- Two recent disability cases of interest, published by Equality Commission for NI:
- One of the most common queries we have from our member employers is around reasonable adjustments. Therefore, the recent article by the Chair of the Equality Commission for NI on this issue was of interest. It is brief and informative, with examples and links for further reading. ECNI – What does ‘reasonable’ mean in ‘reasonable adjustments’? (equalityni.org)
- Man who is blind receives £7K from DWP | EFDNI
- Nursery apologises as disability discrimination case is settled: Equality Commission for NI website
- Ulster University research highlights 44% employment gap between disabled and non-disabled employees: BBC News –
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-62596954 - Disability Positive Accreditation available for NI employers – view video
- Equality Commission research on public attitudes to equality – summary report
- New Autism Amendment Bill aims to end the postcode lottery in provision of services for autistic people in NI and ensure services are tailored to the needs of individuals
- Harkin International Disability Employment Summit comes to Belfast for the first time – 7/8 June 2022
- Equality Commission for NI states that half of all calls to their discrimination advice line last year were about disability discrimination: read CEO’s blog
- The Equality Commission for NI has released details of a settlement between Siobhan Jacobs, a woman who had cancer, and Yellow Door (Portadown) Ltd, for £40,000. Read the full details on the Equality Commission NI website.
- A person with autism, ADHD and Tourette’s syndrome has received £12,500 in a settlement with the PSNI and Honeycomb Jobs Ltd due to lack of reasonable adjustments. Read full details: https://www.equalityni.org/Footer-Links/News/Individuals/Disability-discrimination-case-settled-against-PSN
- Former B&M worker settles disability discrimination case
- Improving public transport for disabled people, Paulley v First Group PLC
- The Office of National Statistics (ONS) has published new data on socioeconomic issues and disability, with information on autism for the first time, read
- Network Rail admits access problems for disabled people during station refurbishments – read
- Legal Island Launches Reasonable Adjustment Guide
- Equality Commission for NI updated guidance on face coverings and exemptions for disabled people – read here
- Disability Action report outlining key issues for disabled people in NI due to coronavirus pandemic – read here
- BDF provides advice on managing disabled employees and coronavirus issues: read here
- Excellent article on the experience of someone on the autism spectrum: BBC News – ‘How I hid my autism to fit in’
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-51475739 - The Court of Appeal has rejected an appeal by BT against a tribunal finding in favour of a person with autism. The claimant was awarded more than £18,400. Read BBC news report:https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-49157916
- BBC News – Mental health of pupils threatened by online world and exams:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-51645128 - The Equality Commission for NI released details on a case involving a woman with hearing loss who is a customer with Danskebank. For full details read here
- People with sight loss call for action to reduce obstacles on our avenues: read
- This information from Mid Ulster District Council gives practical advice on how families can help and support young people in the weeks and months following a trauma: https://www.midulstercouncil.org/…/Greenvale-Hotel-Tragedy-…
- Disabled woman hopes to ’empower other passengers’ after legal win against taxi driver
- The good things about ADHD: ‘It’s my superpower’ – http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/stories-47630021
-
Well done to three member organisations, Queen’s University, Ulster University and Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, for taking a coordinated approach to tackle such an important issue https://t.co/h3rEPVJPop – Cash boost for NI student mental health
This BBC article (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-47002578) highlights appropriate use of language when referring to someone with cancer. It highlighted some “dos and don’ts” as well as individual differences in preferences. Macmillan Cancer Support (https://www.macmillan.org.uk/) provides advice and a link to a wealth of support so it would be very worthwhile to circulate this information and use it to help inform colleagues about this sensitive issue, especially in the run up to World Cancer Day (Monday 4 February).
Disability Action guide to positive action in recruitment – read in member area
- An employee with sight loss who was unable, due to her disability, to perform one part of her job role, i.e. working with onions in a food preparation facility, was dismissed by her employer. A tribunal found that, having reviewed the evidence, it would have involved little or no cost to have excused her from this duty and would have been a reasonable adjustment. She received almost £12,000 in compensation. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-politics-46228215
- A report out today by Prof Michael Marmot from the Institute for Health Equity (see press release for key findings) reported the shocking fact that people with learning disabilities will die 15-20 years sooner on average than the general population.
- Action on Hearing Loss launches employer resource which includes a downloadable Employers’ Guide, videos, an online quiz and an Employers’ Hub: https://www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk/how-we-help/businesses-and-employers/employer-hub/
- Mental health issues affects half of all employees according to Mind: Mental Health Resource
- London North East Railway: Woman who uses a wheelchair finds space on train reserved for wheelchair users filled with luggage – read news report
- Woman with diabetes denied reasonable adjustments at a concert venue – read BBC News report
- Woman with agoraphobia denied reasonable adjustments received £5,500 compensation – read report
- Public attitudes towards people with mental health disabilities is improving: read Equality Commission for NI report
- Key Inequalities in Employment – Equality Commission for NI document – read in member area
- Deaf Person Sues Concert Organiser: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-42776454
- Recognising signs of mental health issues: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4fH2RNP0Mz0BrcbH546DLQN/how-do-you-recognise-if-someone-has-a-mental-health-issue-and-what-can-you-do-about-it
- Fermanagh teenager Dara McAnulty, who has Asberger’s, is a blogger about nature and the environment. He has won another award for his skill and passion, congratulations on a fantastic achievement, Dara! www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-42664687#
- Managing Mental Health at Work – BBC Video
- Newcastle named NI’s first autism-friendly town, congratulations to local businesses & Newry Mourne & Down Council: http://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/health/northern-irelands-first-autism-friendly-12750728
- Wheelchair user invited on-stage by Chris Martin at Coldplay’s Croke Park concert: read
- Boy with prosthetic legs excluded from trampoline park in Co. Down: read
- Chelsea Flower Show features Mallusk man’s Mind Trap garden: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-40005691
- Advice for parents/anyone interested in supporting young people with mental health issues
- Sesame Street welcomes Julia, a muppet with autism
- Plumber wins workers’ rights battle against Pimlico Plumbers: This employer should have agreed to reduce working hours after heart attack, retain good worker and avoid litigation: read
- Discrimination Experienced by Children with Facial Disfigurements
- A BBC report highlights the discrimination and abuse experienced by children who have facial disfigurements: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-38108698
- Highest mental health & self-harm rates among young women
- A quarter of women aged 16-24 years experience mental health problems and self-harm: read story
- NICVA Achieves Member Accreditation: NICVA’s Deputy Chief Executive, Úna McKernan and HR Manager, Alex McGimpsey, were presented with their Member Accreditation Certificate by Employers for Disability NI’s Traning and Advice Director, Gabrielle Fitzpatrick. This recognised the fantastic work done by NICVA to implement practices to fulfil the eight Disability Good Practice Commitments they had signed up to as members of Employers for Disability NI. The organisation should be congratulated for its dedicated staff and ongoing work to enhance accessibility for disabled people as employees and customers.
- Many of Transport for London’s disabled customers, including those with hidden disabilities, struggle to get a seat when they need one. This is why the company has developed a badge and card that they hope will help. To read more go to: https://tfl.gov.uk/campaign/please-offer-me-a-seat?cid=pleaseoffermeaseat
- Arts Council Case Study