Outraged campaigners have attacked the home secretary’s latest refusal to halt the extradition of disabled computer hacker Gary McKinnon to the United States. Alan Johnson had been considering new evidence relating to McKinnon’s mental health, which suggested he was highly … Continue reading →

Government proposals to offer free personal care at home to disabled people with the highest needs will probably lead to a squeeze on services for those with lower needs, say campaigners. Deep concerns emerged after the government published its new … Continue reading →

The government has been unable to explain why it has performed a U-turn on cutting the number of commissioners appointed to the board of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). Last week, the Government Equalities Office (GEO) announced the … Continue reading →

Political parties should be required by law to publish information on how many disabled people – and other under-represented groups – are selected to fight parliamentary seats, according to a Commons committee. The recommendation came in an interim report by … Continue reading →

The TV soap EastEnders has been recognised at an annual awards ceremony for its commitment to tackling mental health storylines realistically and sensitively. The award was one of six won by the BBC in the Mind Mental Health Media Awards, … Continue reading →

A report by an influential group of MPs and peers has highlighted some of the discrimination experienced by disabled children in the UK. The report on children’s rights by the joint committee on human rights includes evidence of discriminatory attitudes … Continue reading →

A dancer with epilepsy who will try to induce a seizure in front of an audience has won praise from other disabled artists for bringing the condition “out of the closet”. Award-winning dancer and choreographer Rita Marcalo will spend 24 … Continue reading →

Athletes with learning difficulties will be able to compete at the London 2012 Paralympics, after a ban was finally lifted by the world governing body. The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) imposed the ban after the 2000 Sydney Paralympics, when nearly … Continue reading →

A bank will have to install a lift at a city centre branch after a disabled customer won an appeal court victory in a landmark discrimination case. The Royal Bank of Scotland will have to carry out the building work … Continue reading →

Campaigners hope a new private members’ bill will finally force the government to provide fair compensation for the victims of the NHS contaminated blood scandal. Lord [Alf] Morris’s contaminated blood (support for infected and bereaved persons) bill would implement all … Continue reading →