Inclusive education campaigners have raised “deep concerns” about crucial parts of a review of the special educational needs (SEN) system by the education watchdog. Ofsted’s review which was commissioned by the Labour government, points to “widespread weaknesses” in provision for disabled […]
Report finds Pathways was a dead end
A new report by MPs has called on the government to “fundamentally review” the employment support it provides for disabled people claiming out-of-work disability benefits. The report by the public accounts committee (PAC) on Labour’s Pathways to Work programme for disabled […]
Euthanasia protest will mark opposition to ‘very dangerous’ bill
Disabled anti-euthanasia campaigners are to stage a protest outside the Scottish parliament, as a committee of MSPs hears evidence on a proposed bill that would legalise assisted suicide in Scotland. The end of life assistance (Scotland) bill would allow those “whose […]
Agreement with EU publishers could help sharing of accessible books
European publishers and disability organisations have signed an agreement that could help convert more books into accessible formats. The agreement aims to help ease the “book famine” faced by those who are “print-disabled” – blind, partially-sighted and dyslexic people – in […]
Housing benefit cuts ‘will push disabled people further into poverty’
Government cuts to spending on housing benefit are likely to increase homelessness among disabled people and push them further into poverty according to a disabled people’s pressure group. The Local Housing Allowance Reform Group (LHARG) spoke out in evidence submitted to […]
Fewer employers aware of DDA, says government report
Awareness of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) among employers has fallen since 2006, according to a new government report. The report, Organisations’ Responses to the Disability Discrimination Act, says the number of employers who were aware of the recruitment and employment […]
Solar Centre abuse scandal: Outrage over police inaction
Police could face a judicial review over their refusal to reopen an investigation into allegations of serious abuse and ill-treatment of disabled people at a Yorkshire day centre. South Yorkshire police had been reviewing the case after a report into the […]
Begg raises new concerns over work test pilot schemes
A disabled MP has raised doubts over whether the government has ensured the right support is in place for people set to take part in a controversial incapacity benefit (IB) pilot scheme. Disabled people in Anne Begg’s Aberdeen South constituency will […]
Death of ‘gentle warrior’ leaves gaping hole in movement
Friends and fellow activists were this week coming to terms with the loss of Rowen Jade, a “gentle warrior” and “force for change”, whose death has drawn tributes from across the disability movement. Jade’s career spanned direct action protests, youth work, […]
Campaigner’s hate crime files are just ‘tip of the iceberg’
A leading activist has submitted evidence of 68 violent deaths of disabled people – and more than 500 other potential disability hate crimes – to a major national inquiry into disability-related harassment. Reports of the crimes were collected over just three […]