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People forced to food banks at the start of the pandemic faced extreme poverty, with just £248 a month to survive on after housing costs, according to new research by the Trussell Trust. The new study also shows that over seven in ten households referred to a food bank in early 2020 had someone with ill-health or disability, four times the rate in the general population. A majority (62%) of working-age people referred to food banks in early 2020 had a disability as defined by the Equality Act 2010, more than three times the rate in the general working age population (19%). People reporting poor health were six times more likely to be food insecure than people reporting ‘excellent’ health.

In one way or another, Covid-19 has impacted all of our lives. But living through the pandemic with a disability has been an even bigger struggle for many. It’s not all negative though – in many ways, the pandemic has molded the world into a more inclusive place. Disability Horizons writer and editor Raya talks about the important things that Covid-19 has taught us and the positive aspects that have encouraged society to be more understanding and accessible.

New research has deepened understanding of the way autism spectrum disorder (ASD) manifests in the brains of girls. It has prompted scientists to warn that conclusions drawn from studies conducted primarily in boys should not be assumed to hold true for girls. The researchers discovered there is a significant difference in the genes and “genetic burden” that underpin the condition in girls and boys.

Two FLARE members were interviewed for an article by Children and Young People Now. The article explores the language used in children’s services and the concern that some common terms risk stigmatising children, young people and families.

Avanti West Coast has become the first UK train operator to offer Disabled passengers a dedicated social media forum. The Accessible Rail Travel with Avanti West Coast Facebook group aims to provide a support network to share advice, tips and offer feedback.