DRC Helpline
Freepost MID 02164
Stratford-upon-Avon
CV37 9BR

Tel: 08457 622 633 (Voice)     08457 622 644 (Text)

Fax: 08457 778 878

Set up to monitor the operation of the DDA, the DRC runs a Helpline to give advice on the DDA from 8a.m. to 8p.m. on Monday to Friday. Helpline staff can:

• clarify what the DDA requires;
• discuss your employment situation and offer suggestions;
• if you seem likely to become the victim of discrimination under the DDA, pass you on to a caseworker who will look into your case in more detail and offer you further help.

If an employer is reluctant to make the "reasonable" adjustments required by the DDA to enable you to do your job effectively, an RNID Employment Adviser may be able to persuade the employer to adopt a more constructive approach. If, however, the employer fails to respond positively, the RNID may also be able to advise and represent you if you make a complaint of discrimination to an employment tribunal. For more information see the RNID ELSS.

Head Office
Brandon House
180 Borough High Street
London SE1

Tel: 020 7210 3613 (Voice)     020 7396 5196 (Text)

ACAS has responsibility to help resolve disputes between employers and workers including complaints made under various legislation. Once you have made a complaint of discrimination in employment under the DDA, ACAS has a duty under the DDA to offer to help you reach a settlement of your complaint with the employer without the need for a tribunal hearing. ACAS staff can also give you advice on how to persuade your employer not to discriminate against you. However, they do not specialise in the employment provisions of the DDA to the same extent as the DRC and the RNID.

ACAS has 11 public enquiry points in different areas of England, Wales and Scotland. For the contact details of your nearest public enquiry point look in your local telephone directory or enquire from ACAS Head Office.

Citizens' Advice Bureaux (CABs)

Some CABs have specialist advisers who are equipped to deal with cases of discrimination in employment, including discrimination due to disability and have experience of representing clients at employment tribunals. But even those CABs who do not have specialist advisers will often have information about other local centres that give free legal advice on disability discrimination.

Tel: 01302 310123 (Voice/Text)     Fax: 01302 310404

DIAL UK is a national association of 140 local independent voluntary organisations that provide free information/advice, and in some cases practical help, on a wide range of disability issues. Many DIALs rely on a team of trained volunteers, and the majority of volunteers and paid staff are themselves disabled people. Many DIALs can give advice on disability discrimination in employment and some may be equipped to support you in taking a case to an employment tribunal.

To find other local organisations that can give you free advice on your legal position under the employment provisions of the DDA contact

the Community Legal Services Directory

Tel: 0845 608 1122 (Voice)     0845 609 6677 (Text)

Tel: 020 7387 8570 (Voice)     020 7387 8368 (Fax).

Alternatively you may want to contact the

Tel: 020 791 9800 (Voice)     Fax: 020 7791 9802

The DLS is staffed by a small team of solicitors and barristers who offer disabled people free legal advice, and, where appropriate, representation, on discrimination in employment and a variety of other issues. The DLS responds to enquiries from anywhere in Britain.