In Focus

No equality without sign language rights

Deputy Minister of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Steve Letsike, has warned that there can be no real equality without the recognition and protection of sign language rights. Speaking at a government event, he stressed that failing to embed these rights undermines access to education, justice and meaningful social participation for deaf communities. By […]

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DWP chief signals possible benefit changes ahead

The new UK Work and Pensions Secretary, Pat McFadden, has said he won’t rule out cutting or changing welfare benefits before next autumn. Universal Credit eligibility, PIP funding, and health-related payments may all be up for review. By Albert Toth – The Independent Responding to questions, McFadden emphasised that welfare reform will be an ongoing

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1 in 5 Australian children live with hidden chronic conditions

A study reported in Mirage News finds that one in five Australian children are living with chronic health conditions that often go unseen. Conditions such as asthma, eczema, allergies and other non-visible ailments can disrupt daily life without being fully recognised by peers, schools or even health systems. By The Mirage Parents say that while

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The upside of special needs

An opinion piece in The Citizen explores how some fitting benefits emerge when society rethinks “special needs.” What starts as policy around disability badges or fast-queue access begins conversations about visibility, dignity and inclusion. Conditions not always visible—such as mental health or chronic pain—raise questions about fairness and authenticity of access. By Jennie Ridyard –

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Experts float replacement for PIP focused on clearer support

A report outlines proposals from experts to replace Personal Independence Payment (PIP) with a new benefit aimed at providing clearer, more consistent support for disabled people. The suggested model would shift emphasis from points-based assessments towards a needs-led approach that better reflects real-world costs and day-to-day impact. By Albert Toth – The Independent The article

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Long COVID may mirror brain injury, not just fatigue

New research reported by The Conversation suggests long COVID can involve neurological changes similar to those seen after a stroke or in Parkinson’s disease, rather than being simply “post-viral tiredness”. The study points to alterations in brain function that may help explain persistent symptoms such as brain fog, memory problems, dizziness, headaches and movement issues.

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Scottish government warned over £770m disability benefit gap

Audit Scotland has warned that the Scottish Government has no clear plan to address a growing shortfall in disability benefit funding. The Adult Disability Payment (ADP), which replaces Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in Scotland, is forecast to drive a funding gap rising to £770 million by 2029–30. By Christina O’Neill – STV News In 2023–24,

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Disabled sailing group faces uncertainty over ferry plan

A proposed Labor plan to introduce a ferry service at Perth’s Matilda Bay has raised concerns for a local disabled sailing group, which relies on calm, accessible waters and shore-based facilities to run inclusive programmes. Advocates warn that increased water traffic and changes to berthing or access could disrupt training, compromise safety, and limit participation

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UCT honours disability rights trailblazers

At its spring graduation, the University of Cape Town (UCT) awarded honorary doctorates to two leading disability rights advocates, Dr Mohammed Cassiem D’Arcy and Shaib Chalklen. By Myolisi Gophe – UCT News Dr D’Arcy, an activist and scholar, has long advanced the rights of persons with disabilities through both grassroots organising and academic work. His

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