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These pages do not apply outside the United Kingdom.
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This page does not aim to give recommendations, simply information on possible sources of help and advice. Some sources may not apply to the whole of the UK.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission helpline includes disability discrimination under the Equality Act/DDA. There are different phone numbers for England, Wales and Scotland, or you can write in - see www.equalityhumanrights.com/our-job/advice-from-our-helpline/
Amongst other things, the helpline may be able to tell you about local advice agencies which are likely to help.
(From April 2012, there are expected to be New arrangements for information, advice and support on discrimination and human rights (link to homeoffice.gov.uk)).
The British Stammering Association has an Information and Support Service (www.stammering.org/helpline.html) which includes a helpline on 0845 603 2001 as well as email. This does not offer legal advice but can:
ACAS (www.acas.org.uk) can be approached on employment issues. They have a helpline giving free help and information on work issues, and can arrange for a conciliation officer to help settle a potential or actual tribunal claim.
In Northern Ireland the Labour Relations Agency (www.lra.org.uk) has a similar function.
A free and confidential advice service, paid for by legal aid but anyone can call - www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk. They say "Even if you are not eligible for legal aid, we can still find ways to help by putting you in touch with the right agency or advice organisation." Areas covered include employment, education and welfare benefits and tax credits.
Provides free legal advice and information for disabled people throughout Great Britain (except that advice on welfare benefits is restricted to people living in the Greater London area). www.dls.org.uk
CABs can often help, or may tell you a local organisation who can help. The Citizens Advice Bureaux website at www.nacab.org.uk helps you find your local office, and their online "adviceguide" gives basic advice and information on your rights.
Law Centres may provide free advice if you live or work in the catchment area. The Law Centres Federation website (www.lawcentres.org.uk) tells you about them and helps you find if there is one in your area.
You can go to a solicitors firm. You should check they have expertise in the area you want. There is some guidance at Using an employment lawyer (link to takelegaladvice.com).
You could try the CLS Legal Adviser Directory (external link) to find a solicitor or other advice provider near you with a particular expertise. Also Solicitors Online (external link) lets you search for solicitors by expertise.
Free legal advice through legal aid can be available for those with a low income. There is information on legal aid at Help with legal costs (link to adviceguide.co.uk) and on www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk. There is a different scheme in Scotland.
See also blog post: Should I pay for legal advice (link to etclaims.co.uk), August 2010.
The Free Representiation Unit (www.thefru.org.uk) provides legal advice, case preparation and advocacy in tribunal cases for those who could not otherwise obtain legal support, for want of personal means or public funding. Individuals cannot approach it direct, but only through a referral agency such as a subscribing Citizens Advice Bureau or solicitor (there is a list of agencies on the FRU website).
Also the Bar Pro Bono Unit (www.barprobono.org.uk) can put people in touch with barristers who are willing to advise or represent clients free in deserving cases.
A trades union will very often have a free legal service for their members. This will typically cover work-related disputes but some unions cover any legal problem.
For issues with courts (civil and criminal), try the Court Service Disability helpline on 0800 358 3506. This may help on such things as problems giving evidence, taking the oath with a stammer, and other things to do with the courts
Further specific sources of help and advice on particular areas are given on the webpage covering that area (eg social security benefits).
Links to relevant websites are also available on specific webpages and generally on the links page.
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© Allan Tyrer 2000-2010
Last updated 8th August, 2010