Emma Roddick MSP welcomes rise in disability employment rate in Scotland

SNP MSP for the Highlands and Islands Emma Roddick has welcomed the news that progress has been made on closing the disability employment gap. In response to Ms Roddick speaking on the issue in the Parliament today [2nd NOVEMBER 2022], the Minister for Employment, Richard Lochhead, disclosed that the employment rate for disabled people inContinue reading Emma Roddick MSP welcomes rise in disability employment rate in Scotland

SNP MSP recognises organisation supporting disabled children and adults

On her ambitious summer recess tour, Emma Roddick MSP has made the time to visit and support the Highland Riding Association for the Disabled (RDA), a charity aimed at offering fun activities to disabled children and adults. Commenting, Roddick said: “It was great to meet with the Highland RDA to find out more about howContinue reading “SNP MSP recognises organisation supporting disabled children and adults”

HIGHLANDS MSP RAISES ISSUES SURROUNDING DISABILITY BENEFITS TRANSFER

SNP MSP Emma Roddick has raised points to the Minister for Social Security on current plans to transfer some of those receiving the Disability Living Allowance to the Adult Disability Payment scheme. The transfer, which is set to be completed by 2025 will see around 44,000 people switch to ADP starting this summer. In Thursday’sContinue reading “HIGHLANDS MSP RAISES ISSUES SURROUNDING DISABILITY BENEFITS TRANSFER”

SNP MSP highlights need for considering intersectionality when tackling sexual crime

During an evidence-gathering session by the Social Justice and Social Security Committee on Thursday 3rd March, SNP MSP Emma Roddick questioned witnesses on the disparity in sexual crime faced by disabled women compared to non-disabled women. She later called for more specialised work to be done in supporting multiply-marginalised women who are victims of abuse.Continue reading “SNP MSP highlights need for considering intersectionality when tackling sexual crime”

Disabled MSP disgusted at impact of Brexit on blue badge scheme

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has highlighted the impact that Brexit has had on disabled people travelling in the EU, claiming that the UK Government has made this “less accessible”. A disabled MSP herself, Roddick has first-hand knowledge about how valuable access to public transport is for disabled people and is known for pushingContinue reading “Disabled MSP disgusted at impact of Brexit on blue badge scheme”

Roddick praises fairer assessment process for Scottish benefits

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Emma Roddick has highlighted the positive changes implemented by the Scottish Government to the assessment process for Adult Disability Payment, which will replace the Personal Independence Payment for Scottish claimants in Spring 2022. Commenting, Roddick said: “It is universally acknowledged by key stakeholders, such as Scottish Association for Mental Health,Continue reading “Roddick praises fairer assessment process for Scottish benefits”

Roddick welcomes Child Disability Payment: “an encouraging sign”

Highlands and Islands SNP MSP Emma Roddick has welcomed the Scottish Government’s new rollout of the Child Disability Payment which will help with financial support for families of children with a disability. For the first time anywhere in the UK, disability benefit applicants can apply for Child Disability Payment online, as well as by phone,Continue reading “Roddick welcomes Child Disability Payment: “an encouraging sign””

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick “delighted” with her visit to Shetland Soap Company

Shetland Soap Company is part of Cope Ltd, who works with adults with learning disabilities to produce various handmade products, including skincare and soaps. Speaking following the visit, Roddick said: “It was fantastic to meet the Shetland Soap Company team earlier today! “It was a joy to see a focus on ability and an exampleContinue reading “Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick “delighted” with her visit to Shetland Soap Company”

Emma Roddick MSP expresses concerns over disability benefit appeals

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has expressed concerns over the number of successful disability appeals following declined applications. Roddick said: “It worries me that three in five appeals for disability benefits were successful after initially being declined by the DWP, with Personal Independence Payment being the worst hit. “Many disabled people do not haveContinue reading “Emma Roddick MSP expresses concerns over disability benefit appeals”

Roddick asks Scottish Government how local authorities can support parking ban

Highlands and Islands MSP Emma Roddick has questioned Transport Minister Graeme Dey over the incoming ban on parking on pavements and public walkways. Roddick asked the Transport Minister for suggestions on how communities and local authorities can encourage more appropriate use of pavements prior to the ban coming into force. Discussing the issue, Roddick said:Continue reading “Roddick asks Scottish Government how local authorities can support parking ban”