An inquiry has called for urgent and major reform of the special educational needs (SEN) system, and an end to the “culture of low expectations” for disabled children and those with SEN. The plea came in the final report of an […]
SEN inquiry: Balls pledges ‘stronger voice’ for parents and children
The government has promised parents and children “a stronger voice at the heart of the special educational needs (SEN) system”, in its response to a major inquiry. Responding to the final report of the Lamb inquiry on the SEN system – […]
Thalidomide campaigners hopeful on government funding
Disabled people born with impairments caused by the drug thalidomide say they are “cautiously optimistic” that the government will provide them with new financial support. They have been campaigning since last year for government funding for the 463 people in the […]
Disabled peers ready for battle on equality bill
Three disabled peers say they will fight to ensure that the equality bill does not lower the level of protection for disabled people currently provided by the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Baroness [Jane] Campbell, Baroness [Rosalie] Wilkins and Lord [Colin] Low […]
Still no justice on disability hate crime, say professionals
The criminal justice system is still failing to take the issue of disability hate crime seriously enough, according to a poll of professionals. Nearly 50 delegates from local authorities, the Crown Prosecution Service, police forces, central government and voluntary organisations attended […]
Personal care bill will only help 20,000 more younger adults
The government’s personal care at home bill will only provide free care to an extra 20,000 younger disabled adults, the government has admitted. Health secretary Andy Burnham revealed the figure during the second reading of the bill in the Commons. The […]
Guidance on assisted suicide law ‘must be toughened’
New guidance aimed at clarifying the law on assisted suicide must make it clear that nearly everyone who helps a person to kill themselves will be prosecuted, according to leading disabled activists. Not Dead Yet UK (NDY UK) was responding to […]
Government’s blood scandal response is a ‘running sore’
A succession of peers have attacked the government for failing to implement the recommendations of an inquiry into the NHS contaminated blood scandal. They were speaking during the second reading of a private members’ bill introduced in the Lords by the […]
Benefits increase now seems not quite so generous
Disabled people will receive an above-inflation increase in disability benefits in April, the chancellor has announced in his pre-budget report. But there were criticisms of the move later, when it emerged that the recipients will have to cope with a lower […]
Battle begins again to bring best out of equality bill
Campaigners are preparing to continue the battle to strengthen disabled people’s protection from discrimination in the equality bill. Although they have welcomed amendments made by the government earlier this month as the bill completed its progress through the Commons, they say […]