In the current issue

Saba Salman: Defiance and unity vital as rights are hit

Opinion

The UK and US are taking remarkably similar routes when it comes to undermining people’s rights

In brief

In brief Obituary

Obituary: John O’Brien John O’Brien, who has died aged 79, was a hugely influential figure in the learning disability community, writes David Towell. For 45 years, he had been visiting the UK. As reflected in a Community Living interview in 2017, he helped us figure out how best to build communities that work better for

PIP plans thrown out in MPs’ revolt

Welfare rights

The government has backed down over plans to limit who gets personal independence payments, but changes to universal credit and its links to work remain. Charlie Callanan reports

How to get a school support plan

Law

Education, health and care plans are intended to ensure children receive the support they need but the system is complex and councils struggle with the cost – so reforms are on the horizon. Maria Shahid advises on securing a plan at school and anticipated changes

Mary O’Hara: the UK and US are taking remarkably similar routes

Opinion

Cautious optimism about the UK government has evaporated as people with disabilities bear the brunt of brutal cuts – like their counterparts across the Atlantic

Red austerity in the UK… and in the US

Features

The left-wing government in the UK and its right-wing US counterpart both have people with disabilities in their sights. Mary O’Hara talks to advocates, family members and professionals

Caring doesn’t take a holiday

Features

Despite new laws to give parent carers a break, support for disabled children over the summer break remains painfully limited and mothers in particular have to step in, says Shubhanna Hussain

Lack of adjustments led to death

Law

Wrong decisions on care and medication were made because allowances were not made regarding Myles Scriven’s learning disability and autism. George Julian reports

Cooking up a storm

Features

A cookbook co-created by people with learning disabilities aims to showcase simple, nutritious, budget-friendly meals that build skills, confidence and independence, writes Saba Salman.

Shalim Ali: what to think about and do when support staff change

Opinion

A change in support worker can be overwhelming – for all involved, not just the person getting the support – so it’s important it’s done well. Here’s how it’s worked for me

Chris Hatton: absence from health plan casts a worrying shadow

Opinion

History shows that, without specific, monitored initiatives, people with learning disabilities experience discrimination in healthcare – but they seem overlooked in the 10-year health plan

Stories in dance

Arts

Dance allows people to create, explore and share stories without words, says Simon Jarrett

Murderer or misguided?

Arts

A man was arrested after trying to kill himself and his learning-disabled son to reunite their family. Simon Jarrett watches a documentary on a difficult case that crosses legal and moral worlds

Multiple perspectives

Books

Chris Papadopoulos hopes his inclusive encyclopaedia will spark discussion and action, and Hazel Lim looks at addressing the stigma around autism in the Chinese community

Hidden royal relations

History

Two of the Queen’s cousins were locked up in an institution, away from regal and public eyes – then wrongly reported as dead. Susanna Shapland looks into how this could have happened

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Meader's view

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Featured

"It comes back to moral leadership. You’ve got to have someone who is challenging the system"

Laughing Boy: story on the stage

History of Community Living

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