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Report reveals the challenges disabled people face at work

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/22/2019 - 00:00

Muscular Dystrophy UK is calling on the government and employers to take action to remove the barriers that make it difficult for disabled people to find and stay in work.

Trailblazers – the charity’s 750-strong group that campaigns for change – spoke to young disabled people and employers through a series of workshops during its 18-month Employability Policy Project. The scheme, which was funded by the City Bridge Trust, set out to identify the changes needed to improve things in the future for disabled job-seekers.

Hope4Harrison

In many ways Harrison is like other children, he loves to dance and support his football team – Reading! But his parents had noticed that Harrison was having trouble walking upstairs, and was unable to run or jump properly- especially in contrast to his twin brother, Connor, and older sister, Summer. In November 2015, Phil and Julie Loosen were given life-changing news. Their little boy was diagnosed with Becker muscular dystrophy. Harrison was just four years old.
In many ways Harrison is like other children, he loves to dance and support his football team – Reading! But his parents had noticed that Harrison was having trouble walking upstairs, and was unable to run or jump properly- especially in contrast to his twin brother, Connor, and older sister, Summer. In November 2015, Phil and Julie Loosen were given life-changing news. Their little boy was diagnosed with Becker muscular dystrophy. Harrison was just four years old.
Progress has been made towards creating a new zebrafish model of FSH to investigate the effect of DUX4 on the ability of muscle stem cells to repair muscle
Progress has been made towards creating a new zebrafish model of FSH to investigate the effect of DUX4 on the ability of muscle stem cells to repair muscle
Progress has been made towards creating a new zebrafish model of FSH to investigate the effect of DUX4 on the ability of muscle stem cells to repair muscle
In this PhD studentship, Professor Peter Zammit and his student, Louise Moyle, explored the role that muscle stem cells have in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSH). They delivered the protein thought to cause FSH (DUX4) into muscle stem cells. DUX4 altered the activity of many genes involved in the way that cells communicate. From this, the researchers identified a protein that appears to contribute to FSH pathology. They then tested clinically-approved drugs against this protein in cell models of FSH to begin to develop a potential therapy.
In this PhD studentship, Professor Peter Zammit and his student, Louise Moyle, explored the role that muscle stem cells have in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSH). They delivered the protein thought to cause FSH (DUX4) into muscle stem cells. DUX4 altered the activity of many genes involved in the way that cells communicate. From this, the researchers identified a protein that appears to contribute to FSH pathology. They then tested clinically-approved drugs against this protein in cell models of FSH to begin to develop a potential therapy.
In this PhD studentship, Professor Peter Zammit and his student, Louise Moyle, explored the role that muscle stem cells have in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSH). They delivered the protein thought to cause FSH (DUX4) into muscle stem cells. DUX4 altered the activity of many genes involved in the way that cells communicate. From this, the researchers identified a protein that appears to contribute to FSH pathology. They then tested clinically-approved drugs against this protein in cell models of FSH to begin to develop a potential therapy.

Team Jenson

Jenson Edwards, lives in Buckley in North Wales and was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in February 2016.
Jenson Edwards, lives in Buckley in North Wales and was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in February 2016.

Fighting Back for Jack

Emma and Matthew’s son Jack was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in October 2014, just before his third birthday. They set up a Family Fund, Fighting Back for Jack, to raise awareness and funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK’s Duchenne Research Breakthrough Fund.
Emma and Matthew’s son Jack was diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy in October 2014, just before his third birthday. They set up a Family Fund, Fighting Back for Jack, to raise awareness and funds for Muscular Dystrophy UK’s Duchenne Research Breakthrough Fund.

Just For Josh

Josh McClean lives in Ballymoney Northern Ireland with his parents Dave and Mandy and his sister Rebecca. Josh loves lego, computer games and going to watch ice hockey games with his Dad. Josh’s family describe him as a very special and positive wee boy.
Josh McClean lives in Ballymoney Northern Ireland with his parents Dave and Mandy and his sister Rebecca. Josh loves lego, computer games and going to watch ice hockey games with his Dad. Josh’s family describe him as a very special and positive wee boy.
Professor Monckton and his team are investigating links between genetic changes and the symptoms of myotonic dystrophy type 1.
Professor Monckton and his team are investigating links between genetic changes and the symptoms of myotonic dystrophy type 1.
Professor Monckton and his team are investigating links between genetic changes and the symptoms of myotonic dystrophy type 1.
Professor Matthew Wood and his team are developing ways of improving the delivery of a potential genetic therapy for spinal muscular atrophy.
Professor Matthew Wood and his team are developing ways of improving the delivery of a potential genetic therapy for spinal muscular atrophy.
Professor Matthew Wood and his team are developing ways of improving the delivery of a potential genetic therapy for spinal muscular atrophy.
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