Abridged March 2008
Mother’s landmark legal victory could herald new rights for Britain's six million carers
The mother of a disabled child is today a step closer to a precedent setting legal victory that could herald new rights for Britain’s six million carers, including those looking after older relatives. Read the Press Release here
Mental Capacity Act Amendments
The Law Society's Gazette of 7 February contains an interesting two-page note on amendments to the Civil Procedure Rules, consequent upon the coming into force of the Mental Capacity Act, 2005. A copy of the document, reproduced with kind permission of the Law Society Gazette, is available here
Ministry of Justice unveils future structure
A new structure for the Ministry of Justice, which will protect the public, reduce re-offending and improve access to justice has been announced by the Justice Secretary Jack Straw:
http://www.gnn.gov.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=348415&NewsAreaID=2
Rough guide to managing Personal Assistants
With the Direct Payments system currently being rolled out, GSD members who may be affected are reminded that “The rough guide to managing Personal Assistants”, published in 2000 and including contributions from the GSD Chair, is available for free download at: http://www.independentliving.org/docs6/vasey2000.html
Work placement tip
One of our members has recently kindly provided details of the following website which she recently used to gain work experience: www.opportunities.org.uk
Noisyphone
Following the feature we reported in Disability Now (November 2007) regarding mobile telephones with large buttons, Mobilise (February 2008) have reviewed the Noisyphone which, as the name suggests, rings up to a massive 43DB, making it ideal for the hard of hearing, is backed up by a red flashing light and also features large 1’’ (2.5 cm) buttons with a speed-dial keypad for additional convenience. The Noisyphone can be purchased at £69.95 (plus £7.95 special delivery postage) from their website http://www.noisyphones.com
Will Aid
The Will Aid campaign has been running successfully for twenty years on a biennial basis. But as a result of demand from the public and solicitors the campaign will now run every November. This provides the opportunity for more solicitors who want the chance to do something really worthwhile and boost business to join Will Aid.
Will Aid is the UK’s most successful UK-wide charity Will scheme and attracts new clients to solicitors’ offices by offering a no fee Will-writing service in return for the client’s donation to the nine Will Aid charities. These charities work all over the World, helping people to improve their lives, their communities and build a brighter future.
Press release and recruitment mailer, available here: Press Release or Recruitment Mailer (PDF)
Online retailers break Disability laws
Over a third of the top 20 online retailers in the UK are breaking accessibility laws according to a survey done by web specialists. The main problems identified are text size and checkout procedures that are too complex.
http://www.vnunet.com/vnunet/news/2206522/online-retailers-braking
Firm fails to give deaf man a chance
An electronics company has been ordered to pay compensation to an East Molesey man who was denied a job interview because he is deaf. The interview was cancelled because the company had nor organised a sign language interpreter.
http://www.wimbledonguardian.co.uk/news/elmbridgenews/display.var.1995535.0.firm_fails_to_give_deaf_man_a_chance.php
New Website Helps Support Dyslexic Employees
A website has been launched which aims to help the three million dyslexic people in the UK workforce.
The website, www.re-adjust.co.uk, points to new consultancy and training services to help both employers and dyslexic employees. It also includes practical steps to help dyslexic employees, as well as information about assistive technologies and gives users advice on conforming to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).
BAFTA bitterness after film about disability axed
BAFTA have been drawn into a bitter row with the organisers of a disability film festival after refusing to screen a documentary about a group of disabled artists: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk_news/story/0,,2254463,00.html
Disability issues hit the big screen
The X'08 festival brings together the best international films by disabled actors and directors, including comedies, dramas and a controversial documentary.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/feb/13/disability.filmfestival
Disabled South West
A New webzine has been launched for disabled people in the South West. Follow this link for further details: www.disabledsouthwest.co.uk
And finally…
News from the US: Fast food employees mocked a blind woman who needed help reading menu
Alice Camarillo, who is legally blind, says she was ridiculed when she asked for help reading the menu at fast-food restaurants like BurgerKing, McDonald's, Taco Bell and Wendy's.
She sued. A federal judge in Albany threw it out, saying the law doesn't require restaurant workers to be polite.
Yesterday, a Manhattan federal appeals court overruled the lower court, and Camarillo can sue the restaurants under the American Disabilities Act.
More information available here