In the News

New help has been made available to Britain’s businesses after a survey from Croner reveals almost half expect serious financial implications from the new Disability Discrimination Law, which comes into force in one year.

The law will require service providers to make significant and potentially costly adjustments to ensure their organisations are accessible to those with disabilities; one in seven of the UK population.

Business Issues for Leicester
March 2004

Protesters are planning to blockade a shopping centre in Trafford after management ended free parking for disabled shoppers.

The decision was made two weeks ago to increase parking fees to 40p an hour including disabled drivers. Michael Walsh who is registered disabled and lives in nearby, said disabled people are furious.

News bbc.co.uk
22nd March 2004

Doctors who "imposed" treatment on a disabled boy against the wishes of his mother breached his human rights, judges have ruled. But they accepted doctors at St Mary's Hospital, Portsmouth, had acted in the best interests of David Glass.

David's family did not agree with the treatment and refused permission for the medication. The European Court of Human Rights said the hospital did not have the right to overrule family wishes.

News bbc.co.uk
9th March 2004

A staggering 70% of disabled people said that they are still unable to get through the door in pubs and bars across the UK. This figure was highlighted in a recent NOP poll commissioned by the DRC to show the extent to which Britain still remains a closed shop to disabled people.

Disability Rights Commission
17th March 2004

Alison Lapper, the subject of a larger-than-life nude statue that has won a competition to occupy the empty plinth in Trafalgar Square, said that she was a more deserving subject than the late Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother.

Ms Lapper, who has attenuated legs and no arms, said that the statue of her when she was 8½ months’ pregnant was an overdue recognition of disabled people.

The Times
17th March 2004

More than 12,000 people are needlessly dying or becoming disabled each year following a stroke, according to a charity.

The Stroke Association said a lack of specialist stroke units in NHS hospitals was to blame. It described the situation as "a national scandal" and urged ministers to take action. But ministers say the figures are out of date and improvements are being made to stroke services.

News bbc.co.uk
13th November 2003