In Focus

Minstead Trust urges inclusive hiring

Minstead Trust has called on businesses to employ more people with learning disabilities, arguing that inclusive hiring can help address staffing shortages and deliver long-term value for employers and staff alike. By Kieran Wiggs – DE The charity’s new push encourages firms to look beyond assumptions about capability and focus on the contribution people with […]

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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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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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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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Art and music therapies recognised as life changing

From November, art and music therapists will be able to charge National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) rates aligned with counselling, following an independent review that found these therapies can be effective and “even life changing” for some people with disability. The move formalises their role in participant supports and clarifies pricing after months of uncertainty.

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Dial-a-Ride proves its worth, but support must not slip

Cape Town’s Dial-a-Ride (DAR) service is a rare example of public transport that works for older people living with disabilities — and cutting it back would be a step backwards. An opinion piece highlights how typical clinic or SASSA trips can cost R240 by e-hailing, involve unsafe transfers near taxi ranks, and take seven hours

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Labour Court declines reinstatement bid after workplace injury

A former Glencore employee who was left disabled after a workplace accident has lost his bid for reinstatement in the Labour Court. The Johannesburg court found that his 2020 review application had lapsed after no steps were taken within six months, meaning the matter was treated as archived and effectively dismissed. By Sinenhlanhla Masilela –

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Watchdog calls for stronger Welsh plan on disabled people’s rights

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has urged the Welsh Government to toughen its draft Disabled People’s Rights Plan with clear targets, timelines and regular public progress reports, warning that weak accountability has held back real change. By Wired Gov What the EHRC wants The EHRC welcomed the plan’s long-term intent but said commitments

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