Congratulations to:

John Lafferty, a GSD member and long time supporter who was appointed as a Circuit Judge by the Ministry of Justice last month.

GSD Forum

The GSD forum gives members the opportunity to discuss topics and ask/answer questions on disability and legal topics chosen by the membership. The forum site is moderated and registration approved by our dedicated administration staff between Monday and Thursday and is regulated for member’s safety and security. Using the GSD forum couldn’t be easier, simply fill in the user-friendly registration form available here http://www.gsdforum.org.uk/ to enjoy the benefits of online networking.

Legal Services Commission regional reference groups

The LSC has today announced the creation of regional Provider Reference Groups. Information about the groups and how to apply can be found on the LSC website HERE
The deadline for applications is 4pm 6 December 2007.

ODI free newsletter

Would you like to find out what the government is doing on disability or do you have an interest in how the Office for Disability Issues (ODI) can support you in delivering the government’s 2025 disability equality vision?
The ODI will shortly be launching a new e-newsletter. Sign up to receive the ODI e-newsletter called ODInsight to keep up-to-date on news from the ODI by going to http://info.dwp.gov.uk/odi/

New study will examine employment and training services for the disabled

A study is to be carried out into how the Department of Employment and Learning is providing training and employment services, and catering for the needs of disabled young people.
http://rehabwindow.net/Display.aspx?id=534

Lasting Powers of Attorney practice note

From 1 October 2007, Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPAs) will be replaced by Lasting Powers of Attorney (LPAs). The Law Society has produced a practice note to assist solicitors in advising clients wishing to draw up an LPA, as well as solicitors who are acting as an attorney under an LPA. It also covers ongoing arrangements for EPAs.
http://www.lawsociety.org.uk/productsandservices/practicenotes/lpa.page

GP’s fail to support employers over mental health issues

Employers are calling for a radical revamp of the way in which GPs work to help people with mental health problems successfully return to work.
A report from the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development finds that GPs are typically rated negatively by employers for the level of support they provide in helping people with mental health problems return to work. Almost 40% of employers rate GP support in this area as either very poor or fairly poor compared to only 20% who rate GP support as good or very good. More information available at: http://newsweaver.co.uk/thepeoplebulletin/e_article000953192.cfm?x=bbD9mbH,b82dv0Md

Mental Health Act 2007: consultation on secondary legislation

Comments are welcomed on this legislation, the closing date for which is 24th January 2008. Documents may be accessed from the following link: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Consultations/Liveconsultations/DH_079832

Online, you needn't suffer alone

An interesting article from “The Times”, mirroring the previous “Bridge” article on social software, about how message boards and live, real-time chat rooms are proving an invaluable source of support, information and advice: http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/health/article2894007.ece 

Diabetes figures rise in England

The number of people diagnosed with diabetes in England has increased by approximately 70,000 in the past year alone, latest figures suggest: http://www.personneltoday.com/articles/2007/10/29/42936/diabetes-figures-on-the-rise-in-england.html

Personnel Today’s Law Editor comments on Disability definitions

The definition of what constitutes a disability has perplexed employers as they grapple to keep up with evolving case law on the subject. Clearly, there are still grey areas. A survey of Employers' Law readers earlier this year showed that they found it one of the most frustrating areas of employment law:
http://www.personneltoday.com/articles/2007/10/15/42572/employers-law-editors-comment-disability.html

Disability Law Bulletin

This is the latest disability law bulletin from the team at Russell Jones & Walker. It includes a summary of key developments in the last 12 months or so and a reminder of their free advice service for disabled people.  View the Bulletin HERE or download Bulletin (pdf) 

The rise of the LGBT network?

(From the Lawyer, November 2007)

Clifford Chance is the largest law firm in the world. Where it leads, others will follow.Last year it was one of six firms named by gay rights organisation Stonewall as a diversity champion. This year, Stonewall has named another 12 firms as diversity champions: http://www.thelawyer.com/item/129805 

Diversity champions support their gay and lesbian staff. Unfortunately, one of Clifford Chance's partners, Michael
Bryceland, didn't feel that well supported, and filed suit against the firm alleging sexual orientation discrimination.
Clifford Chance settled. Stonewall was not pleased and demanded an emergency meeting and as a result, Clifford Chance has launched its lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender network and Stonewall is once again happy with the world's largest law firm. http://www.thelawyer.com/item/129727

Websites access for disabled users in California?

California law may require websites to be accessible to disabled internet users, according to a ruling in a case against retail giant Target. Despite recent improvements to the accessibility of Target.com http://target.com/ , the case has now been certified as a class action.

Target was sued by the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) and one of its blind members, Bruce Sexton, under a federal law, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and also under two state laws, the California Disabled Persons Act and the California Unruh Civil Rights Act. More information available HERE

And finally…

A phone to ask Santa for?
The first new-look edition of Disability Now (November 2007) reviews some mobile phones with extra large buttons and clear symbols, perfect for individuals with visual impairments and/or difficulties handling fiddly buttons. For more information on these easy use mobile phones, call Communic8 on 08701 600600 or visit www.silverphone.co.uk

…Or how about a stocking filler? - The new Highway Code
The latest edition of the Highway Code was launched at the end of September and has doubled in size. As well as containing 29 new rules of the road, the regulations governing powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters (properly termed “invalid carriages” in law) have been included for the first time, together with advice and guidance on climbing and descending curbs, parking and the use of reflective clothing. The Official Highway code, published by the Stationery Office and priced at £2.50 is available from high street and online bookstore, or can be accessed free at: www.direct.gov.uk/highwaycode Alternatively, you can view just the powered wheelchair and mobility scooter rules at: http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/Poweredwheelchairsandmobilityscooters/index.htm

Creature Discomforts

Leonard Cheshire have worked with award-winning animators, Aardman, the force behind “Wallace and Gromit” to create a series of characters based on the “creature comfort” series, campaigning to change the way people think about, and respond to, disability. Creature Discomforts is a series of animations based on the experiences of real disabled people. These animations are very funny but have a serious message behind them, and there is a quiz and a sign-up section to their current awareness campaign. Well worth a read and a chortle over the festive season. Learn more about the campaign here: http://newsweaver.co.uk/thepeoplebulletin/e_article000951099.cfm?x=bbD9mbH,b82dv0Md  Creature discomforts website at: http://www.creaturediscomforts.org/