The UK’s ratification of a UN convention enshrining the rights of disabled people is “a critical milestone” in the struggle for equality, despite the government’s decision to opt out of parts of the treaty, say campaigners. The government ratified the UN […]
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Research suggests autism estimates are too low
New research suggests that there are many more children with autism in the UK than previously thought. About one per cent of primary school children currently have a diagnosis of autism. But the new study by Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues at […]
Campbell wins Mind champion award
The former Downing Street communications director, Alastair Campbell, has won an award for his campaigning on mental health issues. Campbell, who secured more than half of a public vote, was named champion of the year by the mental health charity Mind […]
Families with disabled children ‘still face barriers’
Fewer than one in six families with disabled children believe they have the support they need to lead a full family life, according to a new survey. The charity Scope, which carried out the online survey of 500 families with disabled […]
Equality bill clears parliamentary hurdle
The government’s equality bill has cleared its first major hurdle in the Commons, despite Conservative opposition. The bill, which will streamline existing equality laws, includes measures to make it easier for someone claiming discrimination to prove they are disabled; ban discrimination […]
Government takes next step in trial of personal health budgets
The government has selected 68 projects across England as it gears up to test the use of personal budgets for people using health services. The pilots – which include projects for people with long-term conditions and mental health services – will […]
Inspectors “appalled” by treatment of disabled prisoners
Some disabled prisoners were unable to shower for months, according to inspectors who visited a “failing” prison on the Isle of Wight. Inspectors said they were “appalled” by the treatment of disabled prisoners at Parkhurst prison, and found that diversity work […]
Government ‘concerned’ at parts of new EU discrimination laws
The government has hinted that it might not back parts of “comprehensive” new legislation that would extend protection from discrimination across the European Union. In May, the UK government launched a consultation on the EU’s equal treatment directive, which was approved […]
Personalisation ‘at risk of being debased and devalued’
A leading disabled activist has delivered a stinging attack on how the personalisation of care services is being implemented. Peter Beresford, chair of the national user-led network of service-users Shaping Our Lives, spoke out to an audience of social care professionals […]
New disabled ‘tsar’ will stand up to ministers
The government’s new learning difficulties ‘tsar’ has pledged to challenge ministers if they fail to “deliver” the Valuing People Now (VPN) strategy. Scott Watkin, who has a learning difficulty, was speaking on the day he started work as the new co-national […]