The Speaker of the House of Commons has pledged to be the “disabled person’s champion” in the battle to improve access to democracy. John Bercow MP, who has a track record of campaigning on disability issues, was speaking to a joint […]
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ELECTION 2010: Watchdog could set up election day hotline for disabled voters
The independent elections watchdog is considering setting up a system to try to prevent disabled people being deprived of their vote on the day of the general election. The Electoral Commission has been in talks with the disability charity Scope about […]
Eagle quells fears over reserved posts
A government minister has finally quelled fears that reserving jobs solely for disabled people might be illegal, following evidence she gave to a committee of MPs in January. Maria Eagle MP, an equalities minister and former minister for disabled people, told […]
Guide Dogs secures ‘shared streets’ court victory
A disability charity has won a high court victory in its battle to stop a development in London’s tourist heartland that puts the safety of blind and partially-sighted people at risk. The development of Exhibition Road by Kensington and Chelsea council […]
Scooter users could be forced to take test and buy insurance
The government could be set to force users of mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs to undergo training, take a test and buy insurance, following renewed safety concerns. Transport minister Sadiq Khan has announced a three-month consultation on reforms aimed at modernising […]
Campaigners say government must release work test figures
Frustrated campaigners have called on the government to release crucial statistics about its controversial new work capability test. They spoke out after new research for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) revealed that both benefits staff and disabled people who […]
New improvements to equality bill, but concerns remain
New legal duties to provide accessible information should be a “major step forward” for blind and partially-sighted people and others with “print disabilities”, according to a disabled peer. Lord [Colin] Low was speaking after the government introduced a new amendment to […]
Autism strategy savaged by campaigners over weak language
The first national strategy on autism has been savaged by leading campaigners with autism for its failure to demand real change from councils and health trusts. The new government strategy, which aims to help adults with autism in England “live independently […]
Disabled protesters march on Ofcom over offensive ‘hate’ language
People with learning difficulties have marched on the offices of the communications watchdog Ofcom in protest at its failure to condemn the use of offensive, disablist language on a Channel 4 show. Footballer-turned-actor Vinnie Jones caused outrage when he “joked” on […]
Set-up of EHRC was ‘flawed and inefficient’
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) was “not ready for business” and should have delayed its launch in 2007 because of a “flawed and inefficient set-up process”, according to a report by a committee of MPs. The public accounts committee […]