Today’s #AutumnStatement doubled down on plans to ramp up benefits sanctions, at a time when many disabled people are struggling to make ends meet.

It was a missed opportunity to set out how disabled people can thrive. Instead, many will be thinking about how to survive 🧵1/5 The government is hell-bent on reducing benefits spending. But inflation is high, prices are rising, and disabled people still face sky-high bills.

There was nothing in today’s statement to reassure disabled people as we enter the second winter of cost-of-living crisis ❄️

Let's talk about duty.

Disabled people do not have a duty to work unsuitable jobs. Let's get that clear.

The government *does* have a duty to not dehumanise the million disabled people who want to work but are denied the chance.

It’s a duty the government is failing on 🧵 1/7 Laura Trott’s comments today are absurd.

It’s completely irresponsible to suggest that people who are unwell have a duty to work through it.

Comments like this fuel a dangerous narrative. One that demonises disabled people, and paints them as burdens on the taxpayer.

🚨 Breaking news 🚨

The government has announced a consultation on reforming the Work Capability Assessment (WCA)

The government says this is about improving disabled people’s employment prospects.

But is it actually just about reducing benefit spending?
🧵1/5 We’re worried these proposals could force thousands of people to look for work when they're not well enough.

By imposing strict conditions, the government risks removing the safety net from huge numbers of disabled people. All in the middle of a brutal cost of living crisis.

💬 "It's as though I'm not a person anymore."

Negative attitudes have profound effects on disabled people's confidence. They can lead to feelings of isolation and of being forgotten.

Kate's story demonstrates the need for attitudes to change.

🧵 1/5
scope.org.uk/news-and-stori… 🗣️ "As a person living with multiple chronic conditions, I often deal with negative attitudes from others in various forms.

"I've been treated as less able, like I've lost the ability to use my brain, and like my chronic health defines me."

💬 "They said I would never learn basic skills, yet I can run my own business!"

PJ has always had a desire to be independent and make his own way as an adult, especially financially. He has many conditions including autism, blindness, deafness and epilepsy. 🧵 1/5 Wonky Candles was born after PJ made a candle for the first time in the Lake District on holiday in 2018. 🕯

He loved it so much he convinced his mum to let him make some more at home!

Here are the social media stars nominated in our ‘Influencer’ category! ✨

Visit our website to vote for your favourite before 29 August 👉 fal.cn/3r3UB

Need help deciding? Here are the five fabulous nominees.

#ScopeAwards

👇 💜 @DisabledEliza posts weekly videos, using humour to educate people about disability, and question some of the internal biases we may hold.

💬 “As a disabled person, I have experienced negative attitudes. This has come from strangers in public, previous employers and even people in my life.”

Everyday negative attitudes are harmful to disabled people like Jo.

🧵 1/5 “In 2018 I was in a cycling accident, which caused an injury to my leg, and I developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result.

“After the crash, I had 7 months off. When I went back to work, I found the system wasn't designed for me.”

Reports of @NoelGallagher's behaviour at Glastonbury were upsetting enough.

But to hear him boast about his actions, and openly mock disabled people in the process, is beyond insulting. 1/5 🧵
dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/arti… ❌ Accessible platforms at events aren’t for privileged rock stars and their friends.

🎸 They exist so that disabled people can enjoy live music with fewer barriers.

Today was always going to be a difficult one. But #BleakFriday just got bleaker.

❌ Government have announced they will cut support through the Warm Home Discount from almost 300,000 disabled people.

This is an insult. 🧵 1/7 We warned of the consequences of this last month.

And @MartinSLewis challenged the Government about this on just Wednesday.

But these warnings have been ignored.
mirror.co.uk/money/more-200…

⚠️ It’s the final day of free covid testing.

But the pandemic isn’t over. Many disabled people still face a life-threatening situation.

To end free testing while cases remain high shows a total disregard from Government for the fears of disabled people most at risk. ❗️ Nearly 4 million people in the UK were asked to shield during the lockdowns, and 6 in 10 of those who died of coronavirus were disabled.

The phasing out of free tests leaves many disabled people facing a threat that is entirely out of their control.

Thanks to wonderful @JessicaOOTC we have some useful phrases for those awkward Pirate situations 🏴‍☠️ [GIF: BSL Happy #TalkLikeAPirateDay!] Let's be starting with the basics, ye lubbers; always handy, Arr! #TalkLikeAPirateDay #SignLikeAPirateDay [GIF: BSL Pirate]