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Disability
Discrimination Legal Service (DDLS) The
Disability Discrimination Legal Service (DDLS) is operated by the Cairns
Community Legal Centre Inc (the Centre). DDLS Services What does the DDLS do? The DDLS is a FREE legal service for people with a disability
who have been treated unfairly or discriminated against because of their
disability. The DDLS provides legal advice and assistance in relation to
disability discrimination complaints under the Commonwealth Disability
Discrimination Act or the Queensland Anti-Discrimination Act. Community legal education and awareness-raising activities are
also an important aspect of the DDLS. Legal advice is provided by the DDLS solicitor at the Centre by
appointment. Appointments can be by face to face consultation or by
telephone. Please see below for contact details to make an appointment. Who can use the DDLS? The DDLS is available to people with a disability who lives in North Queensland. In some cases, ‘associates’ of people with a disability, such as
friends, partners or carers, can also use the DDLS. What is Disability Discrimination? What is disability discrimination? Disability discrimination occurs when someone is treated
unfairly or badly compared to others in the same or similar circumstances,
because they have an impairment or disability. What does “disability” mean? Anyone who has a physical, sensory, mental, neurological,
learning or intellectual impairment may identify as having a disability. Disabilities include ·
visual, speech or hearing impairments ·
psychiatric or mental health conditions (eg depression, schizophrenia) ·
impairments affecting limbs, muscles or
bones ·
medical conditions (eg.
diabetes, AIDS or being HIV positive, heart disease, cancer, epilepsy, hepatitis)
·
learning difficulties ·
intellectual disabilities ·
mental
illness. Disabilities can come from illness, disease or injury or they
may be present at birth or be developmental. Disabilities may be temporary or
permanent. Those who use a wheelchair, guide dog or some other remedial
device may also identify as having a disability. In what circumstances can I lodge a complaint of disability
discrimination? In Disability discrimination can occur in the areas of work,
education, accommodation, goods and services, access to premises, clubs and
incorporated associations, sport, land, administration of government laws and
programs, superannuation and insurance. Disability Discrimination complaints may be made to the Anti-Discrimination Commission Queensland or to the
federal Australian Human Rights Commission.
Updated:
July 2009 |