A significant new legal judgment holds that while someone may 'push through pain' in order to continue walking this does not mean that they are walking to an "acceptable standard" for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) purposes. The new judgment means that consideration should not only be given to whether a disabled claimant can reliably walk up to 20 metres or 50 metres in total.
The Accessible Information Standard aims to make sure that people who have a disability or sensory loss receive information that they can access and understand, and any communication support that they need. Find out more on the NHS England site
A phone app to help disabled people and visitors plan trips will be launched in Cardiff on Monday.
Once again, UN experts have expressed serious concern about the impact of austerity measures imposed by the UK government. In its concluding remarks, the UN Committee scrutinizing the UK under the International Convention on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights questioned why the government has made no attempt to carry out a "comprehensive assessment of the cumulative impact" on the rights of Disabled people and other groups and called for the benefit cuts that came in through the 2012 and 2016 welfare reform acts to be reversed. The Committee also reflected Disabled people's key concerns over the repealing of the Human Rights Act, the disproportionate impact of austerity measures and the impact of changes to social security and the legal aid system as well as the need for greater investment in mental health services.
What are the limits of people's choice and control over their care and support? Should there be any? Or does the state have a duty to ensure that risks are minimised and taxpayers' money is used appropriately?
A disabled friend of mine posted a very thought provoking comment in one of my many social groups on Facebook yesterday. Something that has got me thinking big-time.