The designer of the world’s first wheelchair for mannequins hopes her ground-breaking new product will be a step forward for disability equality in the high street. The Mannequal made its first appearance on 3 September in the store window of the […]
Archives for 2010
Survey finds public support for winter fuel campaign
There is widespread public support for extending winter fuel payments to severely disabled people, according to a new survey. The research found that 86 per cent of non-disabled people (and 90 per cent of disabled people) supported the move. The survey […]
High-speed broadband ‘could transform lives’
Super-fast broadband services could “transform” the lives of disabled and older people, according to a new report. The report, prepared for Ofcom’s advisory committee on older and disabled people, says that so-called “next generation” broadband could help disabled people access education, […]
Government backs calls for simpler, clearer social care laws
The government has backed calls for new, simpler laws on social care to replace the current “piecemeal” state of the legal framework. The Department of Health (DoH) was responding to a public consultation by the Law Commission on reform of social […]
Solar Centre abuse scandal: New claims of abuse
The health trust at the centre of an alleged abuse scandal at a day centre faced similar allegations at a nearby facility for disabled people just two years earlier. Disability News Service has been collecting mounting evidence of the serious nature […]
Minister gives first estimates for IB reassessments
The government has given its first estimate of the number of people claiming long-term incapacity benefit (IB) who they expect will be found “fit for work” when reassessed using a controversial new test. The work capability assessment (WCA) was introduced for […]
Treasury cuts ‘could deprive disabled people of food or fuel’
Reported government plans to cut £2.5 billion from spending on out-of-work disability benefits would risk condemning more disabled people to poverty, according to campaigners. The plan to reduce spending on employment and support allowance – which is gradually replacing incapacity benefit […]
RADAR, NCIL and DA set to merge: UKDPC raises concerns
The UK’s leading representative voice of disabled people’s organisations (DPOs) has expressed surprise and concern over the proposed merger between three other national disability organisations. RADAR the National Centre for Independent Living (NCIL) and Disability Alliance (DA) announced this week that […]
RADAR, NCIL and DA set to merge: Trio want a stronger voice
Three of the most influential national disability organisations are hoping to merge within 12 months they announced this week. RADAR, the National Centre for Independent Living (NCIL) and Disability Alliance (DA) said they had been “exploring” the possibility of closer working […]
‘Deep concerns’ over Ofsted’s SEN review
Inclusive education campaigners have raised “deep concerns” about crucial parts of a review of the special educational needs (SEN) system by the education watchdog. Ofsted’s review which was commissioned by the Labour government, points to “widespread weaknesses” in provision for disabled […]