This seven-month study examined the
implementation of the Disability Equality Duty
(DED) in England. The DED, introduced through
the Disability Discrimination Act 2005, applies to
public authorities in England, Wales and Scotland.
The DED comprises a general duty and specific
duties. The general duty requires public authorities
to carry out their functions with due regard to the
need to promote equality between disabled and
non-disabled people. The specific duties require
public authorities to publish a Disability Equality
Scheme (DES) setting out how they intend to fulfil
their general duty and specific duties. In addition,
certain Secretaries of State must publish an
overarching report for their policy sectors every
three years. A Code of Practice1
to assist authorities
with implementing the Duty was published by the
then Disability Rights Commission
