In the current issue

Saba Salman: Why we need to showcase the positive

Opinion

Creativity can help to bring balance when the news feels heavy

Exposing the dual challenge of ableism and racism

Features

Leading figures from the learning disability world – including a raft of Community Living collaborators – feature in a new book about racism and ableism.

In Brief

Features

Call for protest over fears of eroded SEND rights Plans were being drafted, as Community Living went to press, for a national protest to uphold the legal rights of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities. A coalition led by the campaign Save Our Children’s Rights said it was organising a demonstration…

Autism cases on the rise

Law

There has been a sharp rise in employment tribunal cases involving autism. Employers need to understand what amounts to a disability, says Saba Salman

Hindrance in help to work scheme

Welfare rights

More people are being rejected by a scheme to support people to take up and hold down a job, and payments are being reduced and delayed. Charlie Callanan reports

Jailed for modern slavery abuse

Law

A 16-year-old with a learning disability was detained in the home of a family acquaintance where she was subjected to decades of abuse and exploitation. While the perpetrator is now behind bars, George Julian asks: how could a teenager have just disappeared?

Councils warned over transport

Law

Legal requirements on free transport to school or college vary depending on learner age and councils are getting this wrong. Saba Salman reports on an ombudsman case

Mary O’Hara: galvanised and united, activists get results

Opinion

In the face of vicious cuts and a shift in attitudes towards disabled people, sticking together to fight back is keeping despondency at bay – and securing some significant wins

A matter of lives and deaths

Features

Delayed, inaccurate and ineffective – the national review of deaths of people with learning disabilities is coming under heavy criticism. Saba Salman looks at problems, delays and missed opportunities

Paired with pictures from the past

Arts

A discovery of photos of institution residents from the 1860s inspired their recreation in modern times, using Victorian photographic techniques. Simon Jarrett finds affinity between past and present

Chris Hatton: the ingredients that make up a sense of belonging

Opinion

Research to find out what social issues affect health sheds light on the importance of belonging and on the human, physical and virtual circumstances that make this happen

How play finds a way

Features

Disabled children and adults experience significant barriers to play but creative ways can be found to join in and connect. Saba Salman finds out about the rebellious side of fun

My story as the endless ocean

Features

Jay, a boy with autism, is a narrator in a novel in which he describes how he experiences and explores the world, writing his own fiction

Shalim Ali: it’s essential to know about politics and how to vote

Opinion

Before deciding who to vote for, there are a few questions you should ask yourself. And support is there if you need help to make your mind up or are not sure how to cast a vote

A notable year in arts

Arts

Nnena Kalu’s winning the Turner prize is the culmination of a significant year for disability representation in culture and creativity, and this should shift public perceptions, says Saba Salman

Challenging social norms or reinforcing tired stereotypes?

Arts

A mainstream crime comedy starring learning disabled actors has been a smash hit. However, the film has proved to be problematic both on and off screen, says Simon Jarrett

Not by ourselves: a global look at interactions between those with and without learning disabilities

Books

People with learning disabilities are closely connected to those around them, and their encounters can be hugely influential in positive, neutral and negatives ways within areas from making decisions to enabling worthwhile paid work, says Anne-Marie Callus

Under Satan’s spell

History

Carlos II, the last Spanish Habsburg king, failed to produce an heir. Was this a consequence of intermarriage – or the work of the devil? Susanna Shapland tells the story of a ‘bewitched’ ruler

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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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