Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what guidance they have issued on which speech, language and communication difficulties (1) count, and (2) do not count, as a disability within the meaning of the Equality Act 2010.

The Government has not released specific guidance on what is defined as a disability, as every case is different. However the Equality Act 2010 clearly sets out what is included as a disability. namely as “a physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities.” The Act describes “long-term” as where an impairment has lasted, or is likely to last for at least 12 months, or where the impairment is likely to last for the rest of a person’s life. “Substantial” is defined as an impairment that is more than minor or trivial.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s guidance provides greater clarity on the broad definition of disability which can be found here https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5a80dcc8ed915d74e6230df4/Equality_Act_2010-disability_definition.pdf