Abridged February 2008
Record £550,000 payout for disability discrimination
A former London park worker made redundant along with 23 colleagues has won a record 550,499.09p in compensation after an employment tribunal ruled that his former employer had discriminated against him because of his disability. http://www.xperthr.co.uk/blogs/employment-intelligence/2007/11/record-550000-payout-for-disability-discrimination.html
Eugenics opposition press release
A group of Deaf and hearing people extremely concerned at the implications of Clause 14 (4) (9) of the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Bill, have produced a press release outlining their concerns, namely that this part of the Clause risks introducing a form of eugenics into UK law. It should be of serious concern to all citizens, and not only Deaf or disabled people. The press released can be found in alternative formats at the following web address: http://stopeugenics.org/add-your-name/ together with the process by which you can show your support by adding your name to those opposing the bill.
Needy 'face social care struggle' (from the BBC)
Elderly and disabled people in England are increasingly being denied social services, a report says.
The Commission for Social Care Inspection said councils were tightening their criteria which determines who is eligible for care.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/7214709.stm
UN renames day
On 18th December, the United Nations General Assembly renamed the International Day of Disabled Persons, observed every year on 3 December, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The 192 Member States of the General Assembly took that decision unanimously. The Assembly also called on United Nations agencies and bodies engaged in development, humanitarian assistance and protection of the environment to ensure that the disability perspective is incorporated in their work.
In a related development, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is now six ratifications away from coming into force. It was ratified by Mexico on 17 December, by El Salvador on 14 December and by Nicaragua on 7 December. Twenty ratifications are needed to bring the treaty into force. For information, see http://www.un.org/disabilities/
Also, the "Handbook for Parliamentarians on the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities" is available on-line at http://www.un.org/disabilities/default.asp?id=212
GSD join the UK ratification coalition
GSD, together with their administrative body Equal Ability CIC, have officially joined a campaign for UK ratification of the Convention on the Rights of Disabled People. The campaign, initiated by Disability Awareness in Action, a pressure group in Wiltshire, has gained huge support in the past month from disability-related firms and charities in the UK. GSD Chair Sue Maynard Campbell, signed the ratification document on behalf of both organisations.
Restaurant refused blind friends (from the BBC)
Two blind people who were turned away from a restaurant because they had a guide dog have been awarded £1,000 each in compensation: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/northern_ireland/7153072.stm
The Blue Badge Scheme: Local authority guidance
(Date of publication 24 January 2008)
This document provides guidance to English local authorities on the administration of the Blue Badge Scheme, including advice on the interpretation of the eligibility criteria. It also provides guidance on the enforcement of the scheme.
http://www.info4local.gov.uk/documents/publications/674514
The Department for Transport is committed to publishing a comprehensive Blue Badge (Disabled Parking) reform strategy by spring 2008. A consultation document has now been produced which seeks public views in order to help inform the strategy, the deadline for which is 17th April 2008. A link to this consultation document is available here: http://www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/bluebadgereformstrategy/
Multi-format guides to North Wales
Fieldsman Trails, the North Wales based Disability Access and Multi Format Publishing company has joined forces with a local bookshop, to establish a unique online service supplying Maps (National Parks) and other products in a variety of formats.
www.fieldsmanbookshop.co.uk supplies Tactile, Relief, Large Print and Braille Maps .Also, Talking Pictures (Birds / Mountains), as well as Guide Books of Accessible places to visit, in order to plan your trip prior to arrival, whether as a visually impaired or blind walker , wheelchair user or walking with a pushchair.
Advice is also available on line or using other preferred methods - phone, fax, regarding information about walking locations best suited to your lifestyle. The site has received excellent reviews from local , National and International Disability organisations.
Phone contact: The Bookshop- 01352 759879;
Email: moldbooks@btconnect.com
GSD Web 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.
And finally…
Mug shot
(from CPS news December 2007)
American police investigating the theft of a digital camera from a store were surprised to find the thief had left a picture of himself on a display model. The thief took the photo of himself before leaving the store with another $400 camera. Police have since arrested a man in connection with the theft.