The government’s adviser on the natural environment has pledged to drive forward work to remove the barriers preventing disabled people from enjoying England’s parks, nature reserves and other green spaces. Natural England made the pledge as it published a new report […]
Medical student bites back after Mosquito bar discrimination
A disabled medical student who was refused entry to a bar and then taunted by the manager, has secured compensation for discrimination. Mark Daniels, a wheelchair-user from Peckham, south London, secured an out-of-court settlement of £1,500 for the treatment he received […]
Police watchdog report is ‘only the beginning’ for custody deaths campaign
Activists say a new report by MPs is only a “starting point” for a campaign to raise awareness of the deaths and abuse of people with mental health conditions in police custody. They say the new report by the home affairs […]
MPs hear sound of 100 voices on accessible transport
MPs, transport executives and local government chiefs have been told by people with learning difficulties how accessible transport can transform their lives. More than 100 people with learning difficulties – all service-users supported by the charity the Brandon Trust – had […]
The Diary – listings
Ongoing. Shape in the City. 40 Gracechurch Street, London EC3V 0BT (two minutes from Monument tube station). Mondays to Thursdays from 10am to 2pm. Other times by appointment only. Pop-up art gallery in the heart of the City of London, over five floors of […]
Concern over DR UK director’s links with insurance investigators
The country’s most influential disabled people’s organisation is facing fresh controversy after it emerged that one of its directors works for a company that carries out secret surveillance on claimants of disability insurance. John Gillman is a non-executive director of Disability […]
McVey bows to ‘safely, reliably’ pressure on PIP regulations
The government has bowed to intense campaigning pressure and agreed to add vital wording to its new personal independence payment (PIP) assessment, and to give the amendment legal force. Today’s change to the PIP regulations, which will be debated next month […]
Sex workers back on the care home agenda, say activists
Campaigners are calling for more awareness of disabled people’s right to a sex life after newspaper reports suggested that staff at care homes across Sussex were “facilitating” the visits of sex workers. The claims were originally made as part of […]
Boycott pledge over amputee charity’s PIP links with Atos and Capita
A leading user-led organisation has sparked a fierce row after it admitted joining “engagement groups” set up by the government contractors Atos Healthcare and Capita as part of the coalition’s disability living allowance (DLA) reforms. Limbless Association was heavily criticised this […]
Minister picks PIP link option for blue badge scheme
The government has decided not to widen automatic entitlement to the disabled person’s blue parking badge when disability living allowance (DLA) is replaced by a new benefit. The decision was announced by the Liberal Democrat transport minister, Norman Baker, as […]