2 - Disability and legislation Flashcards
What is the Equality Act 2010?
- protects people from discrimination in the workplace and wider society
- protects peoples rights and advances equality of opportunity
What are the protected characteristics?
- age
- disability
- gender reassignment
- marriage or civil partnership (workplace only)
- pregnancy and maternity
- race
- religion
- sex
- sexual orientation
Define direct discrimination.
Treating someone with a protected characteristic less favourably than others
Define indirect discrimination.
Putting rules or arrangements in place that apply to everyone, but put someone with a protected characteristic at an unfair disadvantage
Define harassment.
Unwanted behaviour (linked to a protected characteristic) that violates someone’s dignity or creates an offensive environment
Define victimisation.
Treating someone unfairly because they’ve complained about discrimination or harassment
Where are people with protected characteristics protected by the act?
- work
- in education
- as a consumer
- when using public services
- buying or renting property
- member or guest at a club or association
How is disability defined in the Equality Act?
“Having physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long term negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities”
What is the inverse care law?
There are more care facilities available in wealthier areas, although these areas typically need them less
How does disability affect oral health?
- multiple medications may lead to xerostomia
- physical impairment may prevent people from brushing their teeth or attend the dentist
What are considered a reasonable adjustments to reduce barriers those accessing care?
- change the way things are done
- change a feature (ie ramp)
- provide extra aid or services
What are the 5 domains of overcoming barriers?
- accessibility
- accommodation
- affordability
- acceptability
- availability
How does availability affect the barrier to accessing healthcare?
- lack of suitable services discourages health seeking behaviours
- many can be treated in general practice, with a smaller proportion being treated specially
- lack of availability acts as a significant barrier to oral health (ie prolonged wait lists)
How does accommodation affect the barrier to accessing healthcare?
- length/timing of appointments
- when medications have maximum therapeutic affect
- physical access
- how the practice can help someone with a disability or impairment
How does affordability affect the barrier to accessing healthcare?
- direct cost of dental treatment
- direct costs such as transport, prescriptions, loss of earnings
- those with disability typically have lower incomes
- benefits can be difficult to obtain
