Short answer

If you experience disability discrimination in the North East of England, you can report it to the organisation involved, the council, or through legal routes such as tribunals or courts.

You do not have to accept discrimination — and you do not have to deal with it alone.

In one sentence: Disability discrimination is illegal — and there are clear steps you can take to challenge it.

Easy Read: What to do

  • Write down what happened.
  • Ask for reasonable adjustments.
  • Make a complaint.
  • Get advice and support.
  • Take legal action if needed.

What counts as disability discrimination?

Disability discrimination includes:

  • Being treated worse because you are disabled
  • Being refused access or services
  • Being denied reasonable adjustments
  • Being harassed or bullied
  • Being punished for complaining
  • Being excluded by rigid policies

Step 1: Write down what happened

As soon as possible, record:

  • Date and time
  • Where it happened
  • What was said or done
  • Who was involved
  • How it affected you

Keep emails, letters, screenshots or witness details.

Step 2: Ask for reasonable adjustments

Sometimes discrimination happens because adjustments were not made.

You can:

  • Ask verbally
  • Email or write
  • Use a complaints form

Organisations have a legal duty to consider adjustments.

Step 3: Make a complaint

You can complain directly to:

  • Your employer
  • Your landlord or housing provider
  • A school, college or university
  • A business or service provider
  • Local Council

Most organisations have formal complaints processes.

Step 4: Get advice and support

You do not need to navigate this alone.

You can contact:

  • Difference North East — peer support, advocacy and guidance
  • Citizens Advice — free legal advice
  • ACAS — for work-related discrimination
  • Law Centres — legal support where available

Step 5: Legal action (if needed)

If discrimination continues or is serious, you may be able to:

  • Bring an employment tribunal claim (work)
  • Bring a county court claim (services, housing, education)
  • Use mediation or settlement routes
Time limits apply Employment claims: usually 3 months less one day

Get advice as soon as possible to protect your rights.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. Many people start complaints and tribunal claims without lawyers. Free advice and advocacy are available.

FAQs

What counts as disability discrimination?

Being treated unfairly because of disability, denied reasonable adjustments, harassed, victimised, or excluded by policies.

Where do I report discrimination in the North East of England?

You can report to the organisation involved, Local Council, ACAS (for work), or through legal routes such as tribunals or courts.

How long do I have to report discrimination?

Time limits apply. Employment claims usually must start within 3 months less one day. Other claims usually within 6 months.

Do I have to disclose my disability?

No — unless you want adjustments or legal protection in that situation.

Need support right now?

Difference North East is a disabled-led organisation supporting disabled people across the region to challenge discrimination and access justice.

Join Difference North East Know your rights