A cheerleader, an athlete and an artist are among the first disabled people chosen to take part in this summer’s Paralympic torch relay. LOCOG, London 2012’s organising committee, this week announced the names of more than 300 people – both disabled […]
Disabled artist ‘in shock’ over treatment by London 2012
A disabled artist who has spent five years training young disabled people to perform in the Paralympics opening ceremony has spoken of the “disgraceful” way he has been treated by organisers of the London 2012 games. Jean-Marie Akkerman founded Cirque Nova […]
University defends display of disabled icon’s skeleton in glass case
A London university has defended its decision to continue to display the bones of one of the nineteenth century’s most iconic disabled figures in a private museum. The skeleton of Joseph Merrick is kept in a glass exhibition case by Queen […]
Anger as council plans to push disabled people into residential care
A cost-cutting local authority is set to force more disabled people into residential care, rather than paying for them to receive support in their own homes. Disabled activists have reacted furiously to the proposals by Worcestershire County Council which are now […]
Queen’s speech: Government ‘fails to understand’ need for care funding reform
Campaigners have questioned the government’s commitment to supporting disabled adults, after it failed to offer any sign that reform of the funding of adult social care was imminent. The coalition announced in this week’s Queen’s speech, which marks the beginning of […]
Queen’s speech: Campaigners await details of coalition’s ‘inclusion bias’ plans
The government is to push ahead with special educational needs (SEN) reform but has yet to say if it will follow through on threats to reduce disabled children’s rights to be educated in mainstream schools. The coalition announced in this week’s […]
Disabled shopper’s Orange nightmare
A disabled woman was tackled to the floor by a security guard after she complained about not being allowed to return her new mobile phone, only minutes after signing the contract. The woman, who has cerebral palsy and scoliosis, but has […]
Government’s advisers call for cash help for DLA losers
The government’s own benefits advice body has called for financial compensation to help those disabled people set to lose out from the government’s reforms and cuts to spending on disability living allowance (DLA). The social security advisory committee (SSAC) said the […]
Paralympic Games opening ceremony: Directors pledge to showcase inclusion
One of the two disabled artistic directors of this summer’s Paralympic Games opening ceremony has spoken of the need to produce an “exquisite” demonstration of the talents of disabled artists and performers. Jenny Sealey, artistic director of the disabled-led theatre company […]
Paralympic Games opening ceremony: Enlightenment, circus spectacle and a fly-past
The first tantalising details of what promises to be a stunning Paralympic Games opening ceremony have been revealed by its two disabled artistic directors. Jenny Sealey and Bradley Hemmings announced that the theme of the ceremony – to be held in […]