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smart glasses visually impaired - Illustration of a person wearing smart glasses, shown in four window-like panels in teal and black on a purple background

Smart Glasses as Assistive Technology: Why Genuine Users Must Not Be Penalised

October 15, 2026

Richard Boggie is visually impaired. He uses smart glasses to help him.
The glasses have a camera. They can help him understand what is around him. They can help him find shops and avoid things in his way.
The glasses are hands free. Richard can use them while he holds a cane or dog harness.
They help him feel safe. They help connect with family and friends.
Some people misuse smart glasses. The misuse of smart glasses is bad. Richard worries this will cause problems for people who need them.
Businesses should not ban them unfairly. The law says they must make fair changes for disabled people.

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Bus franchising North East: Pink textured graphic featuring a dark purple stylised bus stop or transport sign, with a large white question mark and a small white circle containing a grey bus icon.

Bus franchising: have your say on accessible transport in the North East

September 24, 2026

Right now, private bus companies set routes, timetables, fares and service standards. An ‘Enhanced Partnership’ is in place, but bus companies still control key decisions. The proposal is a Bus Franchising Scheme. If introduced, bus companies would be contracted by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (North East MSA) to run services. The public would have more say over services, timetables, routes and fares. This consultation asks for your views on that proposal.

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Insight Impact Disability History Month

Difference Yearly Report 2025-2026

September 15, 2026

Welcome to Difference’s Yearly Report. Difference thanks our funders, the National Lottery and their Reaching Communities Fund for funding our Driving Difference project, Heritage Lottery Fund for funding our Disability

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wheelchair accessible taxis north east. A stylized, posterized image shows a wheelchair user beside the open side door of an accessible taxi. They lean forward toward the vehicle while another person stands nearby. The wheelchair, open doorway, and part of the taxi's interior are visible, though fine details are obscured by the image's artistic effect.

Middlesbrough wheelchair-accessible taxis fallen 80%! & disabled people are being stranded

September 1, 2026

In Middlesbrough, wheelchair-accessible taxis have dropped from 150 to just 30 in six years. An 80% fall. This means many disabled people cannot get to hospital, work, or see family. The council scraps taxis when they turn 12 years old, even if they still work well. They are thinking of changing this rule, but it’s not enough.
This problem is happening across the North East. We are asking MPs for:
– Better driver training
– A national plan with targets
– Easy booking systems
– One place to report issues.
Share this story and tell us your taxi experiences. Disabled people have waited too long. We need action now.

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