"); ?> Office for Disability Issues - ODInsight archive - 2008 - November

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In this issue

In this issue

What's happening?

What's happening?

  • The ODI has been shortlisted for the Engagement and Involvement category in the Civil Service Diversity and Equality Awards 2006. The winners of this prestigious award will be announced at the ceremony on 2 December. You can read the details of the shortlist and find out more about the awards at the Civil Service Network site
  • The Metropolitan Support Trust have commissioned research aimed at impacting upon policy and producing robust recommendations that could benefit disabled refugees and asylum seekers in London. The research findings and recommendations will be launched at an event on 14 November. Places are available on a first come first served basis, so for details of how to attend visit the Refugee Support site
  • Need help to ensure your communications are accessible to all? Find out how to involve disabled people in your work using positive representations of disability. If you work for government communications, book yourself on an ODI Images of Disability workshop
  • It’s your last chance to book a place at Equality 2025’s annual public meeting! Equality 2025 is holding its second annual public meeting on 3 November in Birmingham. Places are limited but late applications may be accepted, so if you have not already applied, there is still time to book a place. For details and booking instructions, visit our registration page

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Introducing the new Minister for Disabled People

On 6 October, Jonathan Shaw MP was appointed the new Minister for Disabled People.

After acknowledging the excellent work of the Rt Hon Anne McGuire MP, who held the position since 2005, he expressed his enthusiasm for his new role.

“I am determined to sustain the momentum towards equality for disabled people by 2025,” he said, adding he was also keen to “press ahead with the work of the Office for Disability Issues and the rest of Government on independent living.”

Read the minister’s full statement on the ODI website at www.officefordisability.gov.uk

Director of Public Prosecutions urges action on disability hate crime

On 6 October, Ken Macdonald, the Director of Public Prosecutions (CPS), spoke about the effective prosecution of disability hate crime at an event jointly hosted by the Bar Council and the Equality and Diversity Forum.

Whilst acknowledging the progress that the justice system has made, the Director told delegates that this type of crime is widespread and that too many disabled people are still living in fear. He also talked about his belief that more can be done to identify these offences, and to help the courts impose appropriate sentences.

Key to the effective prosecution of these crimes is avoiding a mistaken focus on the perceived vulnerability of the victim at the expense of looking at the prejudice and hostility of the offender. Where evidence of such hostility exists, the Director called for police and prosecutors to ensure that it is put before the court using section 146 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

Read more about the CPS policy on Disability Hate Crime on the CPS website

Strengthening disability discrimination legislation

The Office for Disability Issues is undertaking work to strengthen disability discrimination legislation in light of two recent court rulings.

A House of Lords ruling (Lewisham Council v Malcolm) means that it is now more difficult for a disabled person to show that they have been discriminated against for a reason related to their disability. The European Court of Justice's judgment in the case of Coleman v Attridge Law means that European law covering employment and vocational training protects people from direct discrimination or harassment that arises because of their association with a disabled person.  This will affect protection under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

'The ODI intends to consult on the Government's response to each ruling separately but both consultations are likely to take place before the end of 2008. Look out for further information appearing on the ODI website soon. In the meantime, find out more about the DDA on our pages on the law

Independent Living research

The Independent Living Strategy, launched in March 2008, commits the government to investigate the effectiveness of advocacy support for disabled people at risk of losing choice and control.

To begin this process, Bristol University’s Norah Fry Centre has been commissioned to find out how to better understand how independent advocacy works at key life stages, including entry into residential care, transition from youth to adulthood and aspects of anti-social behaviour.

The ODI will publish the conclusions of this research in summer 2009. In the meantime, find out more on our independent living pages

ODI website: leading the way on accessibility

The ODI website continues to balance the needs of its users with the creation of compelling content, and we work across government to ensure the site is an exemplar of accessibility. Read our website accessibility statement for more information.

We have plenty of exciting developments planned. If you would like to find out more, or to discuss opportunities or improvements in online accessibility, email the website manager at office-for-disability-issues@dwp.gsi.gov.uk

Blue Badge map goes mobile!

Directgov is pleased to announce the Blue Badge map is now available on internet-enabled mobile phones.

The map is aimed at Blue Badge holders and outlines facilities such at Blue Badge parking and accessible toilets in over 100 places around the UK.

To use the mobile service, simply text ‘BLUE’ to 83377 and follow the instructions.

Find out more on the Directgov Blue Badge Map pages

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