Disability rights
Explore your rights to be free from disability discrimination, what constitutes unlawful treatment, and the steps you can take to protect yourself.
Summary
People with disability are often treated unfairly or not given the same opportunities as others because of their disability.
We all have the right to be treated with respect and dignity.
Learn more:
Know your rights
What is disability discrimination?
Disability discrimination is when someone with a disability is treated less favourably than someone without a disability in the same or a similar situation.
Disability discrimination and the law
The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person in many areas of public life.
Disability Discrimination Act review
Understand proposed improvements to the Disability Discrimination Act through the Australian Government's 2025 review and reform process for stronger
Disability discrimination and the workplace
Understand your rights at work: how disability discrimination laws protect employees and what reasonable adjustments employers must provide.
Inclusive employment initiative (Equality at Work)
Equality at Work is a national initiative supporting inclusive employment by partnering with people with disability and employers to create opportunity.
Guides, statistics and facts about disability rights
Access guides, fact sheets, statistics and resources to understand your rights if you have a disability and how discrimination laws protect you.
What we're doing
We work to promote the rights of people with disability through advocacy, education and initiatives that promote dignity, respect and equal participation.
Standards and guidelines
The Commission writes guidelines, based on standards, to help organisations put human rights into practice.
Haven't found what you're looking for?
If you're looking for information on meaningful employment opportunities for Australians with disability then access Equality at Work. Equality at Work is a national initiative supporting inclusive employment by partnering with people with disability and employers.
Liam's Story
Liam Denning found a job working with Kmart through the IncludeAbility Illawarra pilot program
Have you experienced disability discrimination?
We're here to help
You may want to deal with the situation yourself by raising it directly with the person or people involved or with a supervisor, manager or discrimination/harassment contact officer.
What action can you take?
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Complaints under the Disability Discrimination Act
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The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 makes it unlawful to discriminate against a person in many areas of public life.