Show and tell
Working with hearing or visually impaired colleagues can mean rethinking the way you communicate. But finding a common language is easier than it seems.
VF
26 Jun 2007
News
Epilepsy care 'scandal' reported
Almost half of the 990 epilepsy-linked deaths in England each year are avoidable, says a parliamentary report. Nearly 70,000 patients do not get drugs they need, while even more are given medication unnecessarily, the All Party Parliamentary Group on Epilepsy said. It described the figures as a "national scandal", arguing that misdiagnosis of patients was costing £134m annually. The Department of Health said it took epilepsy "very seriously" and would study the report carefully.
26 Jun 2007
Pistorius gets IAAF green light
Oscar Pistorius can compete against the world's best able-bodied athletes while researchers decide if his prosthetic legs give him an unfair advantage. In March, athletics' governing body introduced a rule banning any runner deemed to benefit from artificial help. But it now appears it has changed its stance, to the benefit of Pistorius. The 20-year-old South African runs using carbon fibre curved blades after his legs were amputated from below the knee when he was just 11 months.
25 Jun 2007
Canal charity wins £13,000 grant
A charity which offers disabled people the chance to explore canals in Essex has been given a £13,000 funding boost. The Canal Boat Project, based in Burnt Mill, Harlow, is one of 12 groups in the district to share £94,598 of grants Essex County Council. The grant will help complete the charity's £50,000 project to build a reception cabin and pumping equipment.
25 Jun 2007
Disabled children bullying claims
More than 90% of children with learning disabilities are bullied, according to a report from Enable Scotland. The charity said most of these children faced a lonely summer holiday in their homes, afraid to venture out to the park or even go out in the street. The UK-wide research, based on 564 children, 12% of whom were in Scotland, found that more than a third said telling an adult made no difference. The study came as the charity launched a campaign to tackle the issue.
25 Jun 2007
Benefit help for the ill or disabled
There is financial help available if you can not work People who can not work due to ill-health or disability can be in line for help with living costs. The most commonly claimed benefits are Incapacity Benefit and Statutory Sick Pay. There are also a range of less claimed benefits available to smaller groups, such as those who can not work because of industrial injury.
25 Jun 2007