Politics

Disability rights – and lefts

With the US presidential elections just two months away, Dan Lawton describes how disabled people reacted when the Democratic and Republican parties presented their disability policies

If nine become one

As the government tries to bring anti-discrimination law under the one umbrella of the single equality bill, Ian Macrae finds differing degrees of support

Milestones on a long road

Following a speech in the House of Lords in a debate on disability rights, disabled crossbench peer Lord Low of Dalston reflects on one legislative milestone

Six months ago, the annual report of the Office for Disability Issues made hopeful noises about the UK’s ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Ian Macrae finds that the real picture is less rosy

Standing up to China

Comedian Francesca Martinez tells Sunil Peck why she accepted the invitation to take part in London’s Olympic torch relay – and then turned it down

The great DLA swindle

Jim Elder-Woodward warns that the government’s social care reforms could mean that disability living allowance is not as safe as we think

Old story, new beginnings

Politicians, charities and job experts came together last month to discuss how to help more disabled people into work. Elizabeth Choppin reports

The bill that Jack built

Lord Ashley says his independent living bill would transform the lives of disabled people. He tells Paul Carter why he is determined to force it onto the statute books

Bigger, broader, better

Radar chief executive Liz Sayce explains why she joined the EHRC’s disability committee and what she’s hoping for from the equality body

Time to get real on rights

Is the government making a reality of our human rights? Rachel Hurst asks if we are in Shangri-La or La-La-Land

Matters of life and birth

Do rights begin with conception? Professor Tom Shakespeare of Newcastle University’s Centre For Life looks at some complex parts of a controversial parliamentary bill

Scotland’s hate crime catch-up

As Disability Now launches its hate crime campaign, James Elder-Woodward says Scotland is still a little off the pace

Queen Babs speaks to the nation

Following a Queen’s Speech somewhat lacking in disability savvy, our own royal personage Barbara Lisicki delivers a radical alternative

Hello Eric, goodbye Blackpool

The Conservatives will be relocating to Birmingham next year. While Blackpool may have proved a success for the party, it’s safe to say that for many others it won’t be missed.