Equality and Human Rights Commission

Creating a fairer Britain

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Words used to define disability

New law in force

The Equality Act came into force on 1 October 2010. Some of the information on this page may be out of date.

What is the Equality Act 2010?

Read guidance based on the new law

It may be helpful to look in more detail at the words used in the DDA definition of disability. This section explains some of the common terms and what they mean.

  • A physical or mental impairment
  • Substantial
  • The effects of treatment
  • Long-term
  • Normal day-to-day activities
  • Mobility
  • Manual dexterity
  • Physical coordination
  • Continence
  • Ability to lift, carry or otherwise move everyday objects
  • Speech, hearing and eyesight
  • Memory or ability to concentrate, learn or understand
  • Perception of the risk of physical danger

Download: Guidance on matters to be taken into account in determining questions relating to the definition of disability (pdf)

 

Pages in this section

  • A physical or mental impairment
  • Substantial
  • The effects of treatment
  • Long-term
  • Normal day-to-day activities
  • Mobility
  • Manual dexterity
  • Physical coordination
  • Continence
  • Ability to lift, carry or otherwise move everyday objects
  • Speech, hearing and eyesight
  • Memory or ability to concentrate, learn or understand
  • Perception of the risk of physical danger

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Related documents

  • Guidance on matters to be taken into account in determining questions relating to the definition of disability (PDF)

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