More than half of English councils have signed a charter that commits them to providing decent services for disabled children and their families by the end of 2009. The campaign group Every Disabled Child Matters has now persuaded 77 local authorities […]
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Autism guidance should help Scottish schools
New guidance and advice published by the Scottish government aims to help schools and councils meet the needs of children with autism. The Autism Toolbox was launched at the National Autistic Society Scotland’s (NASS) Daldoch House School and will be sent […]
Advice charity marks anniversary with new online service
A national disability charity has marked its 40th anniversary by launching a new online service that will offer advice and information built up over the last 40 years. The Disabled Living Foundation’s telephone helpline answers 25, 000 queries a year, but […]
Government reminds trusts to spend money on disabled children
Campaigners have welcomed government action to clarify to primary care trusts (PCT) how they can improve the lives of disabled children with health problems. The government wrote two letters to every PCT in England on 2 April explaining their duties on […]
New mental health strategy ‘will tackle stigma’
The government has announced the launch of a new strategy for people with mental health problems in England. Phil Hope, the care services minister, said the New Horizons strategy would aim to improve services, but there would be a particular focus […]
Some councils must do more on short breaks, says government
The government has threatened to cut funding to some English councils if they don’t do better on providing short breaks for disabled children. The government gave money to 21 “pathfinder authorities” last year to develop best practice in provision of short […]
Weir narrowly fails to repeat London marathon successes
Australian Kurt Fearnley fended off a strong challenge from Britain’s David Weir to win the 2009 Flora London Wheelchair Marathon. In perfect weather conditions, Weir narrowly failed to take his fourth straight title, crossing the line just a second behind Fearnley. […]
Government announces £36 million investment in digital future
Three new digital technology centres will “transform” the lives of disabled and older people, and those living in rural communities, thanks to a £36 million investment in Britain’s “digital future”, the government has announced. The three new research “hubs” at Nottingham, […]
Balls pledges to improve SEN information for parents
A government minister has pledged to improve the information provided to parents of disabled children and children with special educational needs (SEN). Education secretary Ed Balls said he accepted improvements suggested by the Lamb Inquiry which was set up by the […]
New voice for employers of PAs
A new organisation will provide the first national voice for disabled people who employ personal assistants (PAs). The Association of Disabled Employers (ADE) has been set up by Anne Pridmore, who has campaigned for nearly 20 years on independent living and […]