A new campaigning coalition is set to fight for improvements to the government’s equality bill, and for full civil rights for disabled people. The agreement to form the new coalition of disabled people – yet to be named – came at […]
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New single equality duty ‘must be robust’
The government has set out how public sector bodies should “advance” equal opportunities and tackle discrimination through a new single equality duty. The duty is a key part of the equality bill and will “build on” existing disability, gender and race […]
Right to Control is ‘a leap forward’ for disabled people
Campaigners have hailed a government programme that would give disabled people in England control over the funding they receive from the state as a “leap forward” for disability rights. They were speaking at the launch of a consultation on Right to […]
Government’s ratification of UN convention is “critical milestone”
The UK’s ratification of a UN convention enshrining the rights of disabled people is “a critical milestone” in the struggle for equality, despite the government’s decision to opt out of parts of the treaty, say campaigners. The government ratified the UN […]
Research suggests autism estimates are too low
New research suggests that there are many more children with autism in the UK than previously thought. About one per cent of primary school children currently have a diagnosis of autism. But the new study by Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues at […]
Campbell wins Mind champion award
The former Downing Street communications director, Alastair Campbell, has won an award for his campaigning on mental health issues. Campbell, who secured more than half of a public vote, was named champion of the year by the mental health charity Mind […]
Families with disabled children ‘still face barriers’
Fewer than one in six families with disabled children believe they have the support they need to lead a full family life, according to a new survey. The charity Scope, which carried out the online survey of 500 families with disabled […]
Equality bill clears parliamentary hurdle
The government’s equality bill has cleared its first major hurdle in the Commons, despite Conservative opposition. The bill, which will streamline existing equality laws, includes measures to make it easier for someone claiming discrimination to prove they are disabled; ban discrimination […]
Government takes next step in trial of personal health budgets
The government has selected 68 projects across England as it gears up to test the use of personal budgets for people using health services. The pilots – which include projects for people with long-term conditions and mental health services – will […]
Inspectors “appalled” by treatment of disabled prisoners
Some disabled prisoners were unable to shower for months, according to inspectors who visited a “failing” prison on the Isle of Wight. Inspectors said they were “appalled” by the treatment of disabled prisoners at Parkhurst prison, and found that diversity work […]