Know Your Rights

In an ideal world, we would all be treated equally and fairly. We all have the right to the support we need and to be included. But sometimes it’s not like that. Most of us, at some stage, will face discrimination of some kind – at school, college, university, work or in everyday life.

There are many places you can go for more information on your rights.

The Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) protects you from being treated unfairly at school and work, when you buy or rent a home and in your access to facilities and services.

Details of the DDA and what action you can take if you feel you are being discriminated against can be found on the Equalities Commission

Go to Directgov for more information about your rights.

Financial Support

Having money makes being independent a lot easier. So it helps to know where to go for financial support if you need it.

There are many Government allowances that can help you do the things you want to do.

Disability Living Allowance

People who need help getting around or looking after themselves may qualify for a Disability Living Allowance (DLA). Parents or carers can claim it if the person is under 16. You can get a claim form from:

  • The Benefit Enquiry Line – a confidential telephone service for disabled people. Telephone 0800 88 22 00 or text phone 0800 24 33 55 Lines are open 8.30am – 6pm, Monday to Friday and 9am – 1pm Saturday
  • Your local Benefits Office (your local Jobcentre Plus, Social Security Office or Disability Benefits Centre) who will send you a claim pack.

Otherwise, you can log on to or download the following:

Direct Payments

If would like to arrange and pay for your own help, your local council can make direct payments to you. This gives you more choice and control over your support.

Talk to your local council to have your social services help replaced by direct payments or, if you don’t receive social services, to arrange an assessment. You can do this yourself if you’re over 16. If you aren’t, ask your parent(s) or carer to contact the council for you. For more information:

Disabled Students’ Allowances

Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) are paid on top of existing standard student support. They help students whose studies cost more because of a disability. An individual’s needs are looked at in order to identify the extra costs.

DSAs don’t depend on family income, don’t have to be repaid and don’t affect any other benefits.

You’ll find information on DSAs in the following guide from the Department for Education and Skills, which can be downloaded with an application form:

Employment and Support Allowance

People who can’t work because of illness or disability may be able to get Employment and Support Allowance (ESA), if they are not receiving statutory sick pay.

To find out if you’re eligible to claim ESA, contact your local Jobcentre Plus. Find your local Jobcentre Plus Office

Disabled Facilities Grant

A Disabled Facilities Grant is a grant from the local council to help pay the cost of adapting disabled people’s homes to their needs. The council must agree that the changes (e.g. widening doors and putting in ramps, adapting heating or lighting controls to make them easier to use) are necessary, reasonable and practical.

To arrange an assessment by an occupational therapist, contact your local council. Find your local council.

Your local council can give you all the information you need and there are also some good websites. The Department for Work and Pensions provides more about benefits and services and Directgov also has information on benefits and services.