Published on 12, July, 2020
Hello everyone I need advice on whether my nephew has been discriminated against under the Equalities Act 2010 or Auitsm Act 2009 by his local council. I did ask this on another genreal forum but felt no one really replied. So have signed up here to get some specialist advice.
My nephew suffers from autism, which causes meltdowns (anger outbursts) and self-harm in relation to sensory overload from noises.His support worker contacted the council's adult and social care team to request an occupational therapy assessment to establish if soundproofing could help reduce noise and provide a safe space to go when needed. All adaptations carried out in this council area if you are a tenant there are free and do not require an application for a disabled facilites grant. An OT called back from the council today and explained that because his needs arise from a sensory disability and not a physical one, the funding policy for the revenue budgetdoes not cover soundproofing or sensory issues.
I'm understanding that autistic people are protected under the Autism Act and the Equality Act 2010 from discrimination against their disability, regardless of whether it is physical or not.
Could anyone provide any insight as to whether this is true or if the Council has the legal right to decline an OT assessment?
A big thank you in advance to anyone who can help shed light on this situation.
Hello,
I too live in a bungalow and am having issues with noise. I have just gone through an assessment for a DFG so am waiting to hear back. I am hoping to have sound proofing fitted to both my bedroom and living room due to noise from a anti social neighbor. I wear ear defenders when out but should not have to wear them at home.
Hi LucyLandrover, I am hoping to get some help with this also as I live right next to a busy office and can hear every conversation detail and door slam all day long just sitting in any room in my property even if it's a room not attached to the office. How did you start to apply for an assessment? I'm in social housing if that makes any difference to how I go about applying and to whom...thank you in advance
okay thankyou I hadn't thought of that, I will see if I can try and do something similar.
I too am in social housing and made an application via my GP to see a Occupational Therapist who came out to see what the noise issues were and also helped with a heating issue. I hope you are able to access such support.