Equality and Human Rights Commission

'Out In The Open - A Manifesto for Change'

The Disability Harassment Inquiry published its final inquiry report ‘Hidden in Plain Sight’ in September 2011 after spending 12 months gathering and examining evidence from disabled people and others who have been affected by disability related harassment and from public authorities and transport operators on what steps they are taking to tackle the issue.

‘Out in the Open’ is the follow-on report to the inquiry, which includes a summary of agencies’ formal responses to the inquiry recommendations and the key commitments and actions of agencies by sector. The report also identifies examples of good practice in eliminating disability related harassment and addressing its causes.

Read more about 'Out In The Open - A Manifesto for Change' and read the report

Read the Scotland Press Release

The Disability Harassment Inquiry

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 Commission's Inquiry powers enabled us to compel evidence, call witnesses and make recommendations against which we expect action to follow.  

Timeline of activity:

• On 12 September 2011 we launched 'Hidden in plain sight' the inquiry's final report.
• In April 2011, we conducted follow-on interviews and analysed the wealth of evidence we received into the Inquiry.
• Also 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.

Read more about the Disability Harassment Inquiry

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