Questions have been raised over a government minister’s failure to listen to serious concerns about the controversial “fitness for work” test. The concerns emerged after the airing of two prime-time television documentaries this week, both focusing on the operation of the […]
Paralympics protest aims to strike ‘major blow’ against Atos
Disabled activists look set to target next month’s Paralympics in London in protest at the involvement of Atos Healthcare the much-criticised company which carries out “fitness for work” tests on behalf of the government. The grassroots campaign group Disabled People Against […]
London 2012: ‘Golden’ Nyree welcomes new recruit to Team Kindred
As one half of the “golden couple” of British Paralympics, Nyree Kindred is well used to media attention; but there has been a new addition to the high profile team since the Beijing games in 2008. Last year, Kindred gave birth […]
Gabi looks to Ellie for tips on handling teen spotlight
When 14-year-old wheelchair fencer Gabi Down competes at London 2012, she will look for inspiration to the performances of an even younger Paralympian. Swimmer Ellie Simmonds was the star of the British team in Beijing four years ago, where, aged just […]
Opening ceremony will provide a ‘world stage’ for disability rights
Tonight’s opening ceremony of the Paralympic Games will provide a “world stage” on which to communicate the importance of disability rights according to one of its two disabled artistic directors. Jenny Sealey was speaking hours before the opening ceremony was due […]
London 2012: Transport boss is ready for Paralympic challenge
London’s transport boss appears cautiously optimistic that the capital’s public transport network will stand up to carrying tens of thousands of disabled people to and from the London 2012 Paralympics. Peter Hendy Transport for London’s (TfL) commissioner told Disability News Service […]
London 2012: Paralympians prepare to feed off crowds as long wait nears end
Not even the unwise words of a team-mate could dampen the enthusiasm of para-cyclist Rik Waddon, as he and other ParalympicsGB stars gave their final press conference before the London 2012 games begin. Speaking to journalists just two days before the […]
London 2012: LOCOG boss praises Atos, as protesters pledge to ‘hound and harass’
The chief executive of London 2012 has praised the Paralympic sponsor Atos, less than a day after nearly 100 activists – including a retired Paralympian – launched a week of protests at its involvement in the games. Paul Deighton, chief executive […]
Access to Work figures are ‘disgraceful’, says shadow minister
New figures that show how the number of disabled people receiving funding through the Access to Work (AtW) scheme has plummeted since the coalition came to power are “disgraceful”, according to a shadow minister. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) […]
Equality watchdog ‘could be left with almost no disabled staff’
The equality watchdog could be left with almost no disabled employees if it confirms plans to cut more than 100 jobs, an open letter signed by scores of its own staff has warned. More than 120 members of Equality and Human […]