Disability news roundup: Hurricane Sandy

As New York's Mayor Bloomberg spoke publically about the superstorm, many onlookers were distracted by his sign language interpreter. Lydia Callis, 30, became an internet sensation overnight when, as the Daily Mail put it, her "larger-than-life facial expressions and dramatic gestures provided a rare moment of pleasure" during a difficult time for the city.

The internet is also where disabled married couple Nick and Alejandra's plight was highlighted. Alejandra uses a wheelchair and Nick relies on a ventilator to breathe. They were left without power due to Hurricane Sandy and were unable to leave their 12th floor Manhattan apartment to get what they needed.

Fortunately, concerned users of Twitter and Facebook rallied around and managed to deliver distilled water, car batteries and other essential supplies.

Elsewhere in the news

Salford-based disability radio station goes on air (BBC News, Thursday 1 November)

Multiple sclerosis: New drug 'most effective' (BBC News, 1 November)

Investigate 'misleading' Atos bid for disability tests contract, urges Labour (The Guardian, 1 November)

Is there a crisis in social care? (Guardian Professional, 1 November)

Pat's petition: Disability campaigner Pat Onions insists 'We are the scapegoats, doing nothing is not an option' (Huffington Post, 1 November)

Benefit bureaucrats Atos killed my father, says 13-year-old boy (The Scotsman, 1 November)

Perthshire man jailed for attack on disabled woman (BBC News, Wednesday 31 October)

Exam watchdog 'unfair' extra time warning (BBC News, 31 October)

Felicia Boots admits killing her two babies (BBC News, Tuesday 30 October)

Mental health loophole 'closed' (BBC News, 30 October)

Bell's palsy: Facing the TV cameras with half a smile (BBC News Magazine, 30 October)

Young people with spinal injuries face discharge to homes for elderly people (The Guardian, 30 October)

Blind woman dumped miles from home by cabbie who 'laughed at her because she couldn't make out any local landmarks' (Daily Mail, 30 October)

Jo Whiley: Carers aren't recognised or given enough support (Metro UK, 30 October)

Bladerunner Richard Whitehead has new challenge in sight (BBC Sport, Monday 29 October)

Mental illness 'biggest UK health challenge' - Miliband (BBC News, 29 October)

Ed Miliband understands that making fun of mental health is no joke (The Guardian, 29 October)

Thousands wrongly sectioned under mental health act following 'technical error' (The Independent, 29 October)

Opinion: Dyspraxia can be serious - it deserves more recognition (The Guardian, 29 October)

Blind and paralysed but Mark Pollock on his feet with aid of bionic trousers (Metro, 29 October)

Opinion: The worsening plight of the disabled and their carers (The Guardian, Saturday 27 October)