Disability rights in Northern Ireland

For rights at work, see disability and work; for money, see PIP and our NI disability guides.

Shops, services and transport

Service providers must make reasonable adjustments so disabled people can use their services. Transport providers, such a taxi drivers, must also carry wheelchairs and guide dogs. If you find it hard to use a service, for example a phone line when you are deaf, tell the organisation.

Health and hospital

Disabled people have the same right to health and social care as everyone else. You also have extra rights to make sure services are fair and accessible. You can ask for information in a format you can use, for example large print, Braille, audio, or easy-to-read text.

If you get benefits, you must tell the Department for Communities, and the Housing Executive if you get Housing Benefit, as soon as you go into or come out of hospital.

Courts and the police

Courts must offer a reasonable adjustment for making services available to disabled people where a physical feature makes it impossible or unreasonably difficult to use them. You can take a friend, relative or carer to court.

Communication support

If you use British or Irish Sign Language, you can talk to benefits staff in real time through the video relay service. In most situations, you must book support, sometimes up to six weeks before.

Leisure

The CEA Card is a UK-wide scheme for disabled people at participating cinemas, and it includes a free ticket for someone to go with you. Cards cost £6.50 and are valid for one year.

Housing and equipment

Entitlement to Housing Benefit or the housing element of Universal Credit may mean you get a contribution to support costs in supported housing. You can find an occupational therapist through your HSC Trust, who can help you decide what equipment you need. See the Disabled Facilities Grant for adaptations.

Young people moving into adulthood

Your Transition Plan is one way you can plan for what you want to achieve in your teenage years, as you move into adult life. Most plans are first drawn up in Year 10. All health professionals must keep everything you tell them confidential.

Common questions

Keep going