Action: Disabled Campaigners are planning to protest against the DWP

WE ARE SICK OF: Politicians who attack minorities - perceived as easy
targets - 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, and
DWP Staff / Trade Unions not to cooperate with this harassment of Disabled
People.

THE GOVERNMENT SAYS: They want to re-test all claims for IB (Incapacity
Benefit).
OUR RESPONSE: Claimants are already regularly tested in relation to their
claims 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 against
Disabled People in the work place, or increase our chances of employment. It
will however, force more Disabled People into poverty.

PRESS CONTACTS:
DAN Press Officer for this Action:
Mike Higgins (0114 225 8676 /  danpress@blueyonder.co.uk)

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 ( hughiehill@hotmail.com)
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's
condition at that moment.
. Welfare Reform ignores the reality of invisible and fluctuating
impairments and contributes to discrimination against all Disabled People.
. Political and media coverage suggesting there has been a significant
increase in IB claims since the 1980s is misleading. IB was actually
introduced in 1995.
. A much higher percentage, than previously, of Disabled People are now
living in the community and claiming benefits, rather than being
institutionalised.
. A "long hours / short breaks" work culture makes it harder for Disabled
People to cope with employment. Rather than attacking Disabled People as
work-shy and lazy, the government could provide incentives which change
workplace culture to encouraging flexi-time or working from home for
example.
. There is a lack of access to meaningful workplace education and training.
This leads to many Disabled People lacking qualifications, job skills and
therefore decent jobs with adequate incomes.
. Instead of attacking Disabled People, the Government should prosecute
employers who repeatedly break the law by discriminating against Disabled
People
. 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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