1. The Department reviewed

Mo Stewart, the author of Cash Not Care: the planned demolition of the UK welfare state, is recognised as an authority on the harm caused to disabled people by the dysfunctional benefits system.

She is therefore uniquely well equipped to review the new book by journalist John Pring of the Disability News Service, The Department: How a Violent Government Bureaucracy Killed Hundreds and Hid the Evidence.

So I am delighted to have that review on Independent Living

2. Bus accessibility

Bus Users UK, the leading charity campaigning for passengers’ rights, has published a revealing new study entitled ‘Why are we waiting? Disabled people’s experiences of travelling by bus’.

The report captures the lived experiences of disabled bus passengers across England, Scotland and Wales, and the findings highlight a stark reality: while buses are essential for enabling people to lead full and independent lives, currently they are not accessible to everyone.

Keep reading here

3. Dementia and design

People living with dementia should have more power and creative freedom in collaborative design projects, according to new research from Heriot-Watt University.

This includes using their own ideas and actions to shape, lead and deliver projects, rather than always having projects given to, for or with them.  

After six years of working with members of an Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Resource Centre, the University's design expert Dr Euan Winton is championing this way of working.

Read more here

4. Sit. On. Fitness. Apparatus.

You may have spotted the acronym in the title! 

New research from We Are Undefeatable finds that more than a quarter of us are feeling inspired to be more active and discover new ways to get moving. But we struggle to fit it into our daily routines and often we aren’t sure how to start being more physically active.

That’s why they have partnered with renowned comedian Bill Bailey to launch the S.O.F.A (Sit On Fitness Apparatus) campaign, created to demonstrate that the space to get active could be closer than expected.

Find out about your sofa as fitness centre here

5. Meet the Purple Collective

News of the launch of a new disability cooperative has come my way. Martyn Sibley and Philip Hoare are the founders of the Purple Collective, which aims to drive positive change through small, manageable actions.

Focusing on inclusion, accessibility and equality, the Purple Collective will be connecting individuals with meaningful campaigns, providing a platform for activists in the disability space.

For more, follow them on Instagram

6. Access to NHS - ask a librarian!

The vital role played by public libraries in informing, educating and entertaining is getting an extra strand, as NHS England looks to them for support with access to the NHS App and website.

Libraries already help many people with online services and librarians enjoy a reputation for trustworthiness.

NHS England is providing information and toolkits over the coming weeks, with the official launch of the scheme in October.

Read more here