The government has appointed an executive with 25 years’ experience of working with disabled people to head its Office for Disability Issues (ODI). Tim Cooper, who is profoundly deaf, is managing director of Shaw Trust’s work and independence division, and previously […]
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Public transport still inaccessible, say young campaigners
Disabled people are still struggling to use public transport because it can be unsafe, unreliable or too expensive, an undercover investigation by young campaigners has revealed. The report found that the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) had led to a “vast improvement” […]
Putting People First is making progress, finds survey
More than one in five people receiving care services in the community will have a personal budget by April 2010, according to a new survey. The Association of Directors of Adult Social Services and the Local Government Association found that councils […]
Report finds little support for means-tested care
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 […]
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 […]