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Definition Groups

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This section of the micro site concerns the definition of disability which has been amended by The Disability Discrimination (Northern Ireland) Order 2006 (DDO) regulations which are coming into force on the 31October 2007.

The Disability Discrimination Act (often referred to as the DDA) describes a disabled person as someone who has "a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on his or her ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities."

From 31October 2007, people will be covered by the DDA from the point of diagnosis of cancer, HIV and MS. People with mental ill health will no longer have to prove it is clinically well recognised but will still have to prove it is long term and substantially affects day-to day activities. People with past disabilities are covered by the DDA. Factsheet on the definition of disability.

You can visit the quick links to find out more if:

  • you are person with a long term health condition or disability,
  • an employer,
  • a school or college
  • or a service provider.