Wheelchair users in Darlington are taking legal action against a bus company after claims they have been discriminated against. They say Arriva's bus drivers regularly drive past them or do not let them on board despite there being space. Complaints were raised t Darlington Association on Disability (Dad), and now three people are taking Arriva North East to court. Arriva says it is "satisfied" with its services.
Opticians should offer blood sugar checks alongside eye tests to help spot patients with undiagnosed diabetes, experts propose. A simple finger prick blood test in this setting could identify hundreds of thousands of people with type 2 diabetes, according to researchers. A pilot study in northern England found the targeted screening picked up one case for every 100 people tested. This would capture people who do not routinely visit their GP, experts say.
Ministers must learn the lessons of past welfare changes or risk a proposed shake-up of disability support leaving many in poverty, a charity claims. The Papworth Trust said 85% of claimants would have to cut back on basics if plans to replace Disability Living Allowance left them worse off. The poll of 2,000 people also found anxiety over the reassessment process.
A card has been released which aims to make it easier for people with disabilities to report hate crimes. It has been produced by Warwickshire County Council, Warwickshire Police and the Learning Disability Partnership Board. The "I Want to Report a Hate Crime" card aims to tackle prejudice and crime against someone with a disability. By showing the card, the person is able to communicate that they need help.
Scientists have stumbled on a potential new treatment for delayed asthma attacks which can occur several hours after exposure to allergens, a study shows.
The Liberal Democrats are to demand sweeping changes to the much-criticised employment support allowance (ESA), the chief benefit for Britain's 2.5 million sick and disabled people, providing a potential breakthrough for disability campaigners.
