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"Shocking and shameful" leading authors condemn Glasgow City Council's plans to close day centres for people with learning disabilities 21 Dec 2012
Plans to close three day centres for people with learning disabilities are a "brutal assault" on the vulnerable, says Booker Prize-winner James Kelman.   In a strongly ... more

Ofcom consultation: Improving access to electronic communications services for disabled people 21 Dec 2012
Summary Purpose: Communications services are important for all citizens in today's connected society. They provide people with access to cultural and educational activities and resources, and to ... more

E-Petition: Cumulative Impact Assessment of Welfare Reform, and a New Deal for sick & disabled people based on their needs, abilities and ambitions 21 Dec 2012
Activists are hoping that a new petition – backed by a campaigning disabled comedian – could finally force the government to assess the overall impact ... more

DWP lies to cover its tracks on mobility cuts 21 Dec 2012
The government is facing mounting outrage after planning to restrict eligibility for support for people with the highest mobility needs, without any warning or consultation ... more

Scot Govt grants to national voluntary organisations which provide, promote or publicise health or health related services - closing date 16 Jan 2012 20 Dec 2012
Scottish Government Health Social Care Directorates: Section 16b Grants 2013/14   WHAT ARE SECTION 16b GRANTS ALL ABOUT?  The Section 16b (s16b) grants scheme’s principal function is to ... more

Carers caring for an adult disabled child subject to benefits cap 19 Dec 2012
Ministers confirm £500-a-week cap will apply to carers after children reach adulthood, forcing some into care Some carers will be exempt from the cap if they ... more

Government confirms closure of the Independent Living Fund 19 Dec 2012
Ministers confirm plans to close the Independent Living Fund (ILF) in 2015, and transfer the budget to local authorities and devolved administrations   Existing Independent Living Fund ... more

More than 300,000 disabled people to have benefits cut says Esther McVey 14 Dec 2012
More than 300,000 disabled people will have their benefits cut when Disability Living Allowance is replace by a new benefit, Esther McVey, the minister for ... more

Disability, mental health, impairments, long-term conditions and poverty - JRF looking for people to carry out policy and evidence review 14 Dec 2012
In September 2012, the JRF launched a new four-year programme to develop an anti-poverty strategy for the UK. Their aim is to create a set ... more

Government makes 'significant changes' to PIP assessment criteria 14 Dec 2012
The government has made “significant changes” to the criteria it will use to assess disabled people’s eligibility for the new personal independence payment (PIP), but ... more

Disability Living Allowance change timetable extended and PIP rates set 13 Dec 2012
Welfare assessments for people with disabilities will be made later than originally planned, the government has announced. Source and full story: BBC News [link opens in ... more

Resources need to be better targeted to help address Scotland's long-standing health inequalities 13 Dec 2012
Health inequalities persist despite £2bn investment Attempts to improve the health of Scotland's poor have cost almost £2bn in three years, but there is little sign ... more

Scottish Government awards funding to help prepare councils for introduction Universal Credit 13 Dec 2012
The Scottish Government has awarded £230,000 to three Council-led pilot projects to help mitigate the impact of the UK Government’s welfare reforms. South Lanarkshire Council and ... more

MPs seek clarity over benefit cap exemptions for disabled people 12 Dec 2012
MPs have sought clarity over whether households comprising parents and a disabled adult on disability benefits will be exempt from the £500-a-week benefit cap due ... more

Budget benefit cuts are 'serious threat' to independence 11 Dec 2012
Hundreds of thousands of disabled people without work are to be hit hard by further cuts to their support, despite the chancellor’s claims in his ... more

Anger as government adds disabled people to workfare scheme 11 Dec 2012
Disabled people could now be forced to work indefinitely for their out-of-work benefits, as a result of new government rules introduced this week. Those who fail ... more

Disabled people and hospital stays 11 Dec 2012
Benefits may be affected when people are in hospital The benefits that disabled people receive may be affected when they are admitted to hospital. This applies ... more

LothianCIL: Disabled people living in Edinburgh are being let down by a benefits system under reform 11 Dec 2012
An increasing number of disabled people living in Edinburgh are at risk of being placed on lower rates of benefits, or not receiving any at ... more

Pat's Debate - your support needed more than ever 11 Dec 2012
Pat’s Petition is moving to Pat’s Debate After a year of very hard work Pat’s Petition closed with over 62,600 signatures. After writing an open letter ... more

Schedule of proposed benefit rates from April 2013 published 06 Dec 2012
The government has confirmed the new benefit rates to be introduced in April 2013. NB - in yesterday's Autumn Statement 2012, the Chancellor announced that most ... more

Autumn Statement: the impact on welfare and disabled people 06 Dec 2012
The Chancellor, George Osborne, delivered his Autumn Statement on Wednesday 5th December. Key measures: most benefits for working age people will increase by only 1% (an ... more

Reminder - Royal Mail stamp offer for those receiving Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance or Incapacity Benefit 05 Dec 2012
If you receive Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance or Incapacity Benefit  you can buy up to 36 stamps in either books of 6 or 12 ... more

Scottish Government: Tackling health inequalities 04 Dec 2012
Ways to narrow the health gap between the richest and poorest people in Scotland will be suggested by a new group of experts. Chaired by Public ... more

New sanctions regime for ESA claimants who fail to carry out agreed work-related activity 04 Dec 2012
  Revealed: rule changes that will force the sick to work for free Tens of thousands of sick and disabled people in Scotland face being forced on ... more

New opportunities for Disabled People's User-Led Organisations (DPULOs) 04 Dec 2012
There are three new opportunities for DPULOs as part of the Strengthening Disabled People’s User-Led Organisation Programme. Read the invitation below. We are seeking Expressions of interest ... more

Today is International Day of Persons with Disabilities 03 Dec 2012
Theme: Removing barriers to create an inclusive and accessible society for all The commemoration of International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2012 provides an opportunity ... more

Carers Rights Day 2012: Getting help in tough times, Friday 30 November 30 Nov 2012
In 2012 Carers Rights Day is taking place on Friday 30th November and the theme is 'Getting help in tough times', focussing on helping carers: Find ... more

Carers' rights: what you need to know 30 Nov 2012
What advice and information can professionals working in the sector give to people caring for older or disabled loved ones? The theme for carers rights day, ... more

DWP reports suggest Work Programme has failed disabled people 30 Nov 2012
Major questions have been raised over the government’s plans to support disabled people into work, after two long-awaited reports showed only about 1,000 claimants of ... more

Carers Scotland welcomes new regulations to waive charges for support to carers 30 Nov 2012
Carers Scotland and the other National Carer Organisations have welcomed the announcement of regulations which will waive charges for support to carers during the debate ... more

Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act - MSPs agree new legislation 29 Nov 2012
New laws to provide funds for people needing community care to pay for their own alternative to local authority-run services have been passed by MSPs During ... more

Self Directed Support Scotland (SDSS) welcomes the new Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act 29 Nov 2012
  Self Directed Support Scotland (SDSS) welcomes the new Social Care (Self-directed Support) (Scotland) Act, which was voted on by the Scottish Parliamen on 28 November ... more

Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion: Why the poverty rate can be misleading for disability 28 Nov 2012
This year, for the first time, Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion featured a chapter on disability.  This forced us to think about how we measure ... more

Left behind: Local authority licensing failure leaves disabled Scots stranded 28 Nov 2012
Disabled people outside of Scotland's major cities areas are being left stranded because local authorities fail to license sufficient accessible taxis, according to research from ... more

Digital explosion is 'widening the gap for disabled people' 28 Nov 2012
The growing trend to provide services online is generating an increasing gap between advances in new technology and disabled people’s ability to take advantage of ... more

Social Housing Landlords Call on DWP to Provide Better Information on Welfare Reform 27 Nov 2012
The Scottish social housing sector has called on the DWP to provide clear and adequate information to assist those who will be most impacted by ... more

Harrington Review of the Work Capability Assessment published 27 Nov 2012
Work capability assessment reform too slow, says independent review Professor Malcolm Harrington calls for improvements to eligibility assessments for sickness benefit to be implemented more swiftly. Too ... more

Universal Credit: Government must ensure plans protect most vulnerable, say MPs 27 Nov 2012
In a report recently published, "Universal Credit implementation: meeting the needs of vulnerable claimants", the Work and Pensions Committee concludes that the Government has designed a ... more

Winter is here. Are you ready? 27 Nov 2012
You can prepare for all kinds of severe weather by planning ahead and taking simple steps to protect your home, family and business. Everyone is encouraged ... more

Drive to get more disabled people into mainstream jobs through Access to Work 27 Nov 2012
The Government has announced £15m additional funding for Access to Work and the extension of the support to young people taking part in work experience ... more

Scottish Government and COSLA: Joint Statement on Welfare Reform in Scotland 27 Nov 2012
The Scottish Government and COSLA have issued a joint statement outlining their commitment to working in partnership to mitigate the  impacts of upcoming welfare reforms. Joint outcomes ... more

Work test centres 'lack disabled access' 27 Nov 2012
The firm carrying out fitness-for-work assessments for the government lacks disabled access at a quarter of its premises, MPs have heard. Employment minister Mark Hoban said ... more

Benefits stigma in Britain - new Turn2us research 26 Nov 2012
At Turn2us, we are increasingly hearing stories of people too embarrassed to claim benefits, fearful of the shame attached to doing so. Earlier this year, ... more

New law could fail to provide equal access to personalisation 23 Nov 2012
HALF of Scottish councils are not prepared to provide independent advocacy services for people with physical disabilities, including elderly people, who are in receipt of ... more

Universal Credit: Timeline for switching existing claimants 'unchanged', says DWP 16 Nov 2012
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says the timeline for bringing existing benefit claimants on to Universal Credit “remains unchanged”, following rumours of delays ... more

The People's Review of the Work Capability Assessment 16 Nov 2012
Anticipating the publication of Professor Harrington’s third (and, for him, final) annual review of the Work Capability Assessment, the WeAreSpartacus group have published their own ... more

New EHRC report on workplace solutions for disabled people 16 Nov 2012
The perfect partnership a new report by the Equality and Human Right Commission (EHRC), on workplace solutions for disabled people looks at what’s working well for ... more

New Working Families report - Finding Flexibility: parents of disabled children and paid work 16 Nov 2012
Finding Flexibility a new report by Working Families, on combining work with caring for a disabled child. Key findings included: 91% of unemployed parents of disabled children want ... more

Concerns over plans to cut learning disability day services in Glasgow 16 Nov 2012
Glasgow council plan to cut community workers would be a grave error A number of  social work and community work academics and practitioners in the west ... more

Commissioners defend record of the Equalities and Human Rights Commission 16 Nov 2012
Equalities and Human Rights Commission head says new culture secretary appears to have been badly briefed The Equalities and Human Rights Commission has attacked claims by ... more

Public health minister Michael Matheson concerned over Scotland's health inequalities 16 Nov 2012
Health drive 'could take decades'  Tackling Scotland's poor record of health inequalities could take decades, MSPs have been told. Scotland has one of the worst health divides ... more

RNIB launches new online services directory for blind and partially sighted people 16 Nov 2012
Blind and partially sighted people can now search for key services and support in their local area using a new online directory launched by the ... more

Short changed by stroke - the financial impact of stroke on working age survivors and their families 16 Nov 2012
Welfare reforms could force stroke victims to desperation Maddy Halliday, Chief executive, Stroke Association Scotland talks to Third Force News about  Short Changed by Stroke, a ... more

How to Gain Exemption from DWP/Atos 'Fit for Work' & WRAG decisions applying ESA Regulations 29 & 35 - New Campaign by Black Triangle & DPAC 16 Nov 2012
Today, Black Triangle is launching a new campaign to encourage the mass take-up of Regulations 29 and 35: "Working closely with all our members, supporters and ... more

New ESA sanctions looming 12 Nov 2012
From 3 December 2012 new sanctions for Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claimants in the Work-Related Activity Group (WRAG) who either fail to take part ... more

Increase in number of ESA claimants mandated to Work Programme 12 Nov 2012
DWP announcement in response to 'significantly lower' numbers than expected being mandated in year to March 2012 The DWP has announced an increase in the number ... more

Shock and concern after EHRC's disabled commissioner is shown the door 12 Nov 2012
The decision not to reappoint the Equality and Human Rights Commission’s only disabled commissioner has raised fresh concerns over the government’s plans for the watchdog. Mike ... more

Benefits reform under threat after IT glitch 12 Nov 2012
National roll-out of flagship policy delayed by at least a year as costs soar and key personnel quit Despite assurances from the Department for Work and ... more

Personal Independence Payment and the Motability Scheme 08 Nov 2012
If you are an existing Motability customer, the Government’s plans to replace the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for all recipients aged 16 to 64 with ... more

Scottish Government launches new Warm Homes Fund 08 Nov 2012
A £50 million fund that will invest in green energy projects to help heat homes across Scotland has been officially launched today. Housing Minister Margaret Burgess ... more

Landlords reject direct payment reforms 07 Nov 2012
Landlords in the private rented sector have roundly rejected the Government’s welfare reform plans for housing benefit, and point to a lack of housing in ... more

More than a third of people on incapacity benefit capable of work, says Government 07 Nov 2012
More than a  third of people going through incapacity benefit reassessment have been found  to be capable of some form of work, new figures published ... more

RNIB: Stop for me, Speak to me campaign 07 Nov 2012
RNIB calls for dramatic improvements in bus travel for passengers with sight loss 9 in 10 people with sight loss cannot see an approaching bus in ... more

Employment and Support Allowance new sanctions regime 07 Nov 2012
Changes are due to be introduced from December 2012 As part of the rules set out in the Welfare Reform Act 2012, DWP is introducing a ... more

Dyslexia Awareness Week 2012, 6th -10th November 06 Nov 2012
Dyslexia Awareness Week 2012 will run from 6th -10th November. The theme this year will be 'Spotlight on Dyslexia', with a range of sub themes ... more

Inequalities: Scotland's health divide revealed 06 Nov 2012
The gulf between the health of the affluent and the poor in Scotland is exposed in a new report which shows the divide is wider ... more

New Bedroom Tax Guidance from the Chartered Institute of Housing 05 Nov 2012
Bedroom Tax and Beyond is a useful and practical guide to preparing for the Bedroom Tax from April 2013, but also relevant to planning for ... more

Dementia: Every Scottish health board now has dedicated expert 05 Nov 2012
Every health board in Scotland now has a dedicated dementia expert, the Scottish government has announced. A total of 14 Alzheimer Scotland dementia nurses are in ... more

Warm homes for winter - new Scottish Government funding 02 Nov 2012
Up to 10,000 extra Scottish households will be given free help to cut their energy bills this winter.The Deputy First Minister has allocated a further ... more

Investigate 'misleading' Atos bid for disability tests contract, urges Labour 02 Nov 2012
Claims that the private IT firm Atos made misleading statements about proposed co-operation with disability groups to help secure a £400m contract to perform disability ... more

Universal Credit: Direct Payment Demonstration Pilots initial learning 02 Nov 2012
The Direct Payment Demonstration Pilots have shared some of their initial  learnings. So far the key lessons for social housing providers include: social landlords need to ... more

Money Advice Scotland announces new qualification for money advisers in Scotland 02 Nov 2012
Money Advice Scotland (MAS) and the Institute of Money Advisers (IMA) are pleased to announce they will be working together with Staffordshire University to adapt ... more

Minister for Disabled People reveals drop in Access to Work spending 01 Nov 2012
The government have admitted that spending on its Access to Work (AtW) employment support programme for disabled people has plummeted since 2010. Disability News Service (DNS) ... more

Sign up to Bespoken - the social networking site for sharing independent living advice and expertise 01 Nov 2012
Bespoken is an online community for sharing independent living advice and expertise Operated on behalf of the Blackwood Foundation. We are a charity which seeks to ... more

New Cross-Sector Disability Action Alliance 31 Oct 2012
Disability Rights UK has been asked to convene a new cross-sector alliance, to bring different organisations together to make things happen nationally and locally. This  ... more

The Hardest Hit: 'Our rights, our independence, our lives' video 31 Oct 2012
A new video produced by Hardest Hit Scotland features a series of powerful messages from disabled people in Scotland about the impact that cuts to ... more

Launch of Scottish Government National Care Standards consultation 31 Oct 2012
The National Care Standards were introduced in 2001.  Since then, they've not been reviewed. This consultation will ensure the standards meet the needs of service ... more

Universal Credit could trap people in poverty, new JRF report finds 31 Oct 2012
A new report by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation suggests Universal Credit (UC) could see people worse off in work and struggling to manage their finances, with ... more

Participate in shaping Scotland's National Action Plan for Human Rights 30 Oct 2012
Today the Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has published Getting it Right? Human Rights in Scotland, a report summarising the findings of a three year scoping ... more

Review of Equality 2025 sparks concerns 29 Oct 2012
The launch of a government review has raised fears that ministers are planning to replace their advisory network of disabled people with a controversial new ... more

'The Tipping Point' - Government's welfare cuts hitting disabled people hardest 24 Oct 2012
An estimated 500,000 disabled people are expected to lose out when DLA becomes Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in April 2013. The Hardest Hit, a coalition ... more

Agencies should do more to tackle disability related harassment 24 Oct 2012
In 2011, the Equality and Human Rights Commission carried out a inquiry into disability related harassment, which found that there was a systemic failure by ... more

Scottish Government to replace Social Fund with a new Scottish Welfare Fund 21 Oct 2012
Scotland's deputy first minister has announced a £33m welfare fund to help the country's most vulnerable people. Source and full article: BBC News: SNP conference 2012: ... more

Atos move sparks concern over future of disability assessments 19 Oct 2012
Disability campaigners have raised concerns about a Scottish NHS board's role in assessing people's ability to work and access to benefits. Charities have said NHS Lanarkshire ... more

450,000 disabled people to lose out under universal credit, study finds 17 Oct 2012
One in 10 disabled households with children fear they might lose their home as a result of cuts, report says. Nearly half a million disabled people ... more

Launch of government website GOV.UK 17 Oct 2012
From 17 October GOV.UK will replace Directgov and Business Link as the place to find government services and information. The aim of GOV.UK is to focus on ... more

Scottish Ambulance Service launches a new direct booking system for patients 16 Oct 2012
Patients in central and east of Scotland who have a medical condition or mobility need that requires ambulance transport to get to their healthcare appointments ... more

Royal Mail stamp offer for those receiving Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance or Incapacity Benefit 12 Oct 2012
If you receive Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance or Incapacity Benefit  you can buy up to 36 stamps in either books of 6 or 12 ... more

Disability charities hit out at cut to Independent Living Fund 11 Oct 2012
Disabled Scots fear that they will be confined to their houses or even forced to give up their homes if the UK Government goes ahead ... more

NHS board to carry out PIP fitness-for-work assessments in Scotland 10 Oct 2012
The firm tasked with carrying out controversial fitness to work tests for the Department for Work and Pensions has appointed NHS Lanarkshire to assess Scots ... more

Activities across Scotland for World Mental Health Day (Wednesday 10th October 2012) 10 Oct 2012
World Mental Health Day takes place today and kicks off Scottish Mental Health Week. The day was created by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to ... more

New survey reveals 40 per cent of Scots still not sure how to address mental ill-health in Scotland 10 Oct 2012
To coincide with Scottish Mental Health Week, ‘see me’, Scotland’s national campaign to end the stigma of mental ill-health has reiterated its commitment to challenge ... more

Future of the Independent Living Fund consultation - new deadline 12th October 2012 10 Oct 2012
This consultation seeks views on the impact that closing the Independent Living Fund (ILF) in 2015 would have on users, local authorities and the wider ... more

New tests for disabled Scots - Citzens Advice Scotland seeks clarity 10 Oct 2012
Citizens Advice Scotland are to seek clarity on the system for assessing whether disabled Scots are to be entitled to receive the new Personal Independence ... more

Short breaks for carers, Creative Breaks funding available from October 2012 09 Oct 2012
Creative Breaks is funded by the Scottish Government as part of their commitment to the development of Short Breaks for the benefit of carers and ... more

Long-term health conditions projects: funding boost for the Self Management Fund 04 Oct 2012
Over £6m is to be invested in projects that give people with long term health problems the skills to better manage their own conditions. Somebody ... more

Employment and Support Allowance appeals up by 40 per cent on same quarter last year 03 Oct 2012
New Ministry of Justice statistics for April to June 2012 also show that 42 per cent of those appeals successful Employment and support allowance appeals were ... more

New Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) 01 Oct 2012
From 1 October 2012, information, advice and support on discrimination will be provided by the new Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS). The new service is ... more

Where is welfare provision in Swinney's budget, asks charities 01 Oct 2012
Poverty campaigners have called for the Scottish Government to invest in support for Scottish families set to see a cut in their benefits as a result ... more

LTCAS rebrand to help promote health and social care reform 27 Sep 2012
The Long Term Conditions Alliance Scotland has changed its name to Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland. The body, which was set up six years ago ... more

Anger over government's new disability quango 25 Sep 2012
The UK’s leading disabled people’s organisation (DPO) has attacked a government decision to set up an “alliance” of DPOs, charities, and private and public sector ... more

New disability action alliance announced to deliver disability strategy 21 Sep 2012
Today the Government announces the formation of a new disability action alliance to help respond to the ideas put forward by disabled people and their ... more

Increased funding for NHS Boards in Scotland 21 Sep 2012
Health boards across Scotland are to benefit from a share of over 9.1 million pounds in services funding in 2013 - 14.The funding represents an ... more

Government has built 'robust expectations of performance' into PIP contracts with Atos Origin and Capita, says Minister for Disabled People 14 Sep 2012
Esther McVey also confirms that contracts do not include targets to reduce number of claimants or amount paid out through new benefit The government has built ... more

Hospitality firms 'must understand disability needs' 14 Sep 2012
Scottish hospitality businesses are being urged to build on the impact of the Paralympic Games and improve their services for disabled customers to take a ... more

New support for Scots dementia sufferers 14 Sep 2012
A new forum for people with dementia, their families and carers has been launched in Perth. The online forum, called BletherBox, is the brainchild of ... more

Self Directed Support. Changing Support, Changing Lives free events for providers, carers, parents and people who receive support 14 Sep 2012
*Various events and locations October 2012* ‘Make Self Directed Support Work For You’ conference Tuesday 16th October 2012 at the Menzies Hotel, Aberdeen.  The event will begin ... more

Protesters bring 'terrifying' battle to save ILF to new minister's front door 14 Sep 2012
Disabled people with high support needs who protested outside government offices have described the “terrifying” reality they face if the coalition pushes ahead with plans ... more

Disability Rights UK report calls on Paralympics legacy to be the end of press stigmatisation of disabled people 14 Sep 2012
Disability Rights UK has surveyed disabled people’s views of  press coverage of disability – examining the rise of hostility towards disabled  people and its causes. Findings ... more

Campaigners call for independent advocacy to be included in the Social Care (Self Directed Support) (Scotland) Bill 13 Sep 2012
The Scottish Parliament is currently developing new legislation, the Social Care (Self Directed Support) (Scotland) Bill, to give ­people more control over their ­social care. This ... more

Fitness to work tests hurting most vulnerable, says survey of GPs 12 Sep 2012
More than eight out of ten GPs say they have patients who have developed mental health problems because of the Work Capability Assessment, according to ... more

Disabled people's organisations wary over ministerial reshuffle 12 Sep 2012
Disabled people’s organisations (DPOs) have responded warily to a string of new appointments to key posts in the coalition’s first ministerial reshuffle. Maria Miller, the much-criticised ... more

ATOC launches new tool for older and disabled passengers 12 Sep 2012
A new website to help older and disabled passengers get the most out of improvements made to rail services is being launched today by the ... more

Leading mental health organisations urge MPs to scrap outdated, discriminatory laws 11 Sep 2012
Three leading mental health organisations have joined forces to urge MPs to vote through legislation this Friday (14th September) which will scrap outdated laws that ... more

Funding boost to help young disabled students in physical education 10 Sep 2012
£125,000 for PE inclusion training More than £100,000 will go towards training teachers on how to fully include disabled children in physical education and sport, the ... more

Paralympics 2012: games has had seismic effect on public attitude to disabled, says Lord Coe 10 Sep 2012
Paralympic organisers today hailed the ''seismic effect in shifting public attitudes'' to disability sports claiming the Games have changed public perception forever. Paralympic organisers hailed the ... more

Paralympics legacy: Seize the momentum 10 Sep 2012
As the London 2012 Paralympics draws to a close, how might all this positive exposure, sporting achievement and discussion around disability affect the future of ... more

Age Scotland calls for review of telecare services 10 Sep 2012
Calls have been made for “a more robust system” to protect vulnerable older people after a pensioner was unable to raise vital help because his ... more

Universal Credit: Why are benefits changes causing concern? 10 Sep 2012
Seventy organisations, most of which will be involved in implementing the biggest overhaul of the benefits system since the creation of the welfare state, have ... more

Reforms of Work Capability Assessment have not gone far enough, say mental health organisations 10 Sep 2012
Response to Professor Harrington's Year 3 call for evidence says that 'substantial further reforms are still needed'   Reforms of the work capability assessment (WCA) have not ... more

New email counselling service for disabled people in Scotland 07 Sep 2012
Disabled people across Scotland will now be able to access a free and confidential Counselling service via email from today. Your Call, which already provides ... more

Integration of Adult Health and Social Care in Scotland - Consultation deadline: 11th September 2012 07 Sep 2012
The consultation provides an opportunity for public and professional scrutiny of Ministers' plans for integration of adult health and social care. Executive Summary The consultation sets out ... more

Department for Work and Pensions announces new ministerial team 05 Sep 2012
With David Cameron's cabinet reshuffle now complete, the Department for Work and Pensionshas (DWP) has announced its new ministerial appointments: Mark Hoban:- Minister of State for Employment, replacing Chris ... more

Scottish Government Cabinet changes announced 05 Sep 2012
The Scottish Government's new Cabinet team has been announced by First Minister Alex Salmond, subject to the necessary parliamentary approval. Changes include: Nicola Sturgeon, Scotland’s longest serving ... more

Mental Health Helplines Partnership and The Helplines Association announce decision to merge 04 Sep 2012
The Helplines Association (THA) and Mental Health Helplines Partnership (MHHP) are the major umbrella bodies within the helpline sector. Both are independent charities co-operating in areas ... more

Disabled benefit claimants to face increased sanctions and unpaid work 04 Sep 2012
The Guardian reported today that the government has drawn up plans to withdraw £71 (out of a maximum allowance of £99.15) a week from Employment ... more

Self Directed Support Information, Advice and Support Mapping 04 Sep 2012
The Knowledge Partnership has been commissioned by the Scottish Government and Self Directed Support Scotland to identify and map those organisations in Scotland that currently ... more

Funding and free training for health charities - Closing date 21 September 2012 (GSK IMPACT Awards) 03 Sep 2012
GSK’s IMPACT Awards are designed to reward charities that are doing excellent work to improve people’s health. Organisations must be at least three years old, ... more

Blue badge legislation hitting those with 'invisible' disabilities, claims British Lung Foundation 03 Sep 2012
James Cant, Head of the British Lung Foundation in Scotland has been talking about the difficulty in securing a blue badge for those with ‘invisible’ disabilities ... more

Universal Credit - Local authority pilots announced 03 Sep 2012
The local authority  led pilot projects that will support people to claim Universal Credit have been  named. Twelve pilots will  run from Autumn 2012 to explore ... more

Poverty policies don't always benefit disabled people - new EHRC report 03 Sep 2012
A report by Heriot-Watt University for the Equality and Human Rights Commission has revealed how policies which aim to tackle poverty in the most deprived ... more

Paralympians express fears over disability living allowance plans 03 Sep 2012
A group of British Paralympians have expressed their fears over government plans to cut disability living allowance (DLA), warning that the benefit is vital to ... more

George Osborne prepares for extra cuts in welfare spending 31 Aug 2012
Chancellor George Osborne's plan to cut welfare spending by a further £10m is likely to cause intense wrangling within the coalition George Osborne is drawing up ... more

Glasgow Third Sector Transformation Fund - now OPEN (Change Fund for Reshaping Care for Older People) 30 Aug 2012
As part of the Change Fund for Reshaping Care for Older People (RCOP), VAF will manage on behalf of Glasgow’s Third Sector Interface the Third ... more

ODI launches new guide to encourage businesses to make their services more accessible to disabled people 30 Aug 2012
Guide helps businesses to realise potential spending power of disabled people The Minister for Disabled People, Maria Miller, launched the short online guide 'Growing your customer ... more

Minister for Disabled People Maria Miller defends changes to disability benefits and how recipients are assessed, BBC Newsnight 30 Aug 2012
Many disabled people are concerned about the impact of government reforms to disability benefits. The government says that financial assistance will be channelled to those most ... more

Paralympics have power to change attitudes towards disabled people 29 Aug 2012
62% of disabled people and their families believe the Paralympics can improve attitudes towards disabled people 67% of general public will watch the Paralympic Games (up ... more

Scottish Dementia Awards - 20 September 2012 28 Aug 2012
The Capital is to be represented in the final of the first Scottish Dementia Awards. The awards have been set up in partnership between 
Alzheimer Scotland, ... more

Concern at rising cost of care for elderly and people with learning disabilities 28 Aug 2012
Public services could be forced to ration their resources due to the increasing costs of elderly care.   Figures published by Holyrood's finance committee show sectors such ... more

North Lanarkshire Council hire extra staff to explain new benefit rules 28 Aug 2012
Changes to the benefits system have prompted a local authority to hire extra staff to explain how it will affect recipients. North Lanarkshire has hired the ... more

Government could face court action over ILF closure 28 Aug 2012
The government looks set to face legal action from disabled people over its decision to scrap the Independent Living Fund (ILF). The case would be the ... more

Personal care costs rise by 150 per cent in seven years 28 Aug 2012
The cost of providing free personal care to people in their own homes has risen by more than 150% in seven years, according to the ... more

Care charities express grave doubts over new tribunal system 28 Aug 2012
Fears have been expressed by Scotland’s leading dementia charity over a proposal by the Scottish Government that would see the country’s tribunal system revamped. Ministers are ... more

Funding for Learning Disability Projects in Scotland 27 Aug 2012
A host of projects across Scotland are set to benefit from £2.7million to improve the lives of people with learning disabilities.  The funding is going to ... more

Scottish Government Consultation on Social Fund Successor Arrangements - Deadline Friday 31 August 2012 24 Aug 2012
The Scottish Government draft guidance and the draft equalities impact assessment for the social fund successor arrangements in Scotland - Scottish Community Support Fund - are now ... more

Young disabled people restrained by a shortage of housing to suit their access needs 24 Aug 2012
Young disabled people are ‘locked out’ of living independently because they do not trust the information given about homes suitable for them, a survey says. Trailblazers, ... more

Remploy workers set to stage strike 22 Aug 2012
Disabled workers at factories being sold by the Government are to stage a four-day strike over the threat of job losses. Members of the GMB and ... more

Ofsted warns of abuse risks to disabled children 22 Aug 2012
Disabled children in England need better protection against neglect or abuse, suggests a report by children's and education watchdog Ofsted. The report says disabled children are ... more

Call for more inclusion in workplaces 21 Aug 2012
The head of a leading charity has demanded more action to help people with learning disabilities into meaningful work. The comments from Peter Scott, chief executive ... more

Disability movement at a crossroads as spending cuts threaten the advances made since the 1970s 20 Aug 2012
Behind the Paralympics, the reality for disabled people in Britain 2012 The Paralympics will be a celebration not only of sporting prowess, but also of the ... more

Council cuts 'hit hundreds with learning disabilities' 20 Aug 2012
Those who work in the sector expect a small rise in the number of people with learning disabilities of around 1% each year. But, according to ... more

SFHA report reveals disabled people among those to be hardest hit by government's welfare reforms 17 Aug 2012
The Impact of Welfare Reform on Housing Associations and Housing Co-operatives in Scotland, published today (Friday 17th August 2012) reveals that the sector's tenants are ... more

Atos contract does not offer value for money, says National Audit Office 17 Aug 2012
The controversial disability benefits contract between Paralympics sponsor Atos and the Government is too weak to ensure value for money for taxpayers, the spending watchdog ... more

Young carers miss out on everyday activities 17 Aug 2012
Young carers are missing out on normal, everyday activities enjoyed by other children and teenagers, according to a survey. A poll carried out by Ipsos Mori ... more

Leith CAB moves to new office to cope with a massive surge in demand 17 Aug 2012
Leith Citizens Advice Bureau is moving to larger premises, to help volunteers cope with the record numbers of people who need advice on issues like ... more

UPDATE: Welfare Reform (Further Provision) (Scotland) Act 2012 14 Aug 2012
The Scottish Government has issued an explanatory note explaining how it may use the powers provided by The Welfare Reform (Further Provision) (Scotland) Act 2012.    Section ... more

New mental health strategy - Scottish Government 14 Aug 2012
A new strategy designed to improve the mental health and wellbeing of everyone in Scotland was launched this week by Minister for Public Health Michael ... more

New campaign to support people with mental health problems in rural areas 09 Aug 2012
One-in-four Scots will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lives and in remote areas the effects can be magnified, a new ... more

Government targets long-term sick as Work Programme numbers drop off 09 Aug 2012
It appears the Government’s bid to get more long-term sickness benefit claimants back into work is being held up by a backlog of reassessments, appeals ... more

Survey on Self Directed Support - Call for Amendment to SDS Bill 08 Aug 2012
The Scottish Disability Equality Forum, Capability Scotland, Independent Living in Scotland, SDSS and Inclusion Scotland are seeking to gather further information on how Local Authority ... more

Welfare Reform (Further Provision) (Scotland) Act 2012 receives Royal Assent 08 Aug 2012
New Act allows Scottish Ministers to make regulations following refusal of legislative consent for Welfare Reform Act 2012   On 7 August 2012 The Welfare Reform (Further ... more

Half a million disabled people may lose benefits under reforms 03 Aug 2012
Charities reacted with horror as the Government announced that Atos and another private company, Capita, had won three contracts to run a new work-capability check ... more

Help SIAA get the right to Independent Advocacy written into the Social Care (Self Directed Support) (Scotland) Bill 03 Aug 2012
The Scottish Parliament is currently developing new legislation to give  people more control over their social care. This will mean that people  will be able ... more

Scottish VAF Community Grant Programme Runs Again - New deadline 17 September 2012 03 Aug 2012
Small community groups in Scotland that missed the first round of the Voluntary Action Fund’s (VAF) Community Grants Programme have two more opportunities to apply ... more

Atos wins the contract for Personal Independence Payment medical assessments in Scotland 02 Aug 2012
Atos Healthcare, the current contract holder for the Employment and Support Allowance Work Capability Assessment, has been awarded two out of three regional contracts for ... more

MS Society and Carers Trust launch supported short breaks 02 Aug 2012
The MS Society and Carers Trust have joined forces in a new pilot project to offer supported short breaks to people with MS and their ... more

Overview of the newest web accessibilty code of practice now available on the SAIF website 02 Aug 2012
You can now download an overview of the newest web accessibility code of practice - BS 8878, from the Scottish Accessible Information Forum (SAIF) website. It ... more

46% of disabled people feel that attitudes towards them have worsened in the last year 01 Aug 2012
Disabled people point to issue of ‘benefit scroungers’ as discrimination increases   Almost half (46%) said people’s attitudes towards them have got worse over the past year 73% ... more

SFHA - Benefit Changes Impractical for Vulnerable Tenants 31 Jul 2012
Draft regulations on benefit changes being introduced by the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) will be impractical for many vulnerable tenants, the Scottish Federation ... more

Scottish Law Commission Discussion Paper on Adults with Incapacity 31 Jul 2012
The background to the project is a decision of the European Court of Human Rights in a case involving a person with autism, who had ... more

Health Rights Information Scotland is on the move 30 Jul 2012
On 1 August 2012 Health Rights Information Scotland will become part of NHS 24’s Health Information Services Team and be based at the NHS 24 ... more

NHS - Giving feedback or making a complaint 30 Jul 2012
Health Rights Information Scotland (HRIS) have now completed version 5 of the national leaflet on making a complaint about the NHS. This revision reflects revised Scottish ... more

Digital accessibility course announced 30 Jul 2012
The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC), AbilityNet and BCS, the Chartered Institute for IT, have worked together to develop the first ever course of ... more

Reviewer of fitness-to-work benefit tests to stand down 30 Jul 2012
The system is still not working properly in places, the government's independent examiner says The man in charge of reviewing the government's controversial fitness-to-work benefit assessments ... more

Self-Directed Support: Changing Support Changing Lives Qualification 27 Jul 2012
The Changing Support Changing Lives constortium, is funded by the Scottish Government to increase social care providers ability to deliver Self-Directed Support. As part of the programme ... more

Shaping the Future - Action on Hearing Loss Consultation 27 Jul 2012
Action on Hearing Loss is currently carrying out stakeholder consultation and your opinion will really help us to formulate our future plans, particularly in Scotland. ... more

Proposed British Sign Language (Scotland) Bill 27 Jul 2012
Proposal for a Bill to promote the use of British Sign Language (BSL) by requiring the Scottish Ministers and relevant public authorities to prepare and ... more

Job Club for young people who are deaf or have a hearing loss in Edinburgh 27 Jul 2012
Are you deaf or hard of hearing? Aged 16-25? Looking for a job or training? Action on Hearing Loss Scotland ‘On the Move’ Transitions Project, funded ... more

Short breaks scheme reopens for Scottish families raising disabled children 26 Jul 2012
The Take a Break scheme, which provides badly-needed short breaks for Scottish families raising disabled children, has re-opened after confirmation of further funding from the ... more

New project to transform autism services 26 Jul 2012
A new project will help tackle the postcode lottery of treatment facing people with autism, says a leading charity. The £400,000 initiative is set to address the ... more

Concern over Access to Work figures 26 Jul 2012
New figures that show how the number of disabled people receiving funding through the Access to Work (AtW) scheme has plummeted since the coalition came ... more

Victory in first stage of 'fitness for work' court case 26 Jul 2012
Two disabled people have won the first stage of their legal bid to force the government to improve the much-criticised “fitness for work” test. The high ... more

Government says 'no guarantees' over recording of 'fit for work' tests 26 Jul 2012
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has admitted that it cannot guarantee that disabled people who want to have their “fitness for work” tests ... more

Government launches wage incentive for disabled people 25 Jul 2012
Young disabled people are set to benefit from a new  wage incentive which is being launched today by the Minister for Disabled  People, Maria Miller. From ... more

More groups set to benefit from the Disabled People's User-Led Organisations fund 25 Jul 2012
From today, disabled grassroots organisations in Scotland and Wales  - which can make a real difference to the everyday lives of disabled people on  the ... more

BBC and Channel 4 investigate the work capability assessment 25 Jul 2012
BBC Panorama and Channel 4 Dispatches are both doing  programmes on the work capability assessment (WCA) on Monday 30 July. The first is Dispatches, Channel 4, ... more

Work Capability Assessment, 55 per cent of new claimants found fit for work 25 Jul 2012
Grayling: It’s in everybody’s interest that we get WCA right first time The latest figures show that 55 per cent of new claimants who go through ... more

An easy read of the Scottish Passported Benefits consultation paper is now available 24 Jul 2012
Scottish Passported benefits: Consultation on changes required as a result of the introduction of Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment An easy read of the Scottish ... more

Fitness-for-work tests hit by technical chaos 20 Jul 2012
Private firm Atos found to have just 11 audio machines to record up to 11,000 tests for benefit eligibility each week. Employment minister Chris Grayling has ... more

DWP error results in DLA and AA overpayments to claimants of pension age 13 Jul 2012
Government will consider making ex gratia payments 'in a small number of cases', says Minister A DWP error has resulted in disability living allowance (DLA) and ... more

Doing Sport Differently - A guide to exercise and fitness for people living with disability or health conditions 12 Jul 2012
‘Doing Sport Differently’ is a comprehensive guide to accessing sports and leisure opportunities in your area. It is written by and for people with lived ... more

Glasgow City Joint Adult Services Plan 2012/13 for consultation - deadline 27th July 2012 12 Jul 2012
Aim(s)  This Plan sets out the joint vision, objectives and priorities for change in the delivery of care and support services in order to address ... more

DWP Consultation Launched: The Future of the Independent Living Fund 12 Jul 2012
This consultation seeks views on the impact that closing the Independent Living Fund (ILF) in 2015 would have on users, local authorities and the wider ... more

Support for disabled people in the areas affected by the Remploy factory closures 12 Jul 2012
The Community Support Fund is a community-based package of financial and non-financial support for disabled people in the areas affected by the Remploy factory closures. ... more

Austerity: Housing associations braced for "massive hit" to rent incomes 11 Jul 2012
The new Housing Convenor, Cllr Cammy Day, has spoken out about his fears that Westminster led changes to the welfare system could leave some city ... more

Remploy factory closures announced 11 Jul 2012
Labour accused the Tory- LibDem Coalition of throwing dis-abled workers "on the scrapheap" last night after ministers confirmed plans to close a Remploy factory in ... more

Social care white paper and funding announcements, England 11 Jul 2012
Social care cap delayed as cheaper option sought Ministers have refused to fully commit to a cap on care costs which the elderly and disabled must ... more

Tens of thousands of disabled adults and children set to be welfare reform's biggest losers 11 Jul 2012
New report reveals how Universal Credit changes will hit disabled hardest Tens of thousands of disabled adults and children will be much worse off as a ... more

Intermediate Care Framework for Scotland launched 10 Jul 2012
The Intermediate Care Framework for Scotland has been launched to help local health and social care partnerships design and improve intermediate care services in their ... more

Self-Directed Support: Choice and control key to social care reform, Health Committee reports 06 Jul 2012
People should be given control over their own care budget, including being offered a direct payment to fund alternatives to council run care, according to ... more

Miller pledges expansion of Access to Work 06 Jul 2012
Reforms to the scheme that provides funding for disabled people to make their workplaces more accessible could help end its reputation as the government’s “best ... more

Apply to take part in the Carers Parliament (Deadline 21 July 2012) 05 Jul 2012
The first Carers Parliament will be held at the Scottish Parliament on Monday 1 October 2012, by kind permission of the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body. ... more

UK Homecare Association says many councils are setting time-limits on care for the elderly at home 05 Jul 2012
Over a third (34%) of the UK’s homecare providers responding to a national survey, have raised the alarm over risks to the dignity or safety ... more

Government expands vital in-work support to disabled young people 04 Jul 2012
Young disabled jobseekers on work experience will be  able to access extra support to help them into mainstream placements for the  first time. They will be ... more

Citizens Advice buckling under volume of calls over new benefits 04 Jul 2012
Already overstretched service pushed to breaking point by requests for assistance with incapacity benefit, says CAB Advice centres are struggling to cope with a surge ... more

Public Audit Committee calls for transparency and accountability in health and social care integration plans 04 Jul 2012
Holyrood’s Public Audit Committee is calling on the Scottish Government to ensure its plans for the integration of health and social care are underpinned by ... more

DWP to create specialist disability living allowance unit for children 03 Jul 2012
The DWP is to create a specialist disability living allowance (DLA) unit for children. In an email to stakeholders, the DWP says that, over the coming ... more

Contribute to a review on the impact of the new Universal Credit on disabled children and adults 02 Jul 2012
The Children's Society, Citizens Advice and Disability Rights UK are working together in supporting Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson to produce a review on the impact of ... more

Reversing from Recovery 29 Jun 2012
A new report, Reversing from Recovery, from the Spartacus disability campaigners considers the impact of proposals for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), which under the Welfare ... more

Backlash over care costs as many at risk give up services 29 Jun 2012
People with disabilities are surrendering packages of home care because of price hikes from councils, leaving themselves potentially at risk, according to campaigners. Many austerity-hit councils ... more

'Personalisation in Glasgow: Providers Capacity and Readiness to Respond' Report Now Available 29 Jun 2012
Personalisation in Glasgow: Provider Capacity and Readiness to Respond was initiated and led by the Social Care Ideas Factory , with support from the Scottish ... more

Scottish Government benefits consultation launched 28 Jun 2012
A consultation was launched today as part of the Scottish Government’s continued drive to mitigate against reforms to the benefits system. The consultation will look at ... more

Scrap work capability assessment, doctors demand 28 Jun 2012
The computer-based system being used to determine whether people receiving incapacity benefit are fit to work should be scrapped, the meeting agreed. London GP Louise Irvine ... more

Care crisis wipes over 5.3 billion GBP from the economy 27 Jun 2012
New analysis from Age UK reveals an estimated £5.3bn has been wiped from the economy in lost earnings due to people dropping out of the ... more

Employers urged to offer flexible working to support mental health needs 26 Jun 2012
Thousands of individuals with mental health needs could be offered more flexible working under a new initiative launched today by Health Minister Lord Howe. Speaking at ... more

David Cameron asks controversial big questions about welfare 25 Jun 2012
Prime Minister, David Cameron, presented the coalition government’s views on welfare and changes he sees as necessary to be a ‘responsible society’ in a speech ... more

Disabled people hit especially hard by cuts, finds report 22 Jun 2012
Thinktank Demos criticises coalition for pursuing 'paranoia-based media narrative' of welfare refom A new report claims the cuts in disability benefits are being made without any ... more

Warns of threat to accessible transport 22 Jun 2012
One of the original  architects of a pioneering government advice body has warned that coalition plans  to scrap it would see accessible transport “disappear off ... more

Health warning for welfare reforms 19 Jun 2012
Changes to the welfare system could lead to more people suffering from illnesses such as diabetes and arthritis, a rise in teenage pregnancies and an ... more

SAIF New Online Accessible Information Course 19 Jun 2012
The Scottish Accessible Information Forum (SAIF) has launched a new course: Accessible Information Awareness The purpose of this e-module is to raise awareness about good practice ... more

40 per cent of unpaid carers 'putting their own health at risk' in Scotland 18 Jun 2012
Two in five unpaid carers are sacrificing their own health by putting off medical treatment while they look after someone, according to a new report. Many ... more

Mental illness 'under-treated by NHS' 18 Jun 2012
“The NHS is failing mental health patients,” The Independent informs us today. Meanwhile, BBC News warns that NHS managers have been accused of “shocking discrimination” ... more

Universal Credit and related Regulations: a call for evidence 15 Jun 2012
The Welfare Reform Act 2012 sets out the overall framework for Universal Credit. The implementation of these arrangements will require the passage of several sets ... more

Disabled travellers still face airline refusals, European Commission warns 14 Jun 2012
Disabled air travellers are still facing "unjustified refusals" from airlines, the European Commission warned today. Four years after EU laws made it illegal to discriminate against ... more

Funding to improve alternative communication 12 Jun 2012
An extra £4 million pounds is to be given to health boards to improve services and provide new equipment for people who have alternative and ... more

Funding to improve alternative communication 12 Jun 2012
An extra £4 million pounds is to be given to health boards to improve services and provide new equipment for people who have alternative and ... more

Charities seek witnesses for 'crucial' benefits evidence session 07 Jun 2012
Campaigners are seeking disabled people who can explain how the government’s new “universal credit” benefit reforms could see other people like them losing out financially. Three ... more

DWP admits talks with doctors over safety of 'fitness for work' test 07 Jun 2012
The government has admitted it is discussing with GPs how to introduce a way for them to report cases in which the controversial “fitness for ... more

Communities to be given more say 03 Jun 2012
Local Government Minister Derek Mackay will this week launch a consultation on a proposed bill which will consider ideas to give more control to Scotland’s ... more

TUC Disabled Workers' Conference: Coalition's equality cuts condemned 01 Jun 2012
Government plans to slash the funding and powers of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and weaken equality laws have been condemned by disabled ... more

Universal Credit: Local authority led pilot prospectuses for Scotland and Wales published 31 May 2012
Local authorities in Scotland and Wales are being invited to submit bids to run pilots testing face-to-face support needed for Universal Credit. On 31 May ... more

New equality duties for public authorities in Scotland 28 May 2012
Duties to help councils, health boards and police mitigate negative impact of decisions The Scottish Government’s new regulations, which place specific equality duties on named public ... more

Welfare Reform (Further Provision) (Scotland) Bill passes Stage 1 in Scottish Parliament 25 May 2012
The Welfare Reform (Further Provision) (Scotland) Bill has passed Stage 1 in the Scottish Parliament. Introducing yesterday's Stage 1 debate on the Bill - which is ... more

Dumbing-down risk to care policies 25 May 2012
The Church of Scotland's frontline social work chief said yesterday local and national Government policies on care risk "dumbing down" services.   Against a background of cuts ... more

A third of parents of disabled children took out loans to buy basics last year 24 May 2012
Survey reveals families with disabled children struggling to pay for heating and food, with most saying situation will worsen Almost a third of families with disabled children ... more

Wage incentive for young disabled people announced 23 May 2012
A new wage incentive scheme to encourage employers to give young disabled people further work opportunities is being announced today by the Minister for Disabled ... more

GPs call for work capability assessment to be scrapped 23 May 2012
Doctors say method of determining who is eligible for sickness benefits should be replaced with more 'rigorous and safe system' GPs have voted unanimously in favour ... more

Welfare Reform Bill 23 May 2012
The Scottish Parliament today took steps that could help to mitigate against draconian reforms to the benefits system being introduced by the Westminster coalition. Health Secretary ... more

Court's ruling will have a huge impact on discrimination in benefits system 18 May 2012
A landmark court ruling is set to help disabled campaigners fight discrimination within the benefits system. The Court of Appeal ruled this week that the Department ... more

Disabled people still disadvantaged in the workplace, says Commission report 17 May 2012
A new report from the Equality and Human Rights Commission has found that, while supporting disabled workers can greatly benefit employers and their organisations, disabled ... more

Government advisers call for cash help for DLA losers 16 May 2012
The government’s own benefits advice body has called for financial compensation to help those disabled people set to lose out from the government’s reforms and ... more

Bill seeking to lessen impact of UK welfare reform in Scotland moves forward 16 May 2012
A Bill proposed by the Scottish Government to seek, as far as is possible, to limit the likely widespread impact of UK Welfare Reform Act ... more

Short film launched to raise awareness of the UN Disability Convention in Scotland 16 May 2012
The Equality and Human Rights Commission and the Scottish Human Rights Commission have today launched a short animated film to raise awareness of the UN ... more

Government loses benefits court battle 16 May 2012
THE UK Government has suffered an embarrassing defeat at the Court of Appeal over rules covering the amount of housing benefit paid to disabled people. The ... more

Cuts may risk disability care plan 15 May 2012
A plan to give disabled people more control of their care risks being "poisoned" and "discredited" by real and perceived service cuts, MSPs have heard. Government ... more

Government considers extra 25 billion pounds of welfare cuts 15 May 2012
David Cameron is considering ordering billions of pounds in extra welfare cuts proposed in a confidential Downing Street policy paper, The Daily Telegraph can disclose. The ... more

Disabled people's human rights must be factored into housing benefit 15 May 2012
A human rights case, in which the Equality and Human Rights Commission intervened, has established that housing benefit must take into account the extra needs ... more

Scots in social care services should have a right to advocacy 10 May 2012
SCOTS requiring social care services should have a right to be represented by an independent advocate to ensure they have full control of their care, ... more

Bullying 'harms disabled children' 09 May 2012
Bullying of disabled children remains prevalent and acts as a major barrier to their social inclusion, a report has found. It also identified high living costs, ... more

New DWP impact assessment on introduction of personal independence payment 08 May 2012
Disability living allowance (DLA) reform will cost £710m but will reduce benefit expenditure by £2.24bn, according to the DWP. In a new impact assessment, 'Disability Living ... more

People with MS are lazy, say Scots 08 May 2012
A report has found an alarming attitude to disabled people in Scotland. Findings from a survey by the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society Scotland discovered more than ... more

More care to be provided at home 08 May 2012
An increasing number of adult health and social care services are being provided through joined up working, so that people can get more care at ... more

Partnership should be at heart of health and social care reform, says Health Committee 08 May 2012
The voluntary sector and independent providers of care should have a greater role in delivering integrated health and social care, according to a report published ... more

Who'll care for the carers? Six out of ten left to suffer mental illness 08 May 2012
Hundreds of thousands of unpaid carers in Scotland are suffering from mental health problems and struggling to keep their jobs, a new poll has revealed.Six ... more

Tens of thousands lose their ESA as welfare reforms begin to bite 04 May 2012
Tens of thousands of disabled people have lost all of their out-of-work disability benefits this week, thanks to new rules brought in by the government ... more

Leveson inquiry 'has sidelined disability' 04 May 2012
Disabled activists who want to give evidence about newspapers that have stirred up hostility towards claimants of disability benefits appear to have been sidelined by ... more

Access to Work figures plunge again 01 May 2012
New figures show the number of disabled people granted funds to make their workplaces more accessible has fallen sharply again. The number of “new customers helped” ... more

Disabled people sidelined as Sainsburys picks Paralympic torchbearers 01 May 2012
Concerns have been raised about how members of the public are being chosen to take part in the Paralympic torch relay – a major event ... more

Letter calls for movement to rally behind Remploy workers 01 May 2012
A leading disabled people’s organisation (DPO) has called on the disability movement to rally behind Remploy workers and fight the government’s planned closures of at ... more

True impact of DLA cuts could wipe out planned savings 23 Apr 2012
The knock-on effects of the government’s huge cuts to spending on disability living allowance (DLA) could wipe out every penny of the savings it is ... more

Scotland's GPs call for an end to controversial fit for work tick-box tests carried out by French IT company with immediate effect 27 Mar 2012
Scotland’s GP’s have today called to an end to the Government’s controversial computer-based ‘Work Capability Assessments’ carried out by French IT multinational Atos Origin for ... more

Budget 2012: Tax statements 'could lead to hate crime' 23 Mar 2012
A measure announced in this week’s budget could lead to a further increase in disability hate crime, campaigners have warned. There has been considerable alarm at plans laid ... more

Budget 2012: Shock at new 10 billion pound threat to benefits 23 Mar 2012
Campaigners have warned that this week’s budget has produced a new and worrying attack on disabled people’s rights and support. While most of the media’s attention was focused on ... more

A sick system of testing 08 Mar 2012
Sarah Nelson argues that the way the benefits system treats those who are ill is a national scandal. The way ill, distressed or disabled people ... more

Sister's four-year wait for answers over brother's death 05 Mar 2012
The sister of a disabled man who died in what she believes were suspicious circumstances more than four years ago says her family are still ... more

MND Scotland Holiday Facilities 22 Feb 2012
THE MND Scotland ‘Lang Break’ Caravan People with motor neurone disease (MND) can now enjoy short breaks, from £225 to £275 per week depending on season, at ... more

New pilot project for vision impaired people 15 Feb 2012
The My Guide pilot is a collaborative project between Guide Dogs and local organisations, supporting blind and partially sighted people who may not have the ... more

OfT takes action over 'unfair' mobility aids market 13 Feb 2012
The Office of Fair Trading (OfT) has taken action against a leading stairlift company following a study into “unfair business practices” across the mobility aids ... more

Public anger mounting over disabled girl's school ordeal 09 Feb 2012
Further calls have been made for a council to fully investigate a teacher who forced a five-year-old disabled girl to wipe up her own urine. Councillor ... more

The Institute of Fundraising launches a new resource hub 06 Feb 2012
THE UK’s fundraising support body has launched a new-look website with freshly developed digital features to advance its online offering for fundraisers and those interested in ... more

Latest news on the Welfare Reform Bill 01 Feb 2012
UPDATE 3rd Feb 2012: The Government has forced unpopular welfare 'reform' legislation through Parliament despite widespread opposition and criticism. On Wednesday the 3rd of February the government defied ... more

How the safety net designed to help those most in need became a nightmare 31 Jan 2012
She's a cancer survivor. One appointment was about helping her with the twisted and inflamed gut that is a side-effect of the powerful chemotherapy drugs ... more

A brief guide to the Welfare Reform Bill of 2012 25 Jan 2012
This bill is still to pass through the House of Lords at the time of writing but UPDATE will regularly revise this page and keep ... more

DLA reform: DPOs could boycott government consultations 23 Jan 2012
Leading figures in the disability movement say they could stop cooperating with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) if the government’s welfare reform bill ... more

Scottish charity boost: £5m from Lloyds TSB Foundation legal victory 16 Jan 2012
Banking giant likely to have to pay out millions more. A landmark legal victory for a Scottish charitable trust could result in tens of millions of pounds ... more

Welfare Reform Bill: Government defeated over ESA cuts 12 Jan 2012
The coalition government has suffered three defeats in the House of Lords over planned cuts to employment and support allowance (ESA). The government wants to remove ... more

New funding opportunities for the Third Sector 11 Jan 2012
Equality Unit Funding 2012-15 - Equality Fund The Equality Unit is inviting applications to the Equality Fund for 2012-15. The Equality Fund incorporates the former Race ... more

New Year Honours: Activist pledges to use OBE to fight cuts 09 Jan 2012
A leading disabled activist recognised with an OBE in the New Year Honours is to use the award to campaign against government cuts to disability ... more

Mayor Boris Johnson victim of DLA con trick? 09 Jan 2012
London Mayor Boris Johnson is just one of thousands of individuals and organisations whose overwhelming opposition to axing disability living allowance (DLA) has been grossly misrepresented ... more

Glasgow mental health report and disabled children's poverty report 05 Jan 2012
Profile Of The Mental Health Of Greater Glasgow & Clyde Mental Health in Focus - is now available to download: http://www.gcph.co.uk/mentalhealthprofiles This report provides the first detailed ... more

Events

Scams Awareness Month - May 2013 31 May 2013
This month Citizen Advice Bureau and Trading Standards are working together to raise awareness of scams and how to stop them. The purpose of scams awareness ... more

Scottish Mediation Centre training: Representing a Client in Mediation (various dates and locations) 24 Oct 2013
Training will take place in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen This course is designed for solicitors, trade union representative and advocates. The training will provide an introduction ... more