News - Liberal Democrat Disability Association

Social care 'national scandal and disgrace'

It is one of the biggest domestic policy issues of our times - where should the balance be struck between the individual and the state's responsibility for paying for care in old age? A much-anticipated government policy paper for England has still not surfaced. Experts are calling it a "national scandal" with services in parts of the country near collapse and millions of vulnerable people deprived of the care and support they need.

by Hugh Pym

13 Mar 2019

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Tory U-turn on cuts to disability clubs

The drastic cuts to funding for disability friendship clubs, which Wiltshire Council's beleagured administration proudly announced last month, have now been postponed at least until next year. This follows an outcry from those affected and their supporters. The responsible cabinet member, Jerry Wickham, said: "I very much regret the upset this has caused to the users and staff at the clubs and I extend my apologies."

13 Mar 2019

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'I was accused of pretending that my daughter was sick'

It was a revelation that left Nicky Rowlands aghast - the moment she discovered she was being accused of fabricating the illness that had left her daughter in pain. Worse was to come. Her daughter Bethanie had to go to a hospital unit for a psychological disorder which she did not have.

by Rob Cave

13 Mar 2019

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Fibromyalgia may affect as many as one in 25 people in NI

About 4,500 people in Northern Ireland are receiving a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for living with fibromyalgia - but as many as one in 25 people may actually be affected. Fibromyalgia is a long-term condition that causes pain all over the body and it can be difficult to detect.

by Aileen Moynagh

3 Mar 2019

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Gwent SenCom support unit rethink by Newport 'causing instability'

Staff at a children's special needs service are facing further uncertainty, its boss claims, after a council put on hold until 2020 its plans to pull out. Newport City Council planned to leave the Gwent Sensory and Communication Support Unit (SenCom) to go it alone.

3 Mar 2019

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NI 'falling short' for kids with sight loss

Babies and children learn so much about the world and how to behave in it by watching other people. Long before they can communicate with us they are copying movements and taking cues from those around them. But what if a child can't see us? What if they aren't able to identify their environments or even their own bodies? Their development, personal mobility and independence can be negatively affected.

by Errrin Kerr

3 Mar 2019

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