Category Archives: disability
Fitness-for-work tests unfair on people with mental health problems, court says
Work capability assessments place those with mental health conditions at substantial disadvantage, judge concludes
Amelia Gentleman
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 22 May 2013 14.13 BST
The judge ruled that the Department for Work and Pensions had breached its duties to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ under the Equality Act to ensure that people with mental health problems were treated fairly. Photograph: Toby Melville/Reuters
The fitness-for-work test used to determine whether hundreds of thousands of people are eligible to claim sickness benefits substantially disadvantages people with mental health conditions, a court has ruled, in a landmark ruling hailed as a significant victory by mental health charities.
A three-judge tribunal panel ruled that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) had breached its duties to make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act to ensure that people with mental health problems are treated fairly by the system.
Liverpool hosts first 'disability Games'
South Liverpool sports academy welcomes disability games
The event was an opportunity for local people with disabilities to experience competitive sport.
The first Disability Sport Regional Games has taken place in south Liverpool, bringing together 250 competitors in seven sports.
The games were held between May 10 and 12 at Greenbank Sports Academy.
Games organiser Steve Hoskins said: “Greenbank’s first north west regional games was a big success – everyone who took part really enjoyed it and next year we’ll be back but bigger and better.”
The aim of the event was to give as many disabled people as possible the chance to experience competition at a regional level. It was also a chance to showcase the new disability sport for electric wheelchair users: Power Hockey.
Cuts to adult social services in Norfolk are going to get worse
Norfolk County Council bosses warning over pressure on social care from ageing population
Dan Grimmer Tuesday, May 21, 2013
1:33 PM
Norfolk is facing a “significant challenge” because an ageing population is heaping pressure on social services at a time when the money to tackle the problem is shrinking, council bosses have warned.
Bosses at Norfolk County Council said the number of people contacting the council with a social care need has soared from 34,200 to 64,000 in the past five years – and is only going to increase.
And union leaders have warned that, following the problems revealed in Norfolk County Council’s children’s services department, further cuts in budgets will mean cracks could next appear in services for vulnerable adults.
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