Robotics, internet video-calls and even virtual reality “avatars” are likely to play an increasing role in supporting disabled and older people to live independently, according to a senior government adviser. Professor Brian Collins, chief scientific adviser to both the Department for […]
Tanni’s maiden speech hints at future focus in Lords
Baroness [Tanni] Grey-Thompson has used her maiden speech in the House of Lords to speak of her hope that the London 20102 Olympic and Paralympic Games will lead to “significant change” and inclusion for disabled people. The disabled peer – who […]
Watchdog ignores call for more audio description
The broadcasting watchdog has ignored the views of hundreds of visually-impaired people who took part in a consultation on audio-described television. Disabled campaigners accused Ofcom of “a total cop-out”, after it decided not to recommend any of three possible options on […]
Research triggers fears among autistic rights campaigners
Disabled activists have raised serious concerns about new genetic research which could lead to treatments or cures for autism. Members of the autistic rights movement fear the research could lead to abortion clinics being seen as a “solution” to autism, as […]
EHRC calls for personal stories of harassment
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is appealing to disabled people to come forward with evidence of their own experiences of disability-related intimidation and violence. The evidence call is part of the EHRC’s inquiry into what public bodies and transport […]
EHRC faces deep budget cuts
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has been told by the government to slash its spending this year by nearly 12 per cent. The government has ordered the EHRC to find £7 million in savings from this year’s £60 million […]
Disabled MP elected to chair influential committee
A disabled MP has become the first elected chair of the influential committee that will hold the government to account over welfare reform. The Labour MP Anne Begg said the economic climate would make her job as chair of the work […]
New work programme ‘by next summer’
The government has announced its timetable for replacing Labour’s employment schemes with one single work programme for people on out-of-work benefits, including those who are disabled. In a ministerial statement the Conservative employment minister Chris Grayling said the government aimed to […]
Disabled ex-soldier enters Big Brother house
A disabled ex-soldier has been selected as one of the housemates for the final series of the TV reality show Big Brother. Immediate impressions of Steve Gill on blogs and websites were overwhelmingly positive, both from disabled and non-disabled people, and […]
Hospital’s death fine highlights ‘two-tier’ health system
People with learning difficulties still face a “two-tier health system”, two years after an independent inquiry concluded that they received less effective treatment than non-disabled people, it has been claimed. A leading disabled activist spoke out after a hospital trust was […]