A Prison Reform Trust report says that prisons are struggling to cope with the increase in elderly, sick and disabled people behind bars.
It reveals that those aged 60 and over are the fastest growing population in
English and Welsh prisons, with an increase of 146% between 2002 and 2014.
Those aged 50-59 are the second fastest-growing group.
Longer sentences mean more people are growing frail in prison, but high rates
of social and support needs are unmet, says the trust. It added that two in five prisoners over 50 now have a disability of some kind.
Trust director Juliet Lyon said: "In the last few years, prison has been reduced
to a punitive holding operation for people growing older and sicker behind bars. Prisons are less safe and less decent than they were even a year ago when we
published our last report."
The proportion of prisons whose performance is "of concern" or "of serious
concern" according to the National Offender Management Service has risen from
13% in 2012-13, to 23% in 2013-14.
Showing posts with label disability. Show all posts
Showing posts with label disability. Show all posts
Tuesday, 28 October 2014
Monday, 27 January 2014
Students With Assistive Status
Learning Resources provide a large range of services for staff and students who are identified as having a disability either through the Student Record System (SITS) or the HR System (TRENT).
Individuals who disclose a disability to LRC/Library staff, which is not known to the University, will be referred to the Health and Wellbeing Team.
Services for students with assistive status include:
The contact for services at Bedford Library is:
Sue Csoka
sue.csoka@beds.ac.uk
Tel: 01234 793189
Individuals who disclose a disability to LRC/Library staff, which is not known to the University, will be referred to the Health and Wellbeing Team.
Services for students with assistive status include:
- Individual assistance
- Unlimited renewals
- Waived fines (excludes other sanctions including blocked borrowing and charges for replacement)
- Training and support in the use of assistive software
- All our LRCs are accessible for wheelchair users
- Lifts are available to allow access to all floors
- Specialist software and equipment
- Staff are disability aware and are happy to help you
The contact for services at Bedford Library is:
Sue Csoka
sue.csoka@beds.ac.uk
Tel: 01234 793189
Monday, 21 January 2013
Disabled People Could "Miss Out" Under Social Care Reform
Research carried out for the charities Mencap, Scope, the National Autistic Society, Leonard Cheshire Disability and Sense indicates that adults with disabilities in England are being deprived of basic care and support and are at risk of being forgotten in the wider reform of the social care system.
Much of the focus on care has been centred around the crisis facing the elderly. However, a coalition of charities has warned people with disabilities under the age of 65 are being neglected too.
Ministers are soon expected to announce a cap will be placed on the costs people face for care - but this will largely benefit older people who have built up substantial assets through savings, pensions and property.
Younger adults with disabilities are less likely to have such assets, and as a result get care free through the means-tested system.
About 500,000 working age adults get social care support - a third of the total number getting help. But the figure has been falling in recent years as councils have started to ration care so that only those with the most severe needs get help.
Research carried out for the charities indicated there were now 90,000 fewer people receiving help than in 2008 - at a time when there are more people living with disabilities.
The study also warned if the reform of the system was pushed through it could lead to more being excluded. This is because the government's desire to have national eligibility criteria could result in those areas that have yet to ration care imposing tighter restrictions.
Meanwhile, the research also raised concerns about the quality of services being provided. A survey of 600 people receiving social care found nearly 40% were failing to get enough help to ensure their basic needs, including eating properly, washing and dressing, were met. Overall, the report estimated there was a £1.2bn funding gap for younger disabled adults.
You can read more on this story on the BBC News website here.
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| Photograph by Smerikal |
Much of the focus on care has been centred around the crisis facing the elderly. However, a coalition of charities has warned people with disabilities under the age of 65 are being neglected too.
Ministers are soon expected to announce a cap will be placed on the costs people face for care - but this will largely benefit older people who have built up substantial assets through savings, pensions and property.
Younger adults with disabilities are less likely to have such assets, and as a result get care free through the means-tested system.
About 500,000 working age adults get social care support - a third of the total number getting help. But the figure has been falling in recent years as councils have started to ration care so that only those with the most severe needs get help.
Research carried out for the charities indicated there were now 90,000 fewer people receiving help than in 2008 - at a time when there are more people living with disabilities.
The study also warned if the reform of the system was pushed through it could lead to more being excluded. This is because the government's desire to have national eligibility criteria could result in those areas that have yet to ration care imposing tighter restrictions.
Meanwhile, the research also raised concerns about the quality of services being provided. A survey of 600 people receiving social care found nearly 40% were failing to get enough help to ensure their basic needs, including eating properly, washing and dressing, were met. Overall, the report estimated there was a £1.2bn funding gap for younger disabled adults.
You can read more on this story on the BBC News website here.
Monday, 26 November 2012
Disability History Month Free Event
Friday 7 December 2012 at 7:30pm
at University of Bedfordshire Theatre
Bedford Campus, Polhill Avenue, Bedford, MK41 9EA
Laurence Clark is an internationally-acclaimed comedian, presenter, writer and actor who has cerebral palsy. His observational, political stand-up and hidden camera footage demonstrate the endearing naivety and ridiculousness of
human behaviour by seeing the world through his
eyes with humour and warmth. He’s performed everywhere from the House of Commons to a double-decker bus in Sheffield. His 7 critically acclaimed solo shows at the Edinburgh Fringe have gained him 25 4-star and 3 5-star reviews. With television appearances on BBC, ITV and Channel 4, Laurence was the subject of a major
BBC1 documentary called “We Won’t Drop the Baby” shown in March 2012. He was awarded Shortlist magazine’s Funniest New Comedian, and writes for The Independent and The Guardian.
To book your free place call the booking office on: 0800 328 5334 or e-mail: knowledge@beds.ac.uk
Attendance to this event is through Bookings only
Monday, 29 October 2012
On TV tonight...
Last year BBC Panorama exposed the violent abuse of people with learning disabilities at Winterbourne. A number of former patients have faced further assaults or unnecessary restraints in other care establishments.
Following the closure of Winterbourne View, and as 11 of its former staff are sentenced in court, Panorama asks: are the most vulnerable people in society any better protected? http://www.bbc.co.uk/i/b01nqn4d/
Wednesday, 17 October 2012
Disabled People To Lose Out With Universal Credit
New reports by the Children's Society: The Parent Trap: Childcare Costs Under Universal Credit and by Disability Rights UK and Citizen's Advice: Holes in the Safety Net say up to half a million disabled people and their families stand to lose out under the government's proposed Universal Credit.
The Universal Credit will replace Jobseeker's allowance, tax credits, income support, employment and support allowance - formerly known as incapacity benefit - and housing benefits with a single payment.
The system will be "piloted" in parts of north-east England next April and will come into force across Britain for new claimants from October 2013.
The report argues that the changes will mean 230,000 severely disabled people who do not have another adult to assist them will receive between £28 and £58 less in benefits every week.
You can read the full story and the Government's response on the BBC News website here.
The Universal Credit will replace Jobseeker's allowance, tax credits, income support, employment and support allowance - formerly known as incapacity benefit - and housing benefits with a single payment.
The system will be "piloted" in parts of north-east England next April and will come into force across Britain for new claimants from October 2013.
The report argues that the changes will mean 230,000 severely disabled people who do not have another adult to assist them will receive between £28 and £58 less in benefits every week.
You can read the full story and the Government's response on the BBC News website here.
Tuesday, 31 July 2012
Benefits Cheats Cause A Negative Image Of Disabled People: New Report
New Research by the disability charity, Scope shows that almost half (46%) of disabled people feel that attitudes towards them have worsened over the last year.
Disabled people single out the tiny number of people falsely claiming disability benefits and the way their actions are reported by the media as the chief causes of public hostility. At the same time disabled people report that they are increasingly confronted by strangers questioning their right to support.
It comes after ministers released data suggesting 55% of sickness benefit claimants were no longer eligible for it. The government is changing the welfare system to try to get more people into work and is scrapping the three main benefits for disabled people in the process. Anyone receiving these benefits will be reviewed to see if they are capable of work or eligible for other benefits.
But a report from a parliamentary committee for Scope has warned that changes to disabled people's benefits may risk their right to independent living. The report asked 500 disabled people, their parents and carers a series of questions in England, Wales and Scotland. It found:
Disabled people single out the tiny number of people falsely claiming disability benefits and the way their actions are reported by the media as the chief causes of public hostility. At the same time disabled people report that they are increasingly confronted by strangers questioning their right to support.
It comes after ministers released data suggesting 55% of sickness benefit claimants were no longer eligible for it. The government is changing the welfare system to try to get more people into work and is scrapping the three main benefits for disabled people in the process. Anyone receiving these benefits will be reviewed to see if they are capable of work or eligible for other benefits.
But a report from a parliamentary committee for Scope has warned that changes to disabled people's benefits may risk their right to independent living. The report asked 500 disabled people, their parents and carers a series of questions in England, Wales and Scotland. It found:
- 46% of those polled said people's attitudes towards them had worsened over the last year
- 40% said people's atitudes had stayed the same; 16% said they had improved
- Nearly two-thirds (64%) said they had experienced aggression, hostility or name calling
- Nearly three-quarters or (73%) said they had experienced an assumption they did not work.
- When asked what could be contributing to such hostility, 87% singled out people claiming disability benefits to which they are not entitled
- 84% highlighted negative media coverage about benefit cheats
Monday, 9 July 2012
Social Care Plans Need Funding
Health Secretary Andrew Lansley has said that legislation to change the
funding of social care for elderly and disabled people in England could
be introduced during this Parliament.
Last July, a review chaired by economist Andrew Dilnot put forward a raft of ideas for changes to adult social care funding in England. Chief among these was a £35,000 cap on what people should pay towards home visits or care home costs before they get help from the state.
But shadow health secretary Andy Burnham said: "A cap is meaningless if there is no plan to deliver it. How is it going to be paid for? What is the timetable to put it in place?"
Care Minister Paul Burstow said Labour had failed to make changes to the care system when it was in office, and that the coalition government would "spell out in detail how we will change the system to comprehensively reform it for the 21st Century".
The Care & Support Alliance says one in two people needs care in their lifetime costing more than £20,000, while one in 10 requires care costing upwards of £100,000.
You can read & listen to a brief video on this topic on the BBC News site here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18754431
Last July, a review chaired by economist Andrew Dilnot put forward a raft of ideas for changes to adult social care funding in England. Chief among these was a £35,000 cap on what people should pay towards home visits or care home costs before they get help from the state.
But shadow health secretary Andy Burnham said: "A cap is meaningless if there is no plan to deliver it. How is it going to be paid for? What is the timetable to put it in place?"
Care Minister Paul Burstow said Labour had failed to make changes to the care system when it was in office, and that the coalition government would "spell out in detail how we will change the system to comprehensively reform it for the 21st Century".
The Care & Support Alliance says one in two people needs care in their lifetime costing more than £20,000, while one in 10 requires care costing upwards of £100,000.
You can read & listen to a brief video on this topic on the BBC News site here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18754431
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Children & Families Bill To Give Families Support
The government will overhaul the special educational needs system and reduce delays in the family justice and adoption systems, under new legislation announced in the Queen’s Speech.
The Bill would introduce a single, simpler assessment process for children with SEN or disabilities, backed up by new Education, Health and Care Plans. It would speed up care proceedings in family courts with the introduction of a new six-month time limit on cases and other reforms. It would also include legislation to stop delays by social workers in matching parents to ethnic minority children and would strengthen the law so children have a relationship with both parents if families break up – if that is in their best interest. Ministers will consult shortly on the legal options about how this would work. The Bill would also strengthen the powers of the Children’s Commissioner and contains provisions relating to flexible parental leave.
The Bill is expected to be introduced early in 2013. The full press release is available here: http://www.education.gov.uk/inthenews/inthenews/a00208753/childrens-bill-family-support
The Bill would introduce a single, simpler assessment process for children with SEN or disabilities, backed up by new Education, Health and Care Plans. It would speed up care proceedings in family courts with the introduction of a new six-month time limit on cases and other reforms. It would also include legislation to stop delays by social workers in matching parents to ethnic minority children and would strengthen the law so children have a relationship with both parents if families break up – if that is in their best interest. Ministers will consult shortly on the legal options about how this would work. The Bill would also strengthen the powers of the Children’s Commissioner and contains provisions relating to flexible parental leave.
The Bill is expected to be introduced early in 2013. The full press release is available here: http://www.education.gov.uk/inthenews/inthenews/a00208753/childrens-bill-family-support
Monday, 14 May 2012
Disability Benefit Change Needed Says Iain Duncan Smith
Work & Pensions Secretary, Iain Duncan Smith has insisted that reform of disability benefits is needed and that planned changes will go ahead.
It has emerged that half a million people are to lose the Disability Living Allowance over the next four years. However, Mr Duncan Smith told the Daily Telegraph the number of people claiming it had risen by 30% in recent years, with many people "allowed to fester".
Under the changes, two million claimants would be reassessed in the next four years, with only those considered to be in need of support able to qualify. The government is consulting on the proposals, but Mr Duncan Smith argued a new benefit had to be introduced.
He said: "It's been rising well ahead of any other gauge you might make about illness, sickness, disability or, for that matter, general trends in society. "A lot of that is down to the way the benefit was structured so that it was very loosely defined."
The allowance is currently claimed by more than three million people - but it is due to be replaced with a "personal independence payment", which ministers say will focus on those most in need. Mr Duncan Smith said the current system had been exploited and abused because of political fear about reforming a benefit for the disabled.
Disability campaigners have warned ministers that the new assessment must be fair, otherwise people with serious disabilities could lose the money they need to cover costs such as maintaining wheelchairs and using specially-adapted cars.
For Labour, shadow work and pensions secretary Liam Byrne said: "This government has approached the vital reform of disability benefits with a mix of contempt and carelessness. Mr Duncan Smith wants to cut at least a fifth - almost £2.2bn - off the £13bn annual bill, according to the Daily Telegraph.
You can read more about this story on the BBC News website here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18054734
Under the changes, two million claimants would be reassessed in the next four years, with only those considered to be in need of support able to qualify. The government is consulting on the proposals, but Mr Duncan Smith argued a new benefit had to be introduced.
He said: "It's been rising well ahead of any other gauge you might make about illness, sickness, disability or, for that matter, general trends in society. "A lot of that is down to the way the benefit was structured so that it was very loosely defined."
The allowance is currently claimed by more than three million people - but it is due to be replaced with a "personal independence payment", which ministers say will focus on those most in need. Mr Duncan Smith said the current system had been exploited and abused because of political fear about reforming a benefit for the disabled.
Disability campaigners have warned ministers that the new assessment must be fair, otherwise people with serious disabilities could lose the money they need to cover costs such as maintaining wheelchairs and using specially-adapted cars.
For Labour, shadow work and pensions secretary Liam Byrne said: "This government has approached the vital reform of disability benefits with a mix of contempt and carelessness. Mr Duncan Smith wants to cut at least a fifth - almost £2.2bn - off the £13bn annual bill, according to the Daily Telegraph.
You can read more about this story on the BBC News website here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-18054734
Tuesday, 13 December 2011
Hate Crime Laws Extended
People who murder disabled or transgender people in hate crime attacks will face life sentences with a starting point of 30 years, Justice Secretary Kenneth Clarke has said. The Ministry of Justice plans to amend the Criminal Justice Act 2003 so that murders motivated by hatred or hostility towards disabled or transgender people will have the same starting point as for murders aggravated by race, religion and sexual orientation. This will double the current starting point for disability and transgender hate crime murders. The Act will also be updated so that where any offence is shown to be motivated by hostility towards the victim on the grounds of transgender, as well as race, religion, sexual orientation, and disability, sentences must be made more severe.
You can read the full press release here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/news/press-releases/moj/newsrelease081211.htm
You can read the full press release here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/news/press-releases/moj/newsrelease081211.htm
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
4 In Every 10 Disabled Children Living in Poverty Report
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
The Teaching of Human Growth & Development, Disability and Mental Health on Qualifying Social Work Programmes
The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE) has just published the following report about the teaching and learning of human growth and development, disability and mental health on qualifying social work programmes. The report can be read in full by clicking on the this link: How we become who we are: the teaching and learning of human growth and development, disability and mental health on qualifying social work programmes.
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