Long-term speech and language problems are wrongly being blamed on parents not talking to their children and too much television, research suggests. A survey for the Communication Trust reveals common misconceptions about the cause of serious communication difficulties. The charity says the exact cause of such problems is often unknown.
The prime minister has said he has "every sympathy" with the family of a disabled six-year-old after her mother accused him of not doing enough to help families in need of respite care. Riven Vincent, of Staple Hill, near Bristol, said she could not cope and might put her daughter Celyn into care.
Families who were pursuing a legal case against the makers of an epilepsy drug have dropped their action because legal aid was withdrawn. Lawyers representing the families said they were "devastated" that the case would not be heard. Manufacturer Sanofi-Aventis has always denied any wrong doing. Around 80 families claimed that the drug, sodium valproate - also known as epilim, caused a range of birth defects. They have been pursing a legal action for damages against manufacturer Sanofi-Aventis. The firm has denied their claims.
Annette Brooke MP for Mid Dorset and North Poole has added her signature and support to the Can You Feel My Pain? Bill of Rights, calling for improved rights for people living with chronic pain in the UK.
The decision by the EU to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities is a landmark victory in the struggle of Europe's 65 million disabled people for equal rights, says Lib Dem Euro MP Liz Lynne.
Local MEP Richard Howitt paid a visit to an Essex-based disability charity last week to find out about mobility scooters and concerns over safety. Mr Howitt, president of the European Parliament's All Party Disability Group, went to Disability Essex's training centre in Rochford, on January 7