The government has published a “legacy plan” aimed at bringing about “lasting changes” to the lives of disabled people through the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. London 2012: A Legacy for Disabled People aims to increase disabled people’s participation in […]
Archives for 2010
RADAR finds disabled people achieving high-flying success
A groundbreaking report has concluded that disabled people working in both the private and public sectors can and do reach the highest levels of seniority. The disability charity RADAR heard from more than 900 disabled people in a survey of high-achievers, […]
Urgent changes needed to housing benefit rules, say MPs
New housing benefit rules are creating a “real barrier to independent living” for disabled people and should be changed urgently, according to a committee of MPs. The Commons work and pensions committee said there was “clear evidence” that the rules on […]
Campaign calls for Vodafone to think again on sat-nav system
Campaigners are calling on Vodafone to reconsider its plans to scrap a mobile phone application that makes it easier for blind and partially-sighted people to travel independently. Wayfinder Access was the first “GPS” navigation programme designed for blind people to use […]
Minister announces new line-up for smaller Equality 2025
The government has announced the 10 disabled members of its new, smaller network of disability equality advisers. Equality 2025 was set up in 2006 to advise the government on achieving equality for disabled people by 2025. But the government decided last […]
Change to equality bill is access warning to service-providers
Disabled peers have again ensured that parts of the equality bill that protect disabled people from discrimination are as strong as similar measures in the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Changes agreed by the government will mean that the bill – which […]
ELECTION 2010: Lib Dems make pledge on winter fuel
The Liberal Democrats have promised to extend winter fuel payments to up to one million severely disabled and terminally-ill people. The party said the £200 annual payments – £50 lower than those currently paid to people aged 60 to 79 – […]
ILF slammed for failing to consult on rule changes
The government agency that provides funds to help disabled people with the highest support needs to live independently has been heavily criticised for failing to consult over crucial changes to its rules. The Independent Living Fund (ILF) rule changes mean disabled […]
Ten-year wait is over for premature deaths inquiry
The government has defended a 10-year delay in setting up an inquiry into “premature and avoidable” deaths of people with learning difficulties. The confidential inquiry by the Norah Fry Research Centre, announced this week by the Department of Health (DH), will […]
Welcome for new Scottish hate crime laws
New hate crime laws that came into force in Scotland this week have been welcomed by disability and equality organisations. The Offences (Aggravation by Prejudice) (Scotland) Act 2009 extends existing laws covering violent crimes motivated by race or religious hatred to […]