The RNIB Scientific Research Unit’s web site Tiresias (http://www.tiresias.org) provides guidelines on accessibility issues for all types of disabilities, for designers of information and communication technology systems.

The government is looking to make fundamental changes to consumer law, to make it simpler and more cost effective for consumers but also reduce burdens for business.

A ‘Call for Evidence’ runs to 31st July. Download and read the key questions at http://www.berr.gov.uk/bre/reviewing-regulation/protecting-consumers/page44093.html.

In response to numerous queries about artistic events for visually impaired people, BlindArt has set up a forum at http://forum.blindart.net as a ‘one stop shop’ on what is happening in the arts for sensory impaired people.

Museums, galleries and other arts organisations can register to provide information on events, share news and network.

(Disability Cultural Projects via Voluntary Arts England)

An online survey for the Ministry of Justice on the impact of the Freedom of Information Act is being conducted by University College London. Views from anyone who has requested information from a central government department are welcome.

MoJ announcement with link, http://www.justice.gov.uk/news/announcement080508a.htm.

A new forum around the concept of connecting neighbourhoods using digital technologies has been set up by DC10plus, a local authority led social inclusion body.

Connecting Neighbourhoods Forum is for the private sector, voluntary and academic stakeholders to collaborate, discuss and produce strategies and solutions. http://www.connectedneighbourhoods.org.uk.

Parenting charity Parentline Plus has set up a dedicated site for professionals that work with children and families.

As well as providing a central virtual space for all of the charity’s policy work there are other features such as social networking. See http://www.parentlineplus.org.uk/forprofessionals.

(Source: Children and Young People Now)

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has launched a YouTube channel at http://www.youtube.com/EqualityHumanRights, as part of telling people about its work.

The channel will feature a range of video clips, including the series of stories ‘Equally Different’. EHRC news item.

An inquiry by the Equality and Human Rights Commission to find out how human rights works in Britain has set its terms of reference and is now in the ‘gathering evidence’ phase, to 21st June.

Actually covers just England and Wales but a parallel activity for Scotland is being explored. http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/humanrightsinquiry.

Resources for mentoring and befriending programmes on drugs-related issues have been produced to provide essential guidance and offer advice on the most effective methods of assisting young people. Created by FRANK and Mentoring and Befriending Foundation, there are materials for volunteers and co-ordinators.

Find at MBF publications page, http://www.mandbf.org.uk/resources/publications/.

RNID Products, the deaf charity’s retail arm, has produced a guide on the help and equipment available to comply with disability law.

The Sound Solutions catalogue, “helping you make your service accessible to deaf and hard of hearing people”, gives basic advice alongside information on what RNID can provide. http://www.rnid.org.uk/soundsolutions.

Two national charities working with young people in deprived communities, Crime Concern and Rainer, are to merge in July. Together they operate across about 150 areas in England and Wales, largely on central and local government contracts, but will not quite make the top 100 charity list as a combined entity.

Third Sector news item at http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/News/803800/ (registration required).

A new five-year project, to strengthen and develop refugee community organisations across England, has been launched by the Refugee Council and Refugee Action with money from the Big Lottery Fund.

See news item on Community Newswire at http://www.communitynewswire.press.net/article.jsp?id=4396124 or go direct to the Basis Project web site at http://www.thebasisproject.org.uk.