To: [log in to unmask]: [log in to unmask]: Thu, 17 Apr 2008 13:32:33 +0100Subject: [danmail] Press Release for today's DAN Action
DISABLED PEOPLES' DIRECT ACTION NETWORK - PRESS RELEASEDISABLED CAMPAIGNERS - RESISTING POLITICAL INCAPACITY AND DEMANDING AN ENDTO HARASSMENTACTION: Disabled Campaigners are planning to protest against the DWP(Adelphi House, 1 to 10 John Adams Street, WC2) at lunchtime today (17th April).We will be delivering a letter for James Purnell (Work and PensionsSecretary) and will be requesting a meeting with him.WE ARE SICK OF: Politicians who attack minorities - perceived as easytargets - for public spending cuts.THE GOVERNMENT SAYS: Do as we say, or risk losing benefits.OUR RESPONSE: We call on all Disabled Claimants to defend their needs, andDWP Staff / Trade Unions not to cooperate with this harassment of DisabledPeople.THE GOVERNMENT SAYS: They want to re-test all claims for IB (IncapacityBenefit).OUR RESPONSE: Claimants are already regularly tested in relation to theirclaims through questionnaires and physical assessments by Benefits Agencies/ Medical Services.THE GOVERNMENT SAYS: Replace 'Sick-Notes' with 'Well-Notes'.OUR RESPONSE: This cynical exercise won't halt discrimination againstDisabled People in the work place, or increase our chances of employment. Itwill however, force more Disabled People into poverty.PRESS CONTACTS:DAN Press Officer for this Action:Mike Higgins (0114 225 8676 / [log in to unmask])Live on the Action:Barry Schaufer (07508 634 228)Nick Saunders (07956 682 830)Pictures from the Action by:Sid Baility (07951 050 153)Hugh Hill ([log in to unmask])Mozaz (Indymedia: 07816 572 505)Some affected IB claimants:Clair Lewis (07970 959 791)Colin Revell (07518 350133)Stella Ryan (07904 935 413)RELATED POINTS / ISSUES:. A one-off assessment only gives a snapshot of a Disabled Claimant'scondition at that moment.. Welfare Reform ignores the reality of invisible and fluctuatingimpairments and contributes to discrimination against all Disabled People.. Political and media coverage suggesting there has been a significantincrease in IB claims since the 1980s is misleading. IB was actuallyintroduced in 1995.. A much higher percentage, than previously, of Disabled People are nowliving in the community and claiming benefits, rather than beinginstitutionalised.. A 'long hours / short breaks' work culture makes it harder for DisabledPeople to cope with employment. Rather than attacking Disabled People aswork-shy and lazy, the government could provide incentives which changeworkplace culture to encouraging flexi-time or working from home forexample.. There is a lack of access to meaningful workplace education and training.This leads to many Disabled People lacking qualifications, job skills andtherefore decent jobs with adequate incomes.. Instead of attacking Disabled People, the Government should prosecuteemployers who repeatedly break the law by discriminating against DisabledPeople. For more details about the background to DAN's concerns, see the leaflet,which we will be distributing at today's event.__._,_.___
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