Introduction
The Act will require schools, colleges and universities in England and Wales to inform parents, pupils and students about the facilities available for disabled people.
This paper does not cover separate arrangements that affect higher education in Scotland.

For the purposes of the Act, disability is defined as a physical or mental impairment that has a substantial or long-term adverse effect on a person's ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.
This definition includes those who have had a disability in the past as well as those who are currently disabled.

Schools
The Act builds upon the 1993 Education Act, which aims to provide all pupils with special educational needs - including disabled pupils - with an education and school place appropriate for their needs.

Schools are required to continue to publish their special educational needs policy and this must be readily available to parents. Each school's prospectus must include a summary of the policy and information relating to arrangements for disabled pupils has to be included within a school's annual report.

Subject to the wishes of the child's parents, Education Authorities have a duty to place disabled pupils in mainstream schools provided this is appropriate to the child's needs, does not conflict with the interests of other children in the school and is an efficient use of the Authority's resources.

Further Education
Both the Further and Higher Education Acts of 1992 require further education providers to take account of the needs of students with learning and other disabilities. The 1995 Act now requires Funding Councils to report to the Government on their progress in, and their future plans for, providing further education to students with disabilities.

Also under the 1995 Act, further education colleges are required to publish disability statements which will contain information about access, specialist equipment, admission arrangements, counselling services, etc.

Higher Education
Higher Education Funding Councils are required, under the Disability Discrimination Act, to take account of the needs of disabled students and Higher Education institutions will be required to provide disability statements.

For further information on the Disability Discrimination Act visit the DDA website at: www.direct.gov.uk

updated 27/04/05

DIAL Disclaimer
Whilst all the information given in this document was correct at the time of going to press, DIAL Doncaster cannot be held responsible for any subsequent changes.

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