Two disabled people’s organisation (DPOs) that are set to help outsourcing giant Capita test claimants of disability benefits have pledged to withdraw their support if the assessments are not carried out in a “fair, open and clear way”. Assist UK, which […]
London 2012: Festival cancelled after venue plunges into administration
A major international disability arts and human rights festival set to take place during the London 2012 Paralympics has had to be cancelled, after the venue where it was being staged was forced into administration. The Together! 2012 festival had been […]
Winterbourne View: Call for MPs to act over failure to prevent latest scandal
People with learning difficulties have called on MPs to act over fears that the latest report into the “brutal” institutional abuse of disabled people will again fail to prevent future scandals. They spoke out after the publication of a serious case […]
New black cab ‘could boost access’ for disabled passengers
Disabled experts who have worked with the designers of a new “black cab for London” say they hope it will improve accessible transport in the capital. The new “hackney carriage” was launched this week by Nissan with the manufacturer claiming that […]
London 2012: Skelhon drops Mohican to focus on gold
Four years ago, at the Beijing Paralympics it was Matt Skelhon’s Mohican haircut that drew most of the media attention, despite his gold medal. But this time, at London 2012, he has decided to go “incognito”. Skelhon, who describes himself as […]
London 2012: Barracks will bring back memories as Murray aims for gold
When Kate Murray competes in the Paralympic archery event at London 2012, the venue will revive some happy childhood memories. The event is being held at The Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich, where her father was regimental sergeant major more than […]
London 2012: Gilroy hopes Paralympics will bring overdue recognition
A table-tennis star has spoken of her hope that London 2012 will finally bring public recognition of the sporting talents of Britain’s Paralympians. Sue Gilroy will be playing in her fourth Paralympic Games, and is ranked seven in the world, but […]
Disabled peer set to make history in Lords after ‘uplifting’ decision
A pioneering disabled activist will make history this autumn when she becomes the first peer to be allowed to take a personal assistant (PA) into the main chamber of the House of Lords during debates. Baroness [Jane] Campbell has been told […]
London 2012: Praise for volunteers and venue access
The first week of the London 2012 Olympics has seen praise for the assistance given to disabled sports fans by volunteer staff, reports of superb access at venues, but some early concerns about accessible parking and transport. There has also been […]
Decision to award PIP contracts to Atos is ‘twisting the knife’
The decision to award benefit assessment contracts to the company that carries out controversial “fitness for work” tests for the government has caused widespread shock and anger among disabled activists. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) finally announced today (2 […]