This article discusses the meaning and philosophical basis of disability discrimination in health care. It focuses on aspects of language that influence discourse about disability and affect the experiences of people with disabilities. Reference is made to the experiences of those who have an autism spectrum condition, with a specific focus on three NHS employees with Asperger syndrome, in relation to disability discrimination. The implications for nurses and nursing are discussed. Recommendations are made for awareness raising and training.
Keywords: Disability Discrimination Act 1995; Equality Act 2010; autism; disability; disclosure; discrimination; learning disability; mental health; physical disability; sensory disability.