The government has announced that from 30 August 2019 the blue badge scheme will be open to include drivers and passengers with a wider range of conditions.
The blue badge scheme is designed to assist disabled people by allowing those with physical disabilities to park in closer proximity to their destination.
It has been announced that the scheme will be extended to include people who have ‘invisible disabilities’ including, conditions such as autism and anxiety disorders.
Whilst the new guidance has not yet been enforced, it is hoped that extending the scheme to include a wider range of conditions will be beneficial to disabled people who face challenges when travelling.
It has been reported that it is also hoped that extending the scheme will result in greater public understanding that not all disabilities may be visible.
The law
Under the Equality Act 2010, organisations must not discriminate against a person because they have a disability, they think a person has a disability, or because a person is associated with someone who has a disability.
Definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010
Disability is defined under the Equality Act 2010 as:
- A physical or mental impairment
- That has a substantial and adverse effect on your day to day activities; and
- It has lasted, or is likely to last, more than 12 months.
If your condition meets this criteria then it is likely that you would be considered to have a disability for the purpose of making a claim under the Equality Act 2010, should you have suffered unfavourable treatment as a result of it.
If you need further advice regarding discrimination law on the basis that you have suffered unfavourable treatment as a result of your disability, please contact our specialist discrimination law team on 01616 966 229.
By Lucy Bishop, graduate paralegal in the discrimination team
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