The head of the equality watchdog, Trevor Phillips, is to leave his post after six years, it has been confirmed. Phillips has faced repeated criticism during his two three-year terms as chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). His […]
News Archive
Strong backing for pan-London funding appeals
User-led groups across London are hoping to convince local authorities to continue funding two vital areas of support for disabled people and their organisations. London Councils – the umbrella organisation for the capital’s local authorities – has just finished a consultation […]
Special school to close after teenager’s padded room ordeal
The mother of a teenager with autism who was repeatedly confined to a padded room at his residential special school has spoken of the “remarkable” progress he has made since a court ruled his treatment was unlawful. The 19-year-old was often […]
Pregnant women and children ‘could swamp airlines with access demands’
New guidance could see older people, children, obese people and pregnant women receive protection under European laws on air travel for disabled people, a leading user-led organisation has warned. The air travel regulations, introduced across the European Union in 2007 and […]
MP hints at Labour bias towards inclusive education
The MP leading a review of Labour’s special educational needs (SEN) policy has suggested it will recommend a far more inclusive approach than the coalition government’s anti-inclusion stance. Sharon Hodgson, the shadow minister for children and families, was taking evidence from […]
Disabled MPs warn of danger of legalising assisted suicide
Two disabled MPs have spoken out strongly against any moves towards legalising assisted suicide. The two Conservative MPs, Paul Maynard and Robert Halfon, spoke during a Commons debate this week, the first time MPs have discussed the issue in depth for […]
Campaigns will highlight transport barriers in lead-up to London 2012
Two new high-profile campaigns are set to highlight the barriers that disabled people face when trying to use public transport. The A2BForAll campaign which has been backed by several leading disabled people’s organisations, published research this week showing that more than […]
Scottish GPs call for ‘fitness for work’ tests to be scrapped
Disabled activists have hailed as a major victory a decision by Scottish GPs to call on the government to abandon its controversial “fitness for work” tests. Doctors at the British Medical Association’s (BMA) annual Scottish conference of GPs voted for a […]
Government hears suggestions for fulfilling potential
Tackling the bureaucratic barriers faced by disabled people, a list of the top disability-friendly employers, and recruiting more disabled teachers, are just some of the suggestions for how the government can improve disabled people’s lives. The ideas were among more than […]
Budget 2012: Shock at new £10 billion threat to benefits
Campaigners have warned that this week’s budget has produced a new and worrying attack on disabled people’s rights and support. While most of the media’s attention was focused on measures such as reducing the top rate of income tax, freezing tax […]