Creating a fairer Britain
Formal Inquiry into the actions of public authorities to eliminate disability-related harassment and its causes.
On 3 December 2009, International Day of Disabled People, the Commission announced its intention to conduct a formal Inquiry into the actions of public authorities to eliminate disability-related harassment and its causes.
The Commissions Inquiry powers enable us to compel evidence, call witnesses and make recommendations against which we expect action to follow. Because this is a formal Inquiry under the Equality Act, the law says we have to have terms of reference.
The terms of reference tell us what the Inquiry is allowed to hear evidence about so it is important we get them right. We consulted with disabled people and other stakeholders on the terms of reference for the Inquiry and, following an analysis of the responses, published the final terms of reference online.
Updates :
On 12 September 2011 we launch 'Hidden in plain sight' the inquiry's final report.
Since April 2011, we have been busy conducting follow on interviews and analysing the wealth of evidence we have received into the Inquiry. We are currently drafting the final report, which is due to be published on Monday 12 September 2011.
In April 2011, we concluded the individual focus group work with disabled people from a variety of backgrounds, including BME disabled people, LGB disabled people, young and older disabled people.
In March 2011 we met with media regulators to discuss issues surrounding the portrayal of disabled people by the media.
In February 2011 we heard evidence from both internet regulators and providers on the topic of cyber-bullying.
In January 2011 we met with some of the families, friends and survivors of disability-related harassment to learn from their experiences and to discuss recommendations aimed at tackling disability-related harassment effectively.
During winter 2010/11, the Inquiry team held over 72 interviews, 54 hearings with public authorities and transport operators and 12 meetings with disabled people and their organisations across England, Scotland and Wales.
The call for evidence stage of the Inquiry closed on 17 September 2010 following an overwhelming response from individuals and organisations through our website, email, telephone and from face-to-face interviews.
Download: Report PDF ('Hidden In Plain Sight')
Download : Executive Summary for Scotland (pdf)
Download : Executive Summary for Scotland (word)
British Sign Language videos of the Executive Summary for Scotland
Read the Scottish Press Release