Disability news roundup: a report on assisted dying and politicians urged to seize the chance to change social care

There is a "strong case" for allowing assisted suicide for people who are terminally ill in England and Wales a group of experts has said.

In a report released on Thursday, the Commission on Assisted Dying - set up and funded by campaigners who want to see a change in the law - described the current system as "inadequate".

Other groups, including the British Medical Association, have accused the panel of bias.

Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson opposes the changes to laws relating to assisted suicide recommended in the report. Speaking on Radio 5 live's Victoria Derbyshire programme, Baroness Grey-Thompson said,
"My reall fear is that this would be a slippery slope to something much worse. already an awful lot of disabled peple are put under pressure. They're made to feel worthless in society. although disabled people aren't included in the commission's report, I do worry that a change in the law would make the next step much easier."

Elsewhere in the news
The group of injured servicemen rowing the Atlantic to try to raise £1m for wounded soldiers has hit a series of difficulties with the breakdown of their drinking water system and a string of physical ailments (BBC Radio 4's Today Programme)

Politicians urged to seize chance to change social care (BBC News)

The Scottish government has allocated almost £700,000 to charities providing information and advice to disabled people and their carers, as part of its self-directed support strategy (Civilsociety.co.uk)

Arts events for people with disabilities: beyond the underwater wheelchair (The Guardian)

Anxiety disorders have soared since credit crunch (The Telegraph)

NHS disabled patient deaths: 'She went weeks without pain relief' (The Guardian)

Carers to get legal rights and support in reforms (The Telegraph)

'Sharp rise' in social care fees (BBC News)

Blue badges change to fight fraud (BBC News)

Supermarket staff to be trained to identify 'hidden carers' (The Guardian)