A new report for the communications watchdog OFCOM has predicted that assistive technology could help disabled and older people live “longer and richer lives” at home over the next 20 years. Within five years, disabled and older people could be using […]
Report hints at new attack on DLA
A new report has raised concerns that the coalition government could be planning moves to cut the amount it spends on disability living allowance (DLA). Although a Department for Work and Pensions spokeswoman said there had been “no signs” from ministers […]
Triple alarm bells ringing over welfare reform
Campaigners have warned of a “triple-jeopardy” facing disabled people, after the government launched its plans for welfare reform. Iain Duncan Smith, the Conservative work and pensions secretary, pledged to fight poverty, simplify the benefits system and improve incentives to work. Announcing […]
Queen’s speech: Commission will probe social care funding
Disability organisations have given a cool welcome to government plans to set up an independent commission to find a “sustainable” way to reform social care funding. The plans were laid out in this week’s Queen’s speech with the government pledging that […]
Government cuts raise fears
Disabled activists have warned that the £6.2 billion spending cuts announced by the government this week could have a severe impact on disabled people’s lives. David Laws, the Liberal Democrat chief secretary to the Treasury, announced heavy cuts to the budgets […]
EHRC has failed again on website and helpline
Leading campaigners have fiercely criticised the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), after new figures showed it has failed to make vital improvements to the number of disabled people who use its website and helplines. In October 2008, at the end […]
Mayor failed to consult DPOs over new Routemaster design
Transport for London has admitted failing to consult with disabled people’s organisations on the final design of its new Routemaster bus. The old Routemasters were scrapped by the previous mayor, Ken Livingstone, largely because they were not accessible. Unveiling the “final […]
Government stays silent over rail access budget cuts
The Department for Transport (DfT) has refused to say whether it has slashed the budget of national schemes to improve access at railway stations. The alleged cuts were first exposed in a letter written before the election to the DfT by […]
Queen’s speech: New concerns over coalition’s education plans
Disabled campaigners have raised serious concerns about the impact of government plans to create more self-governing “academy” schools. This week’s Queen’s speech included plans to allow new providers to run state schools, to allow more schools to become academies, and to […]
Artist will create work out of access stress
A disabled artist is to measure disabled people’s temperature heart rate and brain waves to assess their stress levels as they encounter public access barriers. The data gathered – as well as the reactions of non-disabled people making the same journey […]