BBC study highlights “shocking disparity” of blue badge scheme
-People with non-visible disabilities such as autism or Parkinson’s disease face a “shocking disparity” when applying for a blue badge parking permit, according to an investigation by the BBC. The…
Spy chief issues social media call to recruit disabled people
-Britain’s new spy chief has revealed on social media that he wants disabled people to join MI6. Richard Moore said his wife, who is blind and helped establish the Turkish…
Study finds lockdown leaving disabled people financially worse off
-A nationwide survey has found that more than a third of people living with a disability have been unable to buy groceries at some stage during the pandemic – because they couldn’t…
Disabled driver awarded discrimination payout
-A disabled man has received a £14,000 compensation payout from Royal Mail for disability harassment in what he described as a “toxic work culture”. The Guardian reported that Nabil Mehdinejad, a delivery…
DDA anniversary highlights progress and pitfalls
-The BBC is marking the 25th anniversary of the Disability Discrimination Act with a series of online articles and broadcasts. The coverage highlights the protests which put pressure on the…
Seven principles set out for arts and culture Covid changes
-The gradual reopening of the arts and entertainment sectors has prompted a collaboration aimed at ensuring disabled people are not left behind in the planning and delivery of measures to…
Northern Ireland acts to make Changing Places mandatory
-The Northern Ireland Assembly has taken a step towards making Changing Places facilities mandatory for new buildings with a significant announcement by its Finance Minister. Conor Murphy told the Assembly…
BBC announces partial Red Button reprieve
-The BBC has announced that it has reversed its decision to bring an end to its Red Button TV text services. The corporation had planned to remove the service due…
Plastic straws ban prompts concerns for disabled people
-A ban on single-use plastic straws, stirrers and cotton buds has come into force in England but the government is promising exemptions for people with disabilities or medical conditions. The…
Charity highlights disabled people “forgotten in pandemic”
-A leading charity has warned that disabled people are being “pushed out” of a post-lockdown world, with many anxious to leave the house. Highlighting the situation facing Melanie Duddridge, of…
Simon serves up treats and tips with cook book for visually-impaired
-A blind veteran from Derbyshire is in the process of writing a cookbook of recipes which demonstrate essential techniques when cooking and visually-impaired. Simon Mahoney, who is 73 and comes…
Consultation poses questions on pavement parking
-The government has embarked on a nationwide consultation to find solutions to the problems posed by motorists parking on pavements. The consultation period began on 31 August and will run…
LEGO announces international launch of braille bricks
-LEGO has announced the official launch of LEGO Braille Bricks in seven countries, including Brazil, Denmark, France, Germany, Norway, UK and USA. The company unveiled the idea as a pilot…
Appeal for input to help design social distancing signals
-The RNIB is seeking advice from blind and partially sighted people on how to make others aware of the difficulties of maintaining social distancing. Working with the Cabinet Office, the…
RNIB highlights issues emerging from the “new normal”
-The RNIB is targeting regional newspapers with its latest call for the government to keep the country’s streets accessible for blind and partially sighted people. The charity highlighted its concerns…
Cheers greet government’s Changing Places announcement
-Charities and campaigners have welcomed the double announcement which accompanied the recent Changing Places Awareness Day. The first announcement was that changes will be made to legislation to make Changing…
Visually-impaired business plans legal action over taxi refusals
-The BBC has highlighted the case of a businessman from Cardiff in a report about how blind people are frequently refused transport by taxi drivers. The BBC Wales programme Rip…
Organisers in U-turn over US Open wheelchair tennis championships
-Top wheelchair tennis players have welcomed the U-turn which means the sport will now take place after all at the US Open. Sky reported that criticism from players and officials…
Disabled travellers urged to check changes to Covid-19 transport systems
-As travel options change for everybody as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic the BBC has looked at some of the challenges facing disabled people. Reporter Beth Rose explored various…
Charity shops responding to challenge of reopening
-The rush to reopen retail after lockdown has prompted Guardian journalist Sam Wollaston to look behind the scenes at a sector which has been harder hit than most – Britain’s…
