Disability News Service

The government’s long-awaited reforms to the special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) system are a missed opportunity to dismantle the barriers that continue to drive disabled young people out of mainstream schools, say inclusive education campaigners. The reforms were laid out in […]

Disabled activists in the UK have backed a US campaign that will call on actor and film-maker George Clooney to step away from a movie adaptation of a memoir that treats disability as a “fate worse than death”. In Love is based […]

The government’s own social security advisers have warned a minister he may need to do more to “shift entrenched concerns” among disabled claimants that they could lose their disability benefits if they take steps towards paid work. The social security advisory committee […]

The lack of accountability for the tens of thousands of Covid-related deaths of disabled people receiving care in their own homes and residential settings has caused lasting harm, the UK Covid inquiry has been told. In their opening written submission to the […]

The government is freezing the budget of a scheme that funds “life-changing” adaptations to disabled people’s homes, despite a minister claiming he was “putting more money” into the programme. Care minister Stephen Kinnock said last week that the extra funding for Disabled […]

Disabled activists have accused Reform UK of readying itself to “legalise discrimination”, after its new equalities “shadow minister” said the party would repeal the Equality Act on its first day in government. The pledge came from Suella Braverman (pictured), the former Conservative […]

The government has refused to explain why it has failed to publish any minutes from a board of experts set up 17 months ago to examine “economic inactivity” and particularly to focus on people not working due to “long-term sickness”. The Labour […]

The government has announced a £400 “cash boost” for disabled people who rely on social care in their own homes, while failing to point out that another ministerial decision will drag thousands of them into paying higher care charges. Care minister Stephen […]

Emails that targeted a leading disabled activist have exposed a “rotten culture” at senior levels of the rail industry. The internal emails were obtained from the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) – the secretive body that represents the companies and public bodies that […]

The government’s decision to publish research that shows the bureaucratic and time-consuming nature of its system of educational support has raised fears that its imminent reforms will harm disabled children and young people. The government released the research just as it is […]

One in five staff employed by contractors who carry out disability benefit assessments on the government’s behalf have not had vital safeguarding training, MPs have been told, despite years of deaths and serious harm linked to the tests. Members of the Commons […]

Transport for London (TfL) has secured the right to close more than half the ticket offices along the new Elizabeth line cross-capital rail system, a new document has confirmed, in a move that would discriminate against many disabled rail passengers. Concerns about […]

Activists say the government’s decision to slash disabled people’s out-of-work benefits is a “recipe for greater hardship” and will risk claimants’ lives, as ministers this week pushed through cuts agreed last summer by MPs. Regulations laid in parliament this week implement measures […]

A disabled peer has raised fears that people with learning difficulties could be “collateral damage” if a controversial assisted suicide bill becomes law. The terminally ill adults (end of life) bill – which applies to England and Wales – continues to make slow progress […]

Disabled campaigners are backing demands for major rights-based changes to the government’s railways bill that would target the poor state of accessibility across the network. Disabled-led organisations and allies including Disabled People Against Cuts, the Campaign for Level Boarding and The Association […]

A local authority has admitted discriminating against a disabled couple who were left with a significant new council tax bill after they were forced to move onto universal credit. The legal victory could have significant implications for many other disabled people across […]

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has disputed claims made by its own disability minister which explained why widespread cuts were made to disabled people’s Access to Work support packages after Labour came to power in July 2024. Disability News Service […]

The business leader heading the government’s efforts to keep ill and disabled people in work has suggested to MPs that he does not believe stricter enforcement of the Equality Act is the way to address disability discrimination in the workplace. Sir Charlie […]

Disabled young people in the UK still face barriers that stop them taking part in school, college and university on an equal basis with non-disabled people, despite ongoing international calls for inclusive education, according to new government-funded research. The research, commissioned under […]

Activists have told an inquiry they fear the government is focusing its attention on “punishing” young disabled people for their needs and challenges, rather than ensuring they receive the support they need. Members of Disabled People Against Cuts Cymru (DPAC Cymru) raised […]