Explanatory Memorandum

Autism Act (Northern Ireland) 2011

2011 CHAPTER 27

9th May 2011

Commentary on Sections

Section 1 - Amendment to Schedule 1 to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995

Section 1 extends the list of “normal day-to-day activities” in Schedule 1 to the Disability Discrimination Act 1995. Capacity to undertake these activities is used to assess whether someone’s condition falls within the definition of “disability” in the Act. The effect of section 1 is to clarify that a condition which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on someone’s ability to “take part in normal social interaction” or in “forming social relationships” can constitute a “disability”.