In 2010 The Gordon Brown Government passed the Equality Act, whose 3 main aims were : to eliminate discrimination; to advance equality of opportunity; and to foster good relations.

The Equality Act protects people against discrimination because of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

Under the Equality Act you are protected from discrimination in the workplace, using public services like healthcare or education, using businesses and other organisations (like shops, restaurants, and cinemas), transport, clubs or associations and when you have contact with public bodies like your local council or government departments.

As well as making life better for a range of people, The Equality Act should have been changing attitudes, setting up the expectation that equality is the norm. Supermarkets and theatres, for example, now have autistic-friendly days.

To what extent has the 2010 Equality Act improved people’s lives and advanced a positive, inclusive climate?

What more needs to be done to ensure that people with disabilities and differences can play a full part in society?

The speakers are:

MAGS LEWIS

Joined the Green Party in 2007 whilst an NHS manager in Leicester. She had to take ill health retirement in 2014, after a couple of serious relapses in her MS.

A local activist for Green and disability issues, she has stood for national office, elected mayor and is a target to win council candidate in the forthcoming  2023 local elections.

She was first appointed spokesperson for disabled people in 2016-2019 . She is delighted to have this role once again, advocating for and supporting fellow disabled people.

DZAIER NEIL

Dzaier, the current Convenor of the Disability Committee, has been a tireless campaigner for social and environmental justice for many years, with the rights of disabled people and people of colour, being of particular interest. She has had a successful career as a social worker and, as a Paralympian, has represented her country many times across two sports, and has won two golds, two silver and two bronze medals.

Following the speakers there will be an opportunity for audience questions and debate.

Can’t make it on the night? Register anyway and you’ll be sent a recording of the event.

We look forward to seeing you there.