The government has promised parents and children “a stronger voice at the heart of the special educational needs (SEN) system”, in its response to a major inquiry. Responding to the final report of the Lamb inquiry on the SEN system … Continue reading →

Disabled people born with impairments caused by the drug thalidomide say they are “cautiously optimistic” that the government will provide them with new financial support. They have been campaigning since last year for government funding for the 463 people in … Continue reading →

Three disabled peers say they will fight to ensure that the equality bill does not lower the level of protection for disabled people currently provided by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Baroness [Jane] Campbell, Baroness [Rosalie] Wilkins and Lord [Colin] … Continue reading →

The criminal justice system is still failing to take the issue of disability hate crime seriously enough, according to a poll of professionals. Nearly 50 delegates from local authorities, the Crown Prosecution Service, police forces, central government and voluntary organisations … Continue reading →

The government’s personal care at home bill will only provide free care to an extra 20,000 younger disabled adults, the government has admitted. Health secretary Andy Burnham revealed the figure during the second reading of the bill in the Commons. … Continue reading →

New guidance aimed at clarifying the law on assisted suicide must make it clear that nearly everyone who helps a person to kill themselves will be prosecuted, according to leading disabled activists. Not Dead Yet UK (NDY UK) was responding … Continue reading →

A succession of peers have attacked the government for failing to implement the recommendations of an inquiry into the NHS contaminated blood scandal. They were speaking during the second reading of a private members’ bill introduced in the Lords by … Continue reading →

Disabled people will receive an above-inflation increase in disability benefits in April, the chancellor has announced in his pre-budget report. But there were criticisms of the move later, when it emerged that the recipients will have to cope with a … Continue reading →

Campaigners are preparing to continue the battle to strengthen disabled people’s protection from discrimination in the equality bill. Although they have welcomed amendments made by the government earlier this month, as the bill completed its progress through the Commons, they … Continue reading →

The government has announced which sources of funding will be included in pilot projects that aim to give disabled people more choice and control over their state support. Jonathan Shaw, the minister for disabled people, said the new right to … Continue reading →