The first national strategy on autism has been savaged by leading campaigners with autism for its failure to demand real change from councils and health trusts. The new government strategy, which aims to help adults with autism in England “live independently […]
Disabled protesters march on Ofcom over offensive ‘hate’ language
People with learning difficulties have marched on the offices of the communications watchdog Ofcom in protest at its failure to condemn the use of offensive, disablist language on a Channel 4 show. Footballer-turned-actor Vinnie Jones caused outrage when he “joked” on […]
Set-up of EHRC was ‘flawed and inefficient’
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) was “not ready for business” and should have delayed its launch in 2007 because of a “flawed and inefficient set-up process”, according to a report by a committee of MPs. The public accounts committee […]
ELECTION 2010: Lib Dems come up empty-handed on disability
The Liberal Democrat shadow minister for disabled people has failed to lay out any of his party’s disability policies in a puzzling performance in front of a packed meeting of campaigners, activists and fellow politicians. John Barrett MP was speaking at […]
ELECTION 2010: Tory shadow says new work support is key policy
The Conservative shadow minister for disabled people has said that one of his key election policies will be how to get more disabled people into work. Mark Harper MP was speaking to a meeting of the all party parliamentary disability group, […]
ELECTION 2010: Minister says ‘roadmap’ is key to Labour’s disability policies
The minister for disabled people has said that disabled people have shaped Labour’s disability policies for the next election. Jonathan Shaw MP was speaking to a meeting of the all party parliamentary disability group that was packed with disabled campaigners and […]
Debenhams puts disabled model in the picture
A leading department store says it has become the first high street retailer to use pictures of a disabled model in a fashion advertising campaign. Debenhams is using shots of wheelchair-user Shannon Murray online and in window displays in its Glasgow, […]
Concerns remain over assisted suicide guidance
Disabled campaigners have given a mixed response to new official guidance on prosecuting cases of assisted suicide. Some disabled people’s organisations were relieved that the director of public prosecutions, Keir Starmer, had removed “disturbing” elements from the interim guidance he issued […]
Judges must change attitudes on disability
A leading disabled barrister has called for a “sea change” in the attitudes of judges towards disabled people. John Horan said judges should be forced to undergo diversity training that includes a section on disability discrimination because of their lack of […]
Law shake-up ‘will lead to clarity on social care’
An overhaul of the laws that govern the social care provided to disabled and older people has been described as the most radical shake-up of the legislation for more than 60 years. The Law Commission, which advises the government on law […]