The new Conservative minister for disabled people has pledged to work closely with disabled people, improve access and equality and work towards ending disability poverty. Speaking at a meeting of the all-party parliamentary disability group, Maria Miller MP provided few new […]
Doctors admit people with learning difficulties face discrimination
Almost half of doctors – and more than a third of nurses – believe people with learning difficulties receive poorer healthcare than the rest of the population, according to a new survey. Similar numbers have seen a patient with a learning […]
Council and Guide Dogs ‘will work together on shared streets plans’
A high-profile court case has been put on hold after a council agreed to work with disability organisations on its plans for a controversial “shared streets” development in London’s tourist heartland. The charity Guide Dogs had raised serious concerns – backed […]
Peers raise fresh concerns over government cuts
Peers have raised fears that the government could be planning cuts to the disability living allowance (DLA) budget and the Access to Work (ATW) programme and could be set to abolish the Office for Disability Issues (ODI). The concerns were raised […]
Further blow to Independent Living Fund support
The Independent Living Fund (ILF) has announced that it will not accept any further new applications for the rest of the year. An ILF spokeswoman said the decision was not connected with government funding cuts, as it had received a three […]
More than three guide dogs attacked every month, say researchers
New research has found that more than three guide dogs every month in the UK are being attacked by other dogs. The research, published in the magazine Veterinary Record, found that almost two-thirds of the attacks were made on dogs that […]
Clegg says disabled children will be task force priority
The deputy prime minister has promised that supporting disabled children and their families will be one of the priorities of a new cross-government task force on childhood and families. In a speech at an event organised by the charity Barnardo’s in […]
Minister faces up to DAN’s welfare reform protest
Disabled activists secured a face-to-face meeting with the new minister for disabled people, during a protest over the government’s welfare-to-work policies. About 30 members of the Disabled People’s Direct Action Network (DAN) and allies chanted slogans and held placards calling for […]
Freud’s warm words fail to quell welfare concerns
The welfare system has made it “much easier” for disabled people to depend on benefits than on themselves, according to the new Conservative minister for welfare reform. Speaking at a parliamentary reception on the financial independence of disabled people, Lord Freud […]
Disabled talent recognised in birthday honours
Some of the country’s leading disabled creative, sporting academic and campaigning talents have been recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours. One of Britain’s most successful record-producers, Robin Millar, was awarded a CBE. Millar has been responsible for 150 gold, silver and […]