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Access to goods, services, facilities and premises

The Equality Act 2010 provides important rights not to be discriminated against or harassed:

• in accessing everyday goods and services like shops, cafes, banks, cinemas and places of worship
• in buying or renting land or property
• in accessing or becoming a member of a larger private club (25 or more members)
• in accessing the functions of public bodies

• Access to everyday services

• Equality Act 2010 Opens new window

Your rights in work

The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate against or harass a disabled person. Also an employer must make reasonable adjustments for disabled people.

There is protection from direct disability discrimination and harassment for people who are associated with a disabled person or who are wrongly perceived as disabled.

These rights do not just apply to employment. The Act covers other forms of work like partnerships, contract work, or holding an office like a director of a business.

• Employment rights and the Equality Act 2010

Your rights in health

The Equality Act 2010 gives disabled people rights not to be discriminated against or harassed in access to health services and social services. This includes in services provided at doctors’ surgeries and hospitals.

Adjustments have to be made for you when accessing services where it is reasonable for the service provider to make these adjustments. This might include the provision of information about healthcare and social services in a format that is accessible to you.

There is protection from direct disability discrimination and harassment for people who are associated with a disabled person or who are wrongly perceived as disabled.

Your rights in education

The Equality Act 2010 makes it unlawful for education providers to discriminate against disabled pupils, students and adult learners.

• Learning and your rights

Mental health and your rights

Many people with a mental health condition do not think of themselves as 'disabled' - but they may have rights under the Equality Act 2010.

The Mental Health Act 1983 covers the assessment, treatment and rights of people with a mental health condition.

The Mental Capacity Act aims to protect people with learning disabilities and mental health conditions. It provides clear guidelines for carers and professionals about who can take decisions in which situations.

Your rights - motoring and transport

The Equality Act 2010 gives disabled people rights not to be discriminated against or harassed in relation to the use of transport services. This also covers access to travel infrastructure such as railway stations and bus stations.

You also have a right to reasonable adjustments. This can include providing timetables or other information in an accessible format, where it is reasonable for the transport provider to provide it.

There is protection from direct disability discrimination and harassment for people who are associated with a disabled person or who are wrongly perceived as disabled.

• Your rights - motoring and transport

Useful contacts

• Rights and obligations contacts