The Disability Rights Commission Act 1999
The Disability Rights Commission Act 1999 led to the establishment of the Disability Rights Commission (DRC) in April 2000. This Act sets out the DRC’s statutory duties.
- To work to eliminate discrimination against disabled people.
- To promote equal opportunities for disabled people.
- To encourage good practice in the treatment of disabled people.
- To advise the Government on the working of disability legislation, the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA) and the Disability Rights Commission Act 1999.
The Commission had a major strategic role in enforcing the law in the public interest. It was able to provide support for individual cases and conduct formal investigations for any purpose connected with the performance of its duties. The Commission ceased to operate in September 2007 and was replaced in October 2007 by the Equality and Human Rights Commission. A key aim of the commission is to end discrimination and harassment of people because of their disability, age, religion or belief, race, gender, or sexual orientation.
