Why access matters to you
You and your friends have the right to enjoy every opportunity life offers—whether it’s going to the cinema, meeting up at a youth club, or playing sports. The law is clear: you have the right to enjoy all your rights without discrimination on any ground, including disability.
This includes your right to:
- Go places, meet, and spend time with friends (Article 15).
- Play, leisure, recreation, and participation in cultural life (Article 31).
If you have a disability, you should be able to have support to access these rights, enabling you to participate in community life with dignity and on an equal basis with all other children.
The law is on your side
In Wales and the UK, we have strong laws and conventions designed to protect your access and rights:
1. Equality Act 2010 (UK Law)
It is against the law to discriminate against a person with a disability when providing goods, facilities, or services (like shops, cinemas, or youth centres).
- Reasonable Adjustments: Employers and service providers must make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to ensure you aren’t disadvantaged. This could mean changing a policy, providing an extra service, or offering better communication methods.
2. Welsh Government Standards
The Welsh Government has set specific standards under the Equality Act 2010 for all public bodies (like councils, schools, and NHS). These standards are aimed at ensuring that disabled people, including wheelchair users, can enjoy facilities and are placed on an equal basis.
Important Note: While the law requires reasonable adjustments, it doesn’t yet go so far as to make it compulsory to have wheelchair access to absolutely all buildings. However, the law is always moving toward greater equality.
Where to find help and get answers
You do not have to fight for your rights alone. If you feel you have been discriminated against or a service provider hasn’t made reasonable adjustments, there are places that can help.
Find out more about your rights:
- Disability Wales: You can find a detailed list of all your rights and access information on the Disability Wales website.
Get confidential advice:
- Have questions about your rights or anything else you’re worried about? Contact Meic and we’ll be happy to help you find the right information or support. Find out more about disabilities on our Getting Help pages.
Legal references:
- UNCRC Articles 2, 15, 23
- UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Articles 7, 30
- Equality Act 2010.
