The disabled British physicist Professor Stephen Hawking has been awarded America’s highest civilian honour by the US President, Barack Obama. Obama presented Hawking with the Presidential Medal of Freedom at a ceremony at the White House on 12 August. He said […]
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Councils ‘must do more’ to ease impact of recession
Many local authorities should be doing more to prepare for the effects of the recession on disabled and older people, and others in potentially “vulnerable” situations, according to the public spending watchdog. A new report by the Audit Commission, its second […]
Massie says EHRC changes are three years too late
A disabled former commissioner of Britain’s equality watchdog has welcomed its plans to do more to fight the discrimination faced by individual groups – including disabled people – but says they are three years too late. Sir Bert Massie resigned from […]
‘Provocative’ films aim to undermine mental health stigma
A mental health anti-stigma campaign has released two “provocative” online films, as a new poll revealed that many members of the public still believe people with schizophrenia are likely to be violent. The short films, launched by Time to Change, use […]
Artist’s plinth protest highlights Nazi death programme
A disabled artist in a Nazi uniform posed in her wheelchair in Trafalgar Square to mark the 70th anniversary of a Nazi programme that led to the murder of a quarter of a million disabled people. Liz Crow was taking part […]
Thousands join campaign to save DLA and AA
Thousands of disabled people have backed a new campaign to prevent the government scrapping two key disability benefits. The campaign to save disability living allowance (DLA) and attendance allowance (AA) follows the publication of the government’s care and support green paper […]
Equality watchdog set for major shake-up
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is to be given a major shake-up that will put more focus on the discrimination faced by individual groups, including disabled people. The move to have a more “strand-focused” approach could win support from […]
The Eye has it on access
The London Eye has been voted by far the most accessible tourist attraction in the capital, according to a new survey commissioned by London’s Mayor. More than half those who answered the question voted for the London Eye, with the two […]
CPS is ‘failing witnesses with mental health conditions’
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is often failing to allow people with mental health problems to give evidence in court, according to an inquiry by a committee of MPs. The Commons justice committee said in its report that it was “concerned” […]
Ofsted to be forced to improve on disability
Ofsted will have new legal duties to use its inspections to investigate how well schools are supporting disabled children and those with special educational needs (SEN). The pledge was announced by Ed Balls the children, schools and families secretary. His move […]