There are 14 million Disabled people in the UK, and we make up a fifth of the population. However we are not a homogenous group and have different impairments, are different genders, sexual orientations, come from different backgrounds, and live different lives. It is true that some of us experience greater injustice than others, but we have many things in common. We all want to live in an inclusive society where everyone has a fulfilling life and feels connected and valued.
Disabled people have been the hardest hit by austerity, the COVID pandemic and now the cost-of-living crisis. Evidence shows that we are disproportionately living in poverty, achieving poorer outcomes in education and far more likely to be unemployed or earn less. Many of us are forced to live away from society, our communities and families in order to get support or education. Societal infrastructure, such as housing, transport and street environment, consistently fail to meet our needs.
We have a long history of self-organisation and have campaigned for our rights over a number of years. Our organisations are different from ‘charitable’ disability bodies in the fact that we control and direct the activities. DDPO’s exist to give us –
Representation and Voice
We want Disabled people to participate across all political and public roles, with the required adjustments put in place, so we can achieve real justice and equality. Disabled people’s led organisations (“Disabled People’s Organisations”) are accountable to our community and must be viewed as primary advocates for us and be funded accordingly. Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) must have a seat at national and local decision-making tables and all Disabled people to fully participate in democratic processes.
Rights
We want to fully enjoy all rights guaranteed by the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). Discrimination we face in all areas of life must stop. We want financial and legal support to enforce our rights and all public bodies to have a duty to advance and enforce our rights actively. We want greater accountability for when our rights have been breached.
Independence
We want the right to live independently with choice and control over the support we get. We want the right to live in our own fully accessible homes connected to our family, friends and community. We want major reform and investment across social security, social care, education, housing and employment, to provide Disabled people of all ages, genders, backgrounds or immigration status with a decent level of income and free at the point of use additional support that we need to fully enjoy our rights and to lead full and connected lives. We should not be forced to live in institutions or accept medical treatment we don’t want.
Inclusion
We want plans for every aspect of life including energy policy, climate change, digital and technological development, health, housing, transport, street environment and emergency planning, to address specific needs of Disabled people from the outset. We want all resources going to segregated settings and programmes diverted to inclusive programmes and support.
Local DDPOs – A Call To Action
A DDPO has not existed in South Tees for a number of years. Not since the existence of Cleveland Disability Forum, Redcar and Cleveland Disability Access Forum and Redcar Real Opportunities Centre (ROC) has there been a mechanism for disabled people to voice their opinions, be involved in decision making and advocate for improvements in their lives.
It is hoped that initial steps will be taken early next year for the establishment of a DDPO across South Tees. If you would like to be involved, please contact Craig Duerden at Middlesbrough Voluntary Development Agency (MVDA), tel: 01642 357855, mobile: 07487265975, email: craig.duerden@mvdauk.org.uk
Remember – Nothing About Us Without Us.
Craig Duerden
MVDA
In February 2007 Craig joined the Planning & Partnership team with a focus on Health & Social Care. He left MVDA in 2010 and re-joined us in August 2014 as Strategic Development Officer. He is currently acting as the partnership manager for both the Middlesbrough Carers Partnership and Middlesbrough Mental Health Partnership as well as leading MVDA’s work around VCS intelligence and supporting the Health and Wellbeing VCS Forum.