Posts tagged Jonathan Shaw
Minister for Disabled People Loses Seat
Jonathan Shaw
Jonathan Shaw, who wrote a regular column for Able magazine since he was appointed Minister for Disabled People in October 2008, has lost his Parliamentary seat in the General Election.
Although the final result of the 2010 vote is, at the time of writing, still unclear, what is certain is that the former social worker and councillor — first elected to Westminster in 1997 — will not be a part of the new administration. Shaw, who was also Minister for the South East, fell foul of a massive 11.1% swing to Conservative candidate Tracey Crouch.
During his time as Minister for Disabled People, Jonathan Shaw helped the progression of the Equality Act and also highlighted the many successes of Labour’s Access to Work programme.
On The Road
In September I spent a week visiting disabled people and organisations to see what is working and, more importantly, what could be improved. (more…)
Sport For All
The Special Olympics provides a fantastic opportunity to showcase the talents of people with learning disabilities, and challenge preconceptions about the capabilities of disabled people. (more…)
Sporting Equality
Jonathan Shaw, Minister for Disabled People, supports Britain’s Special Olympians.
Having never skied before myself, seeing our athletes at the recent Special Olympics World Winter Games hurtle down what appeared to me to be the most frightening ski runs was truly impressive! The confidence and ability of these skiers, who adapted easily to the slopes of Idaho was inspiring. It was with joy and high spirits I supported our skiers at this year’s event while leading them in the opening procession was a very proud moment. I’d like to congratulate them on their 13 medals as well as voice my praise for their coaches and staff, many of whom were volunteers. (more…)
Combating Hate Crime
Jonathan Shaw, Minister for Disabled People, discusses hate crime.
One of my priorities for 2009 will be to focus on hate crime. As Minister for Disabled People I am appalled to hear that hostility and prejudice can be a common occurrence for many disabled people, which can then escalate into a crime against the person.
We have all read cases in the media where disabled people have been seriously injured or even killed; although such cases are extremely rare, just one incident is one too many. What we don’t hear about is the abuse – both physical and verbal – that many disabled people have to deal with as part of their daily lives. Whether on the bus, or in the shops, or simply trying to go to and from their homes, abuse and the fear of violence can be a constant, unwanted companion. (more…)
The Last Few Months
Jonathan Shaw, Minister for Disabled People, discusses the Welfare Reform Bill.
The last few months have been busy as we continue work on our Welfare Reform Bill, setting out our vision for how we want to transform the lives of disabled people.
These reforms are about improving individuals’ lives: about what more the welfare state can do to offer each person the support they need to move away from a life on benefits. I believe that for the many disabled people I’ve met, work is the path to that better life – our reforms will give each person help to overcome their own barriers to work, achieve their goals and ambitions and get a better life for themselves and their families. (more…)
