March 11th, 2010
Blairgowrie Advertiser
Stepping Stones production in Blairgowrie
“THE Stepping Stones Theatre Company, a drama group that consists of adults with learning disabilities, will this week perform their latest production in Blairgowrie Town Hall on Friday, March 12 at 7pm.”
Aberdeen City Council News
Activities day for folk with learning disabilities
“A special activity day will go ahead later this month to give people with learning disabilities a taste of what’s on offer in Aberdeen. Aberdeen City Council has organised the “taster day” at Kincorth Sports Centre, Corthan Crescent, on Monday 22 March, 10am–3.30pm.”
The Telegraph
Ofcom says TV channels have ‘human right’ to broadcast offensive material
“Ofcom said that its code guarantees freedom of expression to broadcasters as well as the audience’s right to view programmes without interference from the authorities.It made the defence as it rejected a request, made by the mother of two disabled children, to discipline Channel 4 after Vinnie Jones said the word “retard” on a Big Brother off-shoot programme.”
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March 11th, 2010
Dignity in health care for people with learning disabilities (24 pages , pdf)

Guidance developed by the Royal College of Nursing Learning Disability Nursing Forum aiming to improve dignity in health care for people with learning disabilities.
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March 10th, 2010
Real Choice and Control – How it all started The Guardian
“It’s great to have choice about support, but how will people know what there is to choose from? This is a recurring question for many individuals who are in receipt of a Personal Budget and is particularly relevant to Caroline Tomlinson, Consumer Support Director for In Control.”
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March 10th, 2010
A new paper from Shared Care Scotland
More than a break

The purpose of this discussion paper is to set out some of the key issues related to the experience of disabled children and their families in being able to access suitable short break and respite care support, and their experience of services received. The paper is intended as a starting point to stimulate a wider discussion amongst service users, carers, providers, planners and others to determine the main priorities for improving provision and achieving better outcomes for all concerned. The paper has been written by members of the For Scotland’s Disabled Children Task Group (FSDC) on Short Breaks. For further information on the FSDC campaign see: www.fsdc.org.uk
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March 5th, 2010
New focus on adults with autism The Guardian
“Government pledge means adults with autism are set to get the same access to jobs, education and good healthcare as everybody else”
Testimonies of learning disabled abuse The Guardian
“A new documentary, Sticks and Stones, shows that people with learning disabilities are still targets of violence, harassment or simple indifference”
Care information for older Scots The Scottish Government News Online
“Help on how to access care just a phone call away for older people.”
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March 5th, 2010
A new clickable map of Changing Places toilets throughout Scotland has been launched. It shows the location and facilities in over 40 toilets throughout Scotland where special facilities are available for those who need assistance in using the toilet or changing boards. Where available it includes information on opening hours and availability.
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March 1st, 2010

A new leaflet entitled Petitioning the Scottish Parliament: making your voice heard has been produced by the Public Petitions Committee. You can view or download an electronic version from our website. Printed copies are available in English and Gaelic and the leaflet has also been produced in Braille, audio CD, audio tape and large print. Contact the Public Information Service to order copies or for further information.
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February 24th, 2010
A guest post from Doreen Walkinshaw, Depute Manager of Operations and Development, ENABLE Scotland
I read today that a republican lawmaker in America has claimed that disabled children are a punishment from God for previous abortions. I have worked with people with learning disabilities for over a decade and am a committed Christian. I live my faith every day of my life. I do not recognise the God that this man speaks of.
These comments made by people who claim to be speaking from their faith, are not ‘of God’.
God encompasses love for all everyone in this world and would never inflict pain or suffering. Some people blame God for suffering, wars, earthquakes, mass murders and everything else. I think they want to blame Him. I find it sad that they will never see Him at work in the acts of love and compassion that go into helping people cope and recover from these incidents or challenges.
The same people will also be unlikely to see God in the everyday joyous thing in life – a snow blanketed Fenwick Moor, the old man crossing the road, the birds in your window box, the snowdrops in the park, the laughs you share with your family etc. This is the God I know.
It’s easy to confuse religious people as being people of faith. They are often not!
A child with a disability is not a punishment. The God I love has placed many blessings in my life and I include the people with learning disabilities who I have had the privilege to meet amongst those blessings.
Tags: abortion, christian, disability, god, punishment
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