New concerns have been raised about the impartiality of a commission set up to examine the possible legalisation of assisted suicide. Disability News Service revealed in December that at least eight of the 12 commissioners have in the past supported a […]
Welsh politicians urged to act over ‘second-class treatment’
Disabled people in Wales have called on politicians to do more to “make independent living a reality” and stop them being treated as “second-class citizens”. The call for action came in a Manifesto for Independent Living, launched at the Welsh Assembly […]
The King’s Speech is ‘squashing urban myths about stammering’
The Oscars success of the British film The King’s Speech is already helping to fight ignorance and dispel urban myths about stammering, say campaigners. The user-led British Stammering Association (BSA) said calls to its helpline have risen by half as a […]
Conference’s key messages for Scottish government on accessible housing
Disabled people who took part in a groundbreaking conference this week have suggested key ways to solve the chronic lack of accessible housing in Scotland. Disabled people charities, housing professionals and civil servants from the Scottish government came together at the […]
Government’s benefits advisers deliver second attack on reforms
The government’s own benefits advice body has delivered stinging criticism of its major reforms to disability living allowance (DLA). The social security advisory committee (SSAC) said the reforms appeared to be driven by the coalition’s wish to cut the number of […]
Channel 4 will offer ‘strongest-ever coverage’ of Paralympic World Cup
Channel 4 is to broadcast live coverage of this year’s BT Paralympic World Cup, after securing the rights at the expense of the BBC. The broadcaster will offer two hours of live coverage on the final day of the event 28 […]
Emergency text scheme ‘should be compulsory’
Mobile phone companies should be forced to sign up permanently to a scheme that allows disabled people to send text messages to the emergency services instead of dialling “999”, according to the communications watchdog. A trial of the emergencySMS scheme has […]
BBC breached code over flashing images warning failure
The broadcasting watchdog has upheld a complaint against the BBC for introducing a news report without warning that it contained flashing images that posed a risk to some people with epilepsy. The news item on the BBC News at Ten on […]
Disabled people’s protest ‘will send vital message to government’
Disabled people and their organisations are hoping to send a critical message to the government with a major protest against its programme of spending cuts and welfare reforms. The day of action on Wednesday 11 May will feature a rally at […]
Minister calls for council action on dangerous pavement parking
Campaigners have welcomed new measures that should make it easier for councils to stop motorists risking the safety of disabled pedestrians by parking on pavements. Vehicles parked on pavements can force wheelchair-users, people with visual impairments and other disabled people into […]