Disabilities

About Disability

The social model of disability

We encourage the use of the social model as a way of understanding disability. It says that disability is created by barriers in society.

Disability: the global picture

One billion people around the world live with some form of disability, making up around 15% of the global population. The vast majority of people with disabilities live in developing countries.

Definitions of disability

The social model of disability

We encourage the use of the social model as a way of understanding disability. It says that disability is created by barriers in society.

What is a learning disability?

Learning disabilites: our definition

A learning disability is a reduced intellectual ability and difficulty with everyday activities – for example household tasks, socialising or managing money – which affects someone for their whole life.

CBeebies announces new presenter George Webster to delighted reaction from viewers

Webster previously starred in a BBC Bitesize video dispelling myths about Down’s Syndrome.

By Annabel Nugent

Why it’s time to end TV’s deplorable prejudice against disabled people

Speaking at the Edinburgh Television Festival about the scandalous lack of representation and disgraceful conditions my colleagues endure means underlining systemic failures.

By Jack Thorne

Paralympics haven’t decreased barriers to physical activity for most people with disabilities

An article from The Conversation.

By Kathleen A. Martin Ginis, Professor and Director of Centre for Chronic Disease Prevention and Management, University of British Columbia and Cameron M. Gee, Postdoctoral fellow at ICORD, University of British Columbia

‘People have outdated views about disabled performers’: Line of Duty’s Tommy Jessop on acting with

He’s been called ‘phenomenal’ by Mark Rylance, acted alongside Vicky McClure, played Hamlet, and taken part in critically acclaimed shorts, but Tommy Jessop believes there’s still much progress to be made in how the film industry treats disabled actors.

By Andy Morris

Why it makes good business sense to hire people with disabilities

An article from The Conversation.

By Catherine E. Connelly, Canada Research Chair and Professor of Organizational Behaviour, McMaster University and  Sandra L. Fisher, Senior Research Fellow and Lecturer, Human Resource Management and Technology, Münster University of Applied Sciences

Disabled fashion designer bringing inclusive clothing brand to Cambridge

Unhidden will be the first adaptive clothing brand sold in Cambridge.

By Becca Field

Why investing in social care could boost the economy by helping disabled people be independent

Investment in social care could generate between £6 billion and £20 billion for the economy by helping disabled people into work, disability charity Leonard Cheshire reveals. To champion the life-changing and empowering impacts of social care, it is launching a new campaign, Care for Equality. Find out more and how you can get involved.

By Leonard Cheshire

I felt powerless in the pandemic trying to get food and essentials while shielding

By Melanie Duddridge

Autism spectrum disorders

Key facts

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a diverse group of conditions. Characteristics of autism may be detected in early childhood, but autism is often not diagnosed until much later.

Accessibility and disability: facts and figures

Research and statistics into disability, accessibility and the spending power of disabled people.

By Elisabeth Ward

Accessibility and disability: facts and figures

Research and statistics into disability, accessibility and the spending power of disabled people.

By Elisabeth Ward

Nike launches hands-free shoes inspired by man with cerebral palsy

Nike has launched the GO FlyEase, accessible hands-free shoes that are easy to put on and take off by simply slipping your foot in without bending down to do up laces, zips or straps.

By Emma Purcell

Living with non-visible disabilities

Government Disability Unit blogpost.

‘My son has learning disabilities. I live in fear I’ll get Covid and won’t be able to look after him

For 57 years, Dame Philippa Russell has cared for her son, Simon. Now Phillipa worries about becoming unable to care for him.

By Radhika Sanghani

Neglected, hidden away, registered dead: the tragic true story of the Queen’s disabled cousins

An episode in the new series of The Crown sheds light on a little-known – and long-obscured – stain upon the Royal family’s reputation.

By Susannah Goldsbrough

I am a proud disability activist but know almost nothing about the history of our movement

I am a proud disability activist but know almost nothing about the history of our movement – it is time for change