Less than one in five people back the current system of means testing to fund social care support, according to a new report. The Institute for Public Policy Research (ippr) and PricewaterhouseCoopers said more than half of those questioned in a […]
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GB’s Beijing golden streak continues in Manchester
Britain’s disabled swimmers, cyclists and athletes continued where they left off in Beijing by winning a string of gold medals at the BT Paralympic World Cup in Manchester. Among the winners were teenage swimming sensation (and double Paralympic gold medallist) Ellie […]
Government response ‘shows contempt’ for NHS blood scandal victims
People with haemophilia who were given contaminated blood by the NHS say they are “appalled and disgusted” by the government’s response to an independent inquiry into the scandal. Nearly 5, 000 people with haemophilia were exposed to hepatitis C, and more […]
Review ‘will help more mental health service-users into work’
The government has launched a new review aimed at improving the “shameful” numbers of mental health service-users in employment. James Purnell, the work and pensions secretary, said the government needed to be “more proactive” so disabled people have “a fair opportunity […]
Government supports MP’s autism bill
England could soon have its first autism-specific legislation, after the government threw its weight behind a private members’ bill that aims to transform services for adults with autism. The National Autistic Society, which drafted the bill on behalf of 15 autism […]
England’s last long-stay hospital ‘closes its doors’
The last long-stay hospital in England has officially closed its doors – although people with learning difficulties are still living on the site. Orchard Hill, in Carshalton, Surrey, “closed” on 1 May, fulfilling a pledge the government made in its 2001 […]
New jobs strategy has ‘huge ministerial support’
A new government strategy will aim to increase the number of people with learning difficulties in work, despite the recession. Anne Williams, the co-national director for learning disabilities, said the cross-government employment strategy, which was mentioned in the Valuing People Now […]
Minority ethnic communities ‘must be taken seriously’
People with learning difficulties from ethnic minorities are still missing out on services, according to a prominent campaigner. Richard West, co-chair of the National Advisory Group on Learning Disability and Ethnicity (NAGLDE), told the Community Care Live event in London that […]
RNID calls for businesses to do better on induction loops
Campaigning volunteers have reported more than 200 British businesses that do not have fully functional induction loops for their deaf and hearing-impaired customers. Volunteers for the charity RNID have had problems in post offices, supermarkets, banks, shops and theatres across the […]
MP secures government promises over education
A campaigning MP has welcomed government pledges to improve support at school for disabled pupils and those with special educational needs (SEN). The Conservative MP John Bercow was promoting his special educational needs and disability (support) private members’ bill, which would […]