Black Cab Access to Bank Junction

Councillors have voted to allow taxi access to Bank Junction in the City of London for the first time in seven years. The current rules were introduced in 2017 and restrict access to buses, cyclists and pedestrians only during weekdays. I have long argued that black cabs are essential public transport for many disabled people …

Assistive Technology: Support for Special Educational Needs

I was delighted to speak in a special House of Lords debate on what assessment His Majesty’s Government has made of the use of assistive technology to support those with special educational needs (SEN). This is a hugely important topic and one very close to my heart. As I said during the debate: I have …

Flexible Working is the Future Now

I was delighted to speak in the UK House of Lords last week in support of my colleague Baroness Taylor’s Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill, which has Government support. I opened my speech by commenting on the huge impact Covid has had on the world of work and how we must take the opportunity of such significant …

10 Years since London 2012 Paralympic Games

10 years ago, we were in the midst of the London 2012 Paralympic Games.  No one had known how it would go. The names that were to become household names, the Great British success’ celebrated, most of all, the attitude-altering, opportunity-creating phenomena that it became. Opening Ceremony There were some serious hints in the opening …

Schools Bill – Special Educational Needs (SEN) & Disabilities Amendments

The Schools Bill is making it’s way through Parliament. The aim of the bill is to “improve the school system” and deals with the regulation of Academies and independent educational institutions, school and local education funding and school attendance. One of the most devastating problems with schools is that they are not delivering the best outcomes for …

UK Infrastructure Bank Bill – Levelling Up and Inclusion Amendments

The UK Infrastructure Bank Bill is making it’s way through Parliament. The aim of the bill is to place the UK Infrastructure Bank (currently operating on an interim basis) on a statutory footing. The purpose of the bank is to invest in infrastructure that will tackle climate change and support regional and local economic growth. It’s an …

Why do we still have a disability employment gap 25 years after the Disability Discrimination Act?

Why does the disability employment gap persist 25 years after legislation to end disability discrimination in employment was passed? What can be done?