Welcome to The Citizen Online

The Citizen Online is brought to you by the team who published Disability Times, the UK's number one campaigning newspaper for disabled people. Formerly known as the Disability Times Trust, we also produced Dis-Ability Update, a news and information service for Channel 4 Teletext. This was viewed by around 16 million people each week, from 1996 until the closure of the Teletext service in December 2009. In response to many requests, the service has been transferred to this online site. It aims to bring the same concise, readable mix of news and information, but now extends its readership to include people from other potentially disadvantaged backgrounds.

Disability Update

The Disability Discrimination Act has given full legal rights to disabled people in the UK. But there is still more to be done in areas of accessibility and disability discrimination.
Dis-Ability Update is for all people with disabilities, whether physical, sensory or learning difficulties. It helps you keep in touch with changes to disability law and benefits such disability living allowance, and gives details of specialist organisations who can help with mobility aids and disability equipment.

Family First

News and information on family services and organisations which support families in need. Topics may range from changes to family law and rights for single parents, through to issues such as child truancy or coping with a child with an eating disorder. There is a lighter side, too, in the form of leisure activities for parents and children, or ideas for family breaks on a budget.

Second Chance

If you, or someone close to you, is trying to start a new life after leaving prison, Second Chance could help. It provides news and information for ex-offenders, such as changes to laws on disclosure of a criminal record, how to obtain a bank account or insurance if you are an ex-prisoner wanting to set up in business.
You can also link with employers who consider applications from jobseekers on the offenders register and find out about organisations in your area who offer support to those genuinely wanting to change their lives after serving time.

Senior Voice

Helping to maintain independence in later life for as long as possible, Senior Voice contains news and information for the mature age group. Topics may include news of pension reform and pensioners’ rights, together with links to organisations who help and support older people.
If you are newly retired or approaching retirement, could find advice on volunteer opportunities or jobs for over 50s. You can also read informative articles on health and exercise for older people or find out about the latest in mobility aids and equipment .

Unity

Multiculturalism is a major issue as we aim to unite in a society free from racial prejudice. Unity brings you news and information, both positive and negative, on cultural fairness and equality and the people and organisations working to promote it.
Here, you can find out about issues for black and minority ethnic groups, such as where to go for support if you have been a victim of racist comments or attacks, or are dealing with inequalities or injustices.