PSO 2855 - Inside Time

PSO 2855 Page 8not poor eyesight which is corrected to a satisfactory level by glasses or contact lenses),numbness and loss of feeling which affects the sense of touch or ability to feel pain.2.6 “Substantial adverse effect” is not defined by the Act other than that it is more than a minoror trivial effect. The requirement that an effect must be substantial reflects the generalunderstanding of disability as a limitation going beyond the normal differences in abilitywhich exist among people.2.7 “Long term” means 12 months or over.2.8 It is very important to be aware that someone who has had a disability which falls within thedefinition given above is protected by the DDA from discrimination even if they haverecovered, or where the condition is controlled by medication. This would cover, forexample, someone who has had an episode of mental illness, or someone who hassuffered from a physical injury which lasted for a certain period.2.9 If an impairment has had a substantial effect on normal day-to-day activities but that effectceases, legally it is treated as continuing if it is likely to recur. For example someone whohas arthritis, continues to be protected by the DDA, even during periods of remission2.10 Certain conditions are not regarded as impairments under the DDA:addiction to or dependency on alcohol, nicotine, or any other substance (other thanas a result of the substance being medically prescribed);seasonal allergic rhinitis (e.g. hayfever), except where it aggravates the effect ofanother condition;tendency to set fires;tendency to steal;tendency to physical or sexual abuse of other persons;exhibitionism;voyeurism;tattoos and non-medical body piercing.2.11 Information on various disabilities can be found in back issues of Inside Disability availablein the Information Store on the Intranet, or by contacting OPRU on 0207 035 1575.NEW REQUIREMENTS INTRODUCED BY THE DDA2.12 From December 2006, public authorities were required to publish a Disability EqualityScheme (DES) setting out how they will implement the Disability Equality Duty. The PrisonIssue No. 295 Issue date 3/04/08