DDB 51 College of Occupational Therapists
Draft Disability Discrimination
Bill
Response from the College of Occupational
Therapists
1. Introduction
1.1 The College of Occupational Therapists
(COT) is pleased to provide a response to this consultation document.
1.2 The COT represents over 25,000
occupational therapists who are either working or studying across
the United Kingdom. The College also supports a number of support
workers who are known as associate members. Occupational therapists
(OTs) work in the NHS, Local Authority Social Services and Housing
Departments, schools, primary care settings, and a wide range
of vocational and employment rehabilitation services.
1.3 Occupational Therapists are regulated
by the Health Professions Council, and work with individuals of
all ages with a wide range of occupational problems resulting
from physical, mental, social or developmental difficulties. The
philosophy of occupational therapy is founded on the concept of
occupation as a crucial element of health and well-being. Practice
is based on holistic, client centred care.
2. Written Evidence
2.1 The College of Occupational Therapists
is supportive of any measures that bring the rights of disabled
people in line with the population at large. We would also wish
to endorse the Disability Rights Commission's response,
in relation to the need to extend the Disability Discrimination
Act to cover landlords' consent to building alterations.
2.2 In terms of the definition of Disability
the College would wish the definition described in the Disability
Discrimination Act to replace the outdated definition used in
the National Assistance Act 1948. The National Assistance Act
definition defines who receives assistance under the Chronically
Sick & Disabled Persons Act and also within legislation
for provision of Disabled Facilities Grants. We are aware through
our international colleagues of the positive impact of the Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the effect that this has had on
the provision of goods and access to services for disabled people
Julia Skelton
Group Head of Practice
College of Occupational Therapists
26th February 2004
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