I’ve just read on the BBC News website that, at the Voices of the West conference on Scotland’s “lesser used” languages, to be held in Inverness tomorrow (Saturday 20th June) Professor Graham Turner, of Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, plans to argue that Sign Language should be given the status of an indigenous and minority language.

I have no doubt that Deaf people are very happy about this idea. (the Deaf see themselves as able-bodied speakers of a language and members of a minority community, while the deaf see themselves as disabled.)

The thing is that I can hear, and I still think this is a great idea. I hope that all of you can also hear, so I wanted to know how you feel about it.

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I’ve been waiting for this moment since November 2008. On Monday, 8th June 2009, the UK government finally ratified the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).

The Convention is a landmark agreement that aims to give the world’s 650 million disabled people full equality, and ratification means that a country accepts its legal obligations under the treaty and ensures that any necessary laws are passed.

But what rights are guaranteed for disabled people by this Convention? Well, in summary, it’s about protecting our rights when it comes to making our own decisions; saying no to being placed in an institution; saying no to medical or psychological treatment; and living in the community. It also seeks to remove barriers to participation in daily life and enable equal opportunities for all.

This story has, unfortunately, been ignored by the mainstream media. So ignored that I’ve only just found out the news from the blog at the BBC disability website, Ouch. But, no matter what, this means real progress for the UK’s DisAbled population. As a DisAbled person, I am thrilled to hear it, and know that many of my friends are as well. To borrow the words of a very famous astronaut, this one small step for the mainstream is a giant leap for DisAbility.

THE REFORM CANDIDATE?

Nationwide
Taxpayer charged for MPs to hire accountants
Cameron invites political novices to join Tories
Alan Johnson seizes leadership initiative
Brown demands Labour MEPs publish receipts

International
Israel will continue to build settlements
US: Gay marriage ban hangs in balance
Pakistani army fights street by street
Obama right to restrict torture photos

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Sarah Ismail

Bartholomew’s Notes Nadine Dorries’ blog has been shut down.

F Word Blog The EWL Gender Audit Result.

Luis de Miranda/Open Democracy Facebook could help transform humanity.

MediaWatchWatch Geert Wilders will go on trial.

Though Cowards Flinch Is Nick  Cohen Right About The BNP?

Casting Back to Thursday, May 21st, Andy Worthington has two great posts on Obama and Guantanamo. The first, a transcript of Obama’s speech on the subject, and the second, Andy’s message to Obama. Both worth a read.

And finally… at Same Difference, I explain why writers write what they’ve always wanted to read. You could always browse through our collection of previous netcasts.

SPOTLIGHT ON TORY SCAMS

Nationwide
Mandelson refuses to back down on Royal Mail
Outlook for job market hits a new low
Truth of Gordon Brown, cleaner and my husband
You’re blameless on expenses, Labour tells MPs

International
Iceland’s new PM to seek vote on EU
Comic-in-chief Obama a hit with reporters
Shaky Pakistan a target of plots by Al-Qaeda
China now a leader in clean coal technology

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Sarah Ismail

Ala Abbas Thinks this is a great time to be a Muslim.

Blood And Treasure In China, smoking is not only permitted, but being enforced.

Casting Back Victoria Brignell On the history of radio, and why she’s more comfortable with the written word.

Clairwil has an election dilemma.

Feministing Tax Professor Annette Nellen explains Obama’s new tax code.

Hagley Road To Ladywood says we must never forget Afghanistan.

Harry’s Place This week’s Your View column discusses Jewish writer Shlomo Sand.

And if you want even MORE links, LC’s very own Neil Robertson has loads of Selected Reading, or you can browse through previous netcasts.

A NEW WORLD ORDER?

… and the dark side of it.

Nationwide
Goodwin considering voluntary pension cut.
Village blocks Google Streetview.
Wisden Cricketer of the year is a GIRL shock!
… and a British woman regains the freediving record.

International
Aid Agencies issue Afghan warning.
French Protests ahead of Nato summit.
Kenyan Lions poisoned by pesticide.
Pakistan region gripped by Taleban fear.

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Sarah Ismail

Welcome to our G20 Special Blog Review. There was loads of good stuff written about the G20, so if I’ve missed your contribution, I’m sorry. It wasn’t an easy job but I chose ten of the best.

BBC Blog Rory Cellan Jones on social networking at the march.

Blogotariat Words in pictures.

Coffee House Brown’s G20 Sermon.

Council of Foreign Relations This G20 March was not the first of its kind.

FIT Watch Wishes all protests were policed with as much respect as the march.

FT.com The economic crisis is not to blame for the riots at the march.

Oxfam News Blog Bloggers made history by reporting live from the summit.

Sky News Blogs Video: Asking what the G20 will achieve.

Telegraph.co.uk Liveblogging the summit.

And finally, Brett’s Gourmet Food Blog reports that Jamie Oliver cooked for the G20 Summit….or you can browse through previous Netcasts

MPs CLAIMS ON SALE

Nationwide
Brown: stop cash for MPs’ second homes
UK troops begin Iraqi withdrawal
Poll: Brown should focus on domestic problems
iPhone brings Skype to UK’s mobile masses

International
Why the Democrats Can’t Govern
Afghan women’s rights hit by new law
Sarkozy and Merkel shape European unity
Rampage in Pakistan shows reach of militants

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Sarah Ismail

Andy Worthington Publishes Moazzam Begg’s recent interview with Binyam Mohammed.

Bartholomew’s Notes Obama Seeks Muslims For White House Posts.

Bleeding Heart Show On Prison Reform

Chicken Yoghurt Thinks Iain Dale’s taken over the media!

Gary Younge/CIF The Mythical Muslim.

Indigo Jo Car crime is a priority over rape. What are the police thinking?

Natalie Bennett A book that explains an important part of Herstory.

And finally…Victoria Brignell on her penfriend… the only person she knows who doesn’t know she’s DisAbled. Or you can flick through previous Netcasts

I’m deeply shocked by news reports that DisAbled CBeebies presenter about Cerrie Burnell. Despite already having had small roles in Eastenders, The Bill and Grange Hill, the BBC has received an unbelievable nine formal complaints about Miss Burnell recently.

Why? Simply because Miss Burnell was born with one arm! What difference does that make? Any sensible person living in 21st century England would instantly ask.
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Anyone with any interest in Disability Rights should know by now that the UK government is currently refusing to ratify the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). This is the first  international, legally binding human rights instrument to protect the rights of people with disabilities.

According to BBC News, the government hopes to ratify the Convention by December 2008, but plans to modify its obligations in some areas, particularly the right of people with disabilities to access a mainstream education. With developing countries such as India, Bangladesh and South Africa on the growing list that have already ratified the CRPD, with no modifications, this is not good enough for Disability Rights campaigners in the UK- a country which claims to be developed.
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BT cuts 10,000 jobs

Nationwide
‘Extra UK troops’ for Afghanistan
Facing a sperm donor shortage
Pound sinks to record low against the euro
Nintendo Wii Fit selling out

International
Increase in forced labour, rape in Congo
Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae need more money
Rove: History favors Republicans in 2010
China startled by force of crisis
North Korea to cut S Korea links

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Sarah Ismail

Ala Abbas – Doesn’t like the name Bitch magazine. Neither do I, Ala.

Angela Saini – Another post on the rise of the Internet.

Bartholomew’s Notes – Reviews Tuesday night’s Dispatches programme on Africa’s ‘Witch Children.’

Bleeding Heart Show – Reports on Parliament’s idea of increasing diversity among its members. DisAbility has made the list, for a change!

Clive Davis – Seven minutes of satire at its sharpest. Friday Fun.

Derek Wall – The rise (and rise) of the Greens.

EUTopia – Rules on straight bananas are being scrapped.

Harry’s Place – On a racist who claims he made a mistake…

Georgian Claims over War Called Into Question

Elsewhere
Shock victory puts the bounce back into Brown
Britain labelled ‘cocaine capital of Europe’
Obama prepares to spike euphoria with reality
DR Congo accuses UN over killings

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Sarah Ismail

Ala Abbas – They said this day would never come…. then it did.

Bartholomew’s Notes – There’s trouble at New Statesman…

Clive Davis – America’s First Couple go global… already! Friday Fun.

Derek Wall – Tells us why a concert was cancelled in Switzerland.

Dr Strangelove – The World Is Changed.

Feministing – Why we should hang on to the word Feminism.

Liberal England – Jonathan is a tad irritated.

New Humanist – It’s time for the historic poll we’ve all been waiting for…

‘Human catastrophe’ grips Congo

And more…
Somalia’s Pirates Flourish in a Lawless Nation
Rocked again: BBC all at sea in another storm
Bush’s Last Push To Deregulate
Barclays gets Middle Eastern money

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Sarah Ismail

In this week of religious festivals, today’s roundup has a slightly religious theme. I’ve never liked tricks much, so I hope you will consider it a treat. Happy Halloween! And, of course, belated Divali wishes to anyone who celebrated!

1820 – A two minute video clip for one of this week’s Friday Fun links.

Chicken Yoghurt – The public resigns over Brandgate. I couldn’t choose between them, so this week you get two Friday Fun links.

Harry’s Place – David T doesn’t trust the government on Islamism.

Indigo Jo – The Message, a film about the arrival of Islam, is being remade.

Manjula Sood/New Statesman – On the meanings of Divali.

Rahila Gupta/CiF – Wonders whether a film can lead to positive changes in India’s religious divides.

The Langar Hall – A voting guide for Sikh Americans.

Tory Troll – Adam has a question for our old friend Andrew Gilligan: are you being a very naughty sockpuppet?

Lost in Iceland

Financial Crisis
Councils ‘not reckless with cash’
Asian stocks hit after Dow plunge
World must follow my example, says Brown
Gordon Brown to sue Iceland

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Sarah Ismail

Hello Readers! I’m your new Friday NetCaster. I’d like to present a new feature, Friday Fun. Something to smile at, just because it’s Friday. Enjoy!

Blairwatch – This week’s NetCast starts with the Friday Fun link, just because we’re in alphabetical order. Being a poet myself, I enjoyed this effort.

Derek Wall – The Green Bible has arrived!

Feministing – I’m sorry, Jessica. I have never understood why people can’t read books before unneccessarily insulting their authors either. All the best for when your book actually gets published.

Ministry of Truth – Is God a delusion? WARNING: LONG.

Victoria Brignell/New Statesman – New Statesman’s resident DisAbled writer on the highs and lows of all her different wheelchairs.

Pickled Politics/Kulvinder – A short history of the banking crisis. Excellent.

Robert Sharp – Tells us why he thinks Obama will win the race to the White House. I hope he’s right.

Stumbling and Mumbling – What really matters in modern politics?

Tinuvielberen – On Sexism.

Send your favourite links to tips[at]liberalconspiracy[dot]org and if we like them, they’ll make the round-up. See you next week!

Palin meets expectations but still falls short

Reactions
You betcha Sarah Palin can debate
Palin defies critics and delivers punchy performance
Palin and Biden spar in debate
Watch the election unfold on twitter

Elsewhere
Revealed: the Tory plot that forced out Met chief Blair
Anger erupts over Met chief’s resignation
Cruddas tipped for minister job in shuffle

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Sarah Ismail

Angela Saini – Has been brainstorming the state of the world in 11 years’ time, with a little help from her friends.

Derek Wall – Is campaigning to Free Hugo Blanco, a human rights activist who’s been arrested in Peru.

Indigo Jo – On the million-dollar question: When was Eid-ul-Fitr 2008? (I celebrated on Tuesday. Eid Mubarak to all Muslim readers!).

Kanishk Tharoor/openUSA – Obama disappoints on foreign policy. So, what’s different about him then?

Natalie Bennett – Links to the 65th Carnival of Feminists.

New Humanist Blog – Lists the Ten Commandments of Blogging. Yes, really.

The Curvature – Cara on her visit to South Dakota Live Action Camp. WARNING: This post is long.

Though Cowards Flinch – Who cares what toilets are called, as long as they do their job?

Congress fails to reach agreement

Elsewhere
Tempers flare as $700bn bailout stalls
Brown to meet Bush at White House
Tonight’s debate will make or break candidates
Israel asked US for green light to bomb Iran
Cabinet split on Kingsnorth power station

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Sarah Ismail

Rahila Gupta/CIF – My favourite human rights campaigner raising awareness of an organisation that promotes diversity in the theatre.

Sonia Afroz – Examining Pickled Politics, the second-best blog on the net (after this one.)

1820 – What does John McCain have in common with Homer Simpson?

Angela Saini – If Palm Oil takes off as source of energy, it could be catastropic for the environment.

Bartholomew’s Notes – On the ‘Jihad Prevention Act.’

Bloggerheads – On the second-boldest liar in the blogosphere, our friend Naddine.

Blood and Treasure – A 300 year old ban has been lifted…

Obsolete – …Catholic heathens can now be king (or queen!).

tygerland – ID Cards are destined for disaster. Why doesn’t the government see it?

I have a guilty pleasure- an addiction to Australian soaps. I know that this blog is usually much too serious a place to discuss such meaningless subjects, but this is a very serious post, I promise.

On Thursday’s episode of one of my favourite Australian soaps, Out of The Blue, screened on BBC2, a happily pregnant couple at what they thought was a routine scan were told that their baby had such a serious genetic abnormality that there was no choice but to terminate the pregnancy. My instant reaction was a cry of “Surely that isn’t legal!”

Personally, I am strongly against any abortion. However, being disabled, I am particularly against the abortion of any pregnancy that, if continued, would lead to the birth of a disabled child. continue reading… »

I’ve had Cerebral Palsy since birth. Luckily, I’m mildly affected by this physical disability. I often thank God that I have amazing parents, who very rarely complain, or let anyone see that they are struggling with the difficulties of having a child with a disability.

When I first read about Joanne Hill, I was shocked. Hill, 32, from Wales, drowned her four-year-old daughter, Naomi, in a bathtub because she couldn’t cope with Naomi’s mild Cerebral Palsy. She came up with the plan to kill Naomi after Naomi’s father, who cared for her deeply, refused to put her up for adoption.

Hill was ‘embarrassed’ by Naomi’s leg splints and hearing difficulties, and irritated by some of the side effects of her medication.
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As the US wakes up after its Independence celebrations, the UK prepares to mark the third anniversary of the 7/7 terrorist attacks. Also not forgetting, we have to get through Wimbledon’s finals weekend. But for those who aren’t tennis fans, here is something to read instead. Your suggestions always welcome below or at tips[at]liberalconspiracy[dot]org.

Pickled Politics: Clairwil asks us to save an innocent woman from deportation to Nigeria, where she faces death for the unforgivable crime of… falling in love.

Rahila Gupta/CiF: My favourite feminist, Rahila, suggests a long-term solution to sex trafficking.

Remembering The Ability in Disability: While waiting to go on holiday in a crowded airport lounge, a sensitive engineer realised that some could use a stylish wheelchair. I’ve published a picture, and a great review, at my blog.

Between East And West: This post is a little old – and a bit short – for this round-up, but as it’s the weekend before 7/7, I think it’s appropriate.

Aqoul: Publicises a Turkish soap opera which is, apparently, provoking divorce.

Clive Davis: Agrees with the Taliban’s taste in Western popular culture.

The Daily (Maybe) – “Labour has a choice. The death of Brown’s premiership, or the death of the Labour Party.”

Welcome to our daily web review. Feel free to share your recommendations in the comments. Today’s guest compiler/writer is Sarah, who takes a feminist take on the blogosphere. 
 
Pickled Politics – Sunny Hundal is my favourite male feminist. So why is he fighting with one?
Clive Davis – Describing Scarlett Johannson’s voice. And not being very complimentary!
Open Democracy – Rosalind Eyben says development policy and discourse are shifting away from gender equality… again.
Cath Elliott – Cath explains why she’s so angry, she could strip!
The F Word – Helen G on why we shouldn’t show our… er… chests.
Remembering The Ability in Disability – May I point you over to my blog, where I link to two excellent books.
Fay Young – An example of the left – in this case, a labour councillor – getting something done in Edinburgh.  No anxiety over values or the efficacy of local representation there.
Alix Mortimer – Thinks that you really ought to check out Charlotte Gore’s new blog.

Tomato Lichy can’t hear. He has a partner and a child who can’t hear either. Anyone would say that this is picture perfect, even if it is a very silent picture. So what’s the problem? Well, now they’ve decided that they’d rather any more children they have can’t hear either.

They, along with other people who can’t hear, like Cathy Hefferman, claim that not being able to hear is not a disability. They see themselves as part of a linguistic minority, and they are proud to speak Sign Language.
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