World view round up - March

New bill would strengthen US law

Jewish disability groups have been lobbying the US Congress to tighten anti-disability discrimination laws.
The House of Representatives is considering a bill that would expand the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act.
The Jewish Disability Network said 97 per cent of legal challenges have been lost because courts interpret the act too narrowly.  
Rabbi Lynne Landsberg, a disabled adviser at the Religious Action Center, was among those set to meet with members of Congress.
Rabbi Landsberg said: “Leviticus 19:14 teaches us ‘not to place a stumbling block before the blind’. There can be no clearer message that we have an obligation to ensure equal access for all.”
The new act would ensure protection for those with conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, hearing impairments, learning difficulties and mental health problems.



Coach thefts spark security fears

People of restricted growth are being smuggled into the luggage holds of long-distance coaches in Sweden by hiding in suitcases.
The thieves, who work for organised gangs, sneak out from their hiding places inside the hold and steal items from travellers’ luggage.
One coach company is considering installing video cameras, after reports of several thefts by people of restricted growth.


Footballer barred over impairment

A disabled football player in Botswana was barred from playing in a league match because of his impairment.
Keneilwe Ramokhuwa, who was born with one arm shorter than the other, was told by the referee he could not play for Ramotswa Home Defenders against Mokgosi.
A Referees Commission spokesman said it would apologise to the player and the team for the incident in December.


Report demands action on housing

A new report has called for wide-ranging reforms to housing for disabled people in the Irish Republic.
The Right Living Space, by the Disability Federation of Ireland (DFI) and the Citizens Information Board (CIB), highlights the need for better policies on housing and support.
It includes calls for more help for disabled people living in residential homes or with their parents; better access to independent living support; promotion of “lifetime housing” standards for new homes, to ensure minimum disruption if someone becomes disabled; and an increased investment in social housing.
Pictured at the launch in January are (from left): DFI chair Geraldine Clare; environment, heritage and local government minister John Gormley; DFI and CIB board member Martin Naughton; CIB chair Chris Glennon; and CIB chief executive Leonie Lunny.