the country's only news agency specialising in disability issues
Disabled people have questioned the government’s decision to ease the stringent guidance that was previously advising those shielding from coronavirus to stay inside for weeks on end. In a surprise move at the weekend, ministers suddenly announced that those who have […]
Trying to force disabled people into work by threatening to sanction their benefits is ineffective and likely to harm their health, and even put their lives at risk, according to research co-produced with a disabled people’s organisation. The fear instilled by […]
Official figures showing how many disabled people are dying due to coronavirus will finally be published next month, Disability News Service (DNS) can reveal. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has told DNS that it recognises the importance of providing the […]
Disabled people have described how they have been abandoned by the UK government, local authorities, and the supermarket giants, as they struggle to survive during the pandemic crisis. Their descriptions of their experiences over the last two months are included in […]
Disabled people’s organisations and charities have sent a legal letter to the care watchdog, warning that its decision to halt its regular programme of inspections has put many disabled and older people at “heightened risk” of harm. They say that service-users […]
A new fund is offering grants to user-led and community groups in England that are providing support to people in mental distress during the coronavirus crisis. The fund is being run by the National Survivor User Network (NSUN), and offers grants […]
Eight local authorities in England have become the first to take advantage of new emergency powers that allow them to reduce their duties under the Care Act. One of the councils – Solihull – has become the first to admit that […]
Disabled people’s organisations have called on charities that are not user-led to “move over and stop taking our space”. The calls came during the Reclaiming Our Futures Alliance (ROFA) national conference, which had been due to take place in Manchester, but […]
The government’s continuing failure to produce accessible information and guidance to help disabled people protect themselves during the coronavirus crisis is unacceptable and will cost lives, disabled people’s organisations have warned. Disabled campaigners spoke out after the Department of Health and […]
Senior health figures have promised that the NHS will “always seek to fully protect” the rights of disabled people during the coronavirus pandemic, after responding to concerns raised in a statement by scores of disabled campaigners and user-led organisations. The response from […]