In Focus

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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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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Para surfer Sabelo Ngema seeks sponsorship

South African para surfer Sabelo Ngema is seeking sponsorship to continue competing and representing his community at national and international events. In a letter to potential partners, Ngema says his surfing journey began in 2018 and quickly became a career path. The ocean, he writes, offered healing, strength and freedom. Through discipline and resilience he

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Expert panel to boost NDIS support standards

Australia has appointed an expert-led committee to test which NDIS supports should be funded, with a focus on best-practice and evidence-based results. The NDIS Evidence Advisory Committee (EAC) will be chaired by Associate Professor Jill Duncan OAM, with a majority of members being people with disabilities. By Department of Health – The Mirage News The

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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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