A disabled Liberal Democrat peer is to ask parliament to extend the access to work (ATW) scheme – which helps fund access adjustments in the workplace – to disabled councillors. The move would make it easier for disabled people who face […]
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Government’s strict work test ‘forces disabled people onto JSA’
Too many disabled people are being denied out-of-work disability benefits and forced instead onto the less generous jobseeker’s allowance (JSA), following the introduction of a tough new “work capability” test, campaigners have warned. They fear that an unexpectedly large proportion of […]
Assisted suicide guidance sends out ‘disturbing signals’
Campaigners say new guidance that clarifies the law on assisted suicide sends out “disturbing” signals about how disabled people are viewed. The interim guidance for England, Wales and Northern Ireland lists the factors to be considered in deciding whether to prosecute […]
Welsh shoppers ‘abandoning high street over access’
Disabled people in Wales are not being well served by their local high streets, according to a new campaigning report. The report by Disability Wales (DW), the national association of disabled people’s organisations, says disabled shoppers face huge barriers when they […]
Government unveils blue badge map improvements
The government has unveiled improvements to an internet map that helps disabled people travel across the UK. The blue badge map already included the locations of facilities such as blue badge parking bays, Shopmobility centres, taxi ranks, accessible beaches, as well […]
Benefits report fails on major issues, says poverty charity
Campaigners have welcomed parts of a report on benefits reform by former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith, but say it should have done more to tackle the poverty faced by disabled people. The Dynamic Benefits report from Duncan Smith’s Centre for […]
Britain is failing those who lose their sight, says RNIB
The lack of advice and support for people who lose their sight is “a national disgrace” according to a disability charity. RNIB said that of the 100 people a day who begin to lose their sight, only eight will be offered […]
Edinburgh festival pledges to improve access
Organisers have admitted that access at this year’s Edinburgh International Festival (EIF) was not good enough, and have ordered a major review. The decision came after disabled artists labelled access at the festival “an absolute disgrace”. Ju Gosling, aka ju90, had […]
Mayor to face police authority hate crime questions
A leading disabled activist is to question publicly Boris Johnson’s failure to mention disability hate crime in his equality plan for London. Anne Novis will raise the issue in her role as the United Kingdom’s Disabled People’s Council (UKDPC) representative on […]
Anger over withdrawal of college funding
Funding for young adults with learning difficulties to attend further education courses is being withdrawn at the last minute by local authorities, according to a disability charity. The Down’s Syndrome Association (DSA) said it was “very concerned” after receiving a string […]