Commentary on Sections Part 2 – Disability Discrimination in Education Chapter 1 – Schools Section 13: Disabled pupils not to be substantially disadvantaged
79.This section amends the DDA by adding a new section 28C placing a duty on schools to take reasonable steps to ensure disabled pupils are not placed at a substantial disadvantage, in comparison to pupils who are not disabled, in relation to education and associated services provided to pupils, and to ensure disabled prospective pupils are not placed at a substantial disadvantage, compared to prospective pupils who are not disabled, in relation to the admission arrangements for the school. This mirrors the general approach in section 6 of the DDA, but, unlike section 6, this section is anticipatory. This section also provides exceptions to the duty. Schools will not be required to make physical alterations to premises (including removing a physical feature) or to provide auxiliary aids. The statement of SEN (in Scotland, the Record of Needs) already provides for the identification and provision of educational auxiliary aids and adaptations for pupils in school.