Tag Archives: disability

Joint letter to Andrew Lansley on reform of care funding

An alliance of charities, care homes and housing providers says the government must not duck its commitment to reform

Dear Secretary of State,

On Tuesday 6th March, hundreds of older and disabled people, their families and carers will travel to Westminster with the same message for Parliament: we must end the crisis in our social care system.

They will speak for the millions of individuals and families we represent who are in desperate need of care and either going without or receiving inadequate support.

Years of underfunding, combined with rising demand have resulted in a social care system that is in crisis: an unfair and confusing postcode lottery which is now facing additional cuts. This is a challenge which successive Governments have failed to overcome – but we cannot wait any longer.

Disabled people must not be put at risk

Rights of disabled people may be at risk, says Human Rights Committee

 

01 March 2012

The Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) today publishes its Report on the implementation of the right of disabled people to independent living in the context of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) which was ratified by the UK in 2009.

 

 

The Report draws attention to a number of significant human rights issues, including:

  • the need for freestanding legislation to protect the right to independent living in UK law
  • the effect of current reforms to benefits and services on the ability of disabled people to enjoy independent living
  • the role played by the UNCRPD in policy development and decision making at all levels of government
  • the use of equality impact assessments
  • the effects of devolution on implementation of the UNCRPD
  • hate crime

Disability documentaries to be aired on BBC One and Radio 5 live

BBC announces new disability season

The BBC has announced a new season of disability documentaries to be aired on BBC One and Radio 5 live.

The documentaries will tackle the reality of disability in the 21st century, telling the stories of disabled people and their families as they tackle new stages and phases in their lives.

In Racing With the Hamiltons: Nic in the Driving Seat (6 March), BBC One follows Lewis Hamilton’s younger borther Nic (born with cerebral palsy) in his first season as a racing driver. Rosa Monckton she speaks to parents facing the challenge of enabling their learning disabled children to live independently in Letting Go (13 March).

On 20 March, EastEnders actress Rita Simons (Roxy Mitchell) takes to the screen to talk about the debate over making the best decision for her profoundly deaf six-year-old daughter in My Daughter, Deafness and Me.