For the official government documents you may wish to look at:

HMSO Disability Discrimination Act 1995

MHSO Disability Rights Commission Act 1999

For a more user-friendly version you may prefer to visit the disability.gov.uk website:

Specifically the section on 'what the law says'

A European perspective on disabilty and implications for policy

The following document, presents a comparative analysis of definitions, and analyses their implications on policies for people with disabilities.  It is relevant for all those interested in the future of collective action to assist people with disabilities. It shows very clearly that the definition of what constitutes disability affects in particular the way in which people with disabilities are regarded and treated by administrations and other bodies.  You can access the document Definitions of Disability in Europe, A comparative analysis from the European Union website.

Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People

The Strategy Unit was asked to provide supporting analysis and a strategic assessment of disabled people's life chances - the opportunities available to disabled people, both children and adults, to improve their quality of life. The Unit worked with disabled people and their representatives, with other interested organisations and with Government Departments, and reported to the Minister for Disabled People, Maria Eagle.

The final report "Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People" states that, by 2025, disabled people should have full opportunities and choices to improve their quality of life and be respected and included as equal members of society.

Access the report Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People published in January 2005.