Loughborough marks UK Disability History Month18 November 2021

The University and Loughborough Students’ Union are running a programme of events and initiatives to celebrate UK Disability History Month (18 November-18 December).

This year’s themes are hidden disabilities and relationships and sex.

Staff associated with the Staff Inclusivity Group will share their lived experiences on the University’s EDI blog and there will also be content throughout the month on our social and internal channels.

All of these will be featured on a dedicated webpage, alongside event details and a range of resources including training on how to hold inclusive meetings, documentaries on disabilities and podcasts on neurodiversity. You will also be able to view staff and student profiles, representing our diverse communities.

The Hazlerigg and Rutland fountain will be lit up purple as part of the #PurpleLightUp campaign which celebrates disabled employees around the world.

Emma Nadin, Chair of the Staff Inclusivity Group said: “The group is a safe and supportive place for staff across both campuses and from all job families who are affected by physical or hidden disabilities.

“It offers its members the opportunity to have their voice heard and to share their personal lived experiences of disability, particularly in the workplace. Disability History Month is important as it raises awareness of the challenges disabled people can face but also highlights the actions that can be taken to ensure everyone can participate fully and inclusively in the workplace and wider society.”

Mart Edwards, Executive Sponsor of the Staff Inclusivity Group added: “It is a privilege to be part of the Staff Inclusivity Group which does so much to both support and raise awareness of different members of our diverse community. This is particularly relevant during Disability History Month which sets out to not only recognise disabled people and their rights but also celebrates their achievements.”

Full story here https://www.lboro.ac.uk/news-e...

Good design lies at the heart of normalising disability – NZ’s new Ministry for Disabled People must make it a priority

While working as a nurse in a busy hospital I began to use a magnifying glass, as I could no longer read the small print on medication vials. I regarded this adaptation as a part of my professional responsibility to keep patients safe.

Others didn’t see it the same way. I was asked to stop using the magnifying glass because it apparently reduced public trust in the care I provided patients and families.

This is just one personal example of how those with a disability are often forced to confront negative language, values and beliefs to engage with the world personally and professionally.

This goes right to conventional definitions of the word “disability” itself, which stem from a medical model that promotes the disability over the person, manifesting in the kinds of attitudes I and many others encounter in everyday life.

Full story here https://theconversation.com/go...

Attendance Allowance to be replaced by new disability payment with no face-to-face assessments

The Pension Age Disability Payment is a new benefit to be delivered by Social Security Scotland that will eventually replace Attendance Allowance for Scottish claimants.

The new benefit will support older people who have a disability which means they need assistance with looking after themselves, or supervision to keep them safe and is part of a trio of new disability assistance payments that will be delivered by the Scottish Government. The other benefits include the Adult Disability Payment which will replace PIP and the Child Disability Payment, which will replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA).

Full story here https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/...

Disability History Month: 'Disabled isn't a dirty word'

The founder of UK Disability History month says disabled people in the UK need more support to tackle disablism and outdated stereotypes about disability.

Disablism can be defined as discriminatory, oppressive, abusive behaviour towards disabled people.

Around 14 million people in the UK are disabled, making up the country's largest minority group. But many disabled people say they encounter harmful stereotypes on a daily basis.

Gem Turner is a wheelchair user and says she often comes across outdated and offensive attitudes towards disability.

She said: "I'm 28 years old, but when I'm out and about I get a lot of patronising comments and pats on the head.

"You know who you are, but you get treated as someone else constantly. It does affect your self esteem. You have to remind yourself that you deserve to be confident, but it's hard when you get that a lot."

Full story here https://www.itv.com/news/calen...

Disability complaints as more repainted road crossings introduced in King’s Cross

Repainted crossing hinders disabled people put in despite mayor's advice

A group unveils the crossing in support of transgender people, including Camden’s mayor Sabrina Francis, regeneration chief Danny Beales and the head of Forum + Tessa Havers-Strong [Simon Lamrock]

A NEWLY repainted crossing to show support for transgender people has been criticised for discriminating against disabled people – a week after the Mayor of London told councils to halt them because of their impact.

A pelican crossing in Marchmont Street, at the junction with Tavistock Place, was repainted with the blue, pink, and white horizontal striped flag to show support for Transgender Awareness Week, which begins on Saturday.

An opening was attended by a group including Camden’s mayor Sabrina Francis, regeneration chief Danny Beales and the head of Forum +, Tessa Havers-Strong on Monday.

However, disability activists have pointed out they are hard to use for people who have visual impairments or learning difficulties. The opening also ignored an order by Transport for London last week that they should be temporarily stopped.

Similar schemes have been installed in Camden Town, where the rainbow flag was painted on the crossing of Camden Road and Jamestown Road last year, and in Tottenham Court Road, where City Hall paid an artist to come up with designs to promote central London.

Access consultant and wheelchair user Mik Scarlet said he was shocked Camden had introduced the crossing again, despite the advice by City Hall and the impact on disabled people previously being covered in the New Journal.

Full story here http://camdennewjournal.com/ar...

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