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<p>The Equality Act 2010 places a duty on businesses and service providers to make
reasonable adjustments to improve disabled people’s access to goods and services so
they are not placed at a substantial disadvantage compared to non-disabled people.
This reasonable adjustment duty is an anticipatory duty therefore those who provide
goods, facilities and services to members of the public are expected to anticipate
the reasonable adjustments that disabled customers may require, including auxiliary
aids.</p><p> </p><p>The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is the public
body responsible for enforcing the Equality Act. In 2017, the EHRC published two pieces
of guidance - a guide to help businesses understand what they can do to meet their
legal duties to assistance dog owners, and a guide to help tourism businesses welcome
people with access requirements. The EHRC also supports disabled individuals who have
experienced discrimination to take their cases to court. The EHRC has delivered a
Legal Support Project to increase access to justice for people experiencing disability
discrimination. In 2017/18 it offered disabled groups £189,000 for legal assistance
across 94 cases in areas including employment, education and public services. The
EHRC is also increasing its legal capacity to advise on discrimination cases."</p><p>
</p><p>In the Government’s view, an equalities ombudsman as recommended by the Guide
Dogs report would not usefully add to the EHRC’s functions.</p>
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