EFD disability news - latest stories

Disabled people subjected to 'benefit fraud' abuse

EFD — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:19:00 +0000

The UK government's focus on benefit fraudsters as a justification for cuts being made to disability allowances is being used as ammunition against disabled people.

An increasing number of people with disabilities say they are facing abuse and bitterness while out in public from people that believe they are faking their ailment.

The government's 20 per cent planned cut in Disability Living Allowances (DLA) by 2015/16 forms a backdrop to this abuse.

Wheelchair users to be granted access to park in Otley

EFD — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:47:00 +0000

A £100,000 budget has been granted to the charity Groundwork Leeds to revamp Gallows Hill Nature Park in Otley, near Leeds.

The park will be made accessible to wheelchair users under the scheme, while paths will be levelled for the benefit of anyone who requires a level walking surface.

Minister for disabled insists 'there is no shortage of British jobs'

EFD — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:51:00 +0000

Despite a recent bout of figures declaring high levels of unemployment in the UK, a government minister claims there is "no shortage of jobs".

The minister for disabled people in the Department for Work and Pensions, Maria Miller, told BBC Radio 5's Pienaar's Politics show that unemployment levels are down to people's unwillingness to apply for the roles available, the Guardian reports.

Welfare reform amendments rejected by House of Commons

EFD — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:54:00 +0000

Recent suggested amendments to the welfare reform bill have been overturned in the House of Commons.

The coalition government won seven key votes in the Commons, reinstating the original proposals into the legislation and rejecting any changes suggested by peers.

It aims to cut 280,000 disabled people from receiving out of work benefits, while half a million people with disabilities will now be ineligible for a benefit designed to help them with the higher cost of living experienced by many disabled Britons.

Employers 'inadvertently discriminating against deaf workers'

EFD — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:56:00 +0000

While employers are becoming more familiar with the barriers disabled workers face, some conditions are being focused on more than others.

Disabled adjustments can often mean wheelchair-accessible, taking access to work in a very literal sense.

However, other disabilities such as deafness or hearing problems may not always receive the same the same levels of consideration, according to Sherine Krause, managing director of external engagement at Action on Hearing Loss.

Mental health 'still has stigma attached in the workplace'

EFD — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:02:00 +0000

Prejudice still exists in the workplace for people with mental health issues, according to an expert.

Despite a series of recent media campaigns from charity group Mind, Dr Rick Norris, a chartered psychologist and author of Think Yourself Happy, claims that employers are still apprehensive about offering work to people with mental health problems.

Dr Norris argues that older people with mental health issues tend to face more discrimination when applying for jobs as "employers are more likely to give younger people the benefit of the doubt.

Pictures sought for Scope rebranding

EFD — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 17:11:00 +0000

Disability charity Scope is asking disabled people, their friends and families to submit pictures and words to help them with their rebranding efforts.

Scope's new logo has been compiled from a number of simple drawings, each of which is designed to reflect their hopes, dreams, ambitions and aspirations.

The redesign is part of the London-based charity's new living brand, designed to incorporate a series of words and pictures to show different peoples' futures and how they require a creative and collective effort to ensure they become a reality.

Disabled travel app created for smartphones

EFD — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:39:00 +0000

Disabled workers commuting around London can now access information and advice about their journey thanks to a new smartphone app, the BBC reports.

The Ldn Access app gives details of step-free access, disabled toilet facilities and ramps at thousands of venues across the capital and was created by July 7th survivor Daniel Biddle.

Mr Biddle lost his legs, spleen and left eye after a bomb exploded on his tube train in the 2005 attacks, leaving him severely disabled.

Rod Liddle's attack on disabled benefit fraud 'widely condemned'

EFD — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Rod Liddle's article in the Sun concerning disability benefit fraud has prompted widespread condemnation.

In the piece, Mr Liddle jokes that he made becoming disabled a new year's resolution, claiming it has become easier to claim incapacity and disability benefits than in the past.

Franchise targets the disabled travel market

EFD — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:29:00 +0000

A franchise operation has been formed to target the disabled travel market, according to Travel Weekly.

The project has been set up by The Travel Network Group and is a joint venture with Gloucester-based Accessible Travel and aims to serve a market it believes is often overlooked by the industry.

Initially the franchise will operate in Bath and Bristol and hopes to improve travel opportunities for disabled tourists.