Disability
Disability, or impairment, discrimination is treating people unfairly because of their physical or intellectual disability.
Physical Disability
Physical disability may be an illness, a deformity or the total or partial loss of a body part or function. It includes partial or total blindness, deafness, epilepsy, amputations, diabetes, asthma, heart conditions, paraplegia, skin conditions and cerebral palsy.
Intellectual Disability
Intellectual disability is reduced intellectual capacity, either permanent or temporary. It may cover disorders that cause slow learning. South Australian laws do not currently cover discrimination against people with mental illness but it is covered by federal law.
Example - PhysicalAndrew was refused entry to a dance club because his slurred speech made him appear drunk. He tried to explain he had cerebral palsy but he was still turned away. Andrew could claim he was discriminated against because of his physical disability. |
Example - IntellectualA firm withdrew Neville’s job offer after a medical test showed his intellectual disability meant he would need more learning time when he started. Neville could claim he was discriminated against by the firm because of his intellectual disability. |
Related information
Disability resources
Disability FAQs
Places of discrimination
Disability complaint summaries
Draft Disability Access Standards Review - submissions due by 13 February 2009
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