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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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#
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
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
