Disability discrimination claims soar

FAILURE by hoteliers, publicans, night-club owners and other service providers to accommodate the needs of disabled people led to a trebling of disability discrimination claims last year.

The Equality Tribunal’s annual report, published yesterday, shows a 178% increase in the number of claims referred on behalf of people with disabilities under the Equal Status Act 2000. Disability discrimination claims under employment legislation were up 69%.

National Disability Authority chairwoman Angela Kerins said the soaring number of claims was due to people’s growing awareness of their rights under the legislation.