The Human Rights Act 1993 is based on the idea that everyone should have fair access to resources such as jobs, accommodation, education, goods, services and public facilities.
To discriminate against you (or your relatives and associates) in any of these areas because you are blind or vision-impaired is unlawful.

How does the Act support my rights?

There are 13 grounds covered in the Act; one is disability. This ground specifically includes physical disability and reliance on a guide dog or other mobility aids.

Are my rights limited in any way?

No. As with most laws involving disability, your rights are only limited by what is reasonable to provide. There's no definition in the Act for 'reasonable' as this depends on the individual circumstances. The Act says that your needs must be reasonably accommodated unless there are genuine cost or health and safety problems that cannot be reasonably overcome.

For example:
Insurance companies cannot refuse to insure you because of your disability. They can offer you different terms and conditions (usually exclusions or higher premiums) only if they have reliable evidence that you will be a greater risk.

The government is no longer exempt from complaints about its departmental policies or practices.

So, in practice, most service and job situations can be adapted safely and comfortably for you.

How do I make an enquiry or complaint?

Write, phone, or visit the Human Rights Commission. See contact details.

The commission's mediators will try to help you resolve a dispute. If you and the other party cannot agree then you can take your case to the Human Rights Review Tribunal.

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