HAPPI Hour Webinar - 30 Years on: Reflecting on the Disability Discrimination Act and the road ahead

The Act made it unlawful to discriminate against disabled people in employment, in access to goods, services and facilities, and in the management of premises. But three decades on, what difference has it really made – particularly in housing and the built environment?

To explore this important question, we are pleased to share this special anniversary blog series, bringing together campaigners, policymakers, practitioners and people with lived experience to share their reflections on the DDA’s impact – or its shortcomings. We are also delighted to be joined by Emma Palmer, Chief Executive of Eastlight Community Homes, a resident-led housing association in the East of England. Emma has also been recently appointed as the government’s Disability and Access Ambassador.

In this HAPPI Hour webinar, Jeremy Porteus, CEO of Housing LIN, will be joined by contributors to the blog series to reflect on:

• The legacy of the DDA over the past 30 years

• The difference it has (or hasn’t) made to disabled people’s housing and daily lives

• Lessons learned and what still needs to change to ensure equality in the built environment

3.30 pm – Welcome and Housekeeping
Sally Razey, Communications and Membership Officer, Housing LIN

3:35 pm – Welcome and Introduction
Jeremy Porteus, Founder and CEO, Housing LIN

3.40 pm – Panel member presentations: 

• It’s crucial that the rights that we have are used to their fullest extent
  Catherine Casserley, a Barrister specialising in equality law, human rights and employment, particularly disability

• Disability equality in England: A tale of two duties 
  Andy Shipley, Researcher, University of Exeter

• Don’t Box Me In: 30 Years on from the Disability Discrimination Act (1995)
  Dr Dianne-Dominique Theakstone and Paula Rogers, University of Stirling’s Intersectional Stigma of Place-based Ageing (ISPA) project.

• 30 years on from the Disability Discrimination Act: A personal reflection
  Gary Bourlet, Membership and Engagement Lead, and co-founder of Learning Disability England

• Title to be confirmed
  Christian McGill, Director of Social Impact & External Affairs, Habinteg

• Unlocking Freedom: Why Adapted Housing Is a Right, Not a Privilege
  Sir David Pearson, Independent Chair and Advisor

• Title to be confirmed
  Emma Palmer, Chief Executive of Eastlight Community Homes Limited

4.30 pm – Audience Q&A Discussion 

5:00 pm – Close

At our popular events, you can:

• Watch and discover new extra care housing developments to find out about the design, development and operational management arrangements so that you can explore solutions that can transform your ‘offer’;
   
• Listen to the latest practice, research, new funding initiatives, innovative products or projects so that you have the insight and intelligence required to improve your service delivery;
   
• Learn about the current sector issues so that you are up-to-date and better positioned to respond to the latest policy and innovative operational developments; and
   
• Connect with industry experts and fellow Housing LIN members, exchange ideas, and share experiences in a relaxed setting.

Keep the conversation going with #HAPPIHour on Bluesky (opens new window) and LinkedIn (opens new window).

All HAPPI Hour webinars are FREE on a first come, first served basis. Create your account or log in to avoid any disappointment.