surrounding areas.

Need support with disability rights?

Difference North East is a disabled-led organisation supporting disabled people across the region to understand and defend their rights.

Join Difference North East
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in the North East of England