DPOs need to be at every table

Posted 11.08.2021

Recent stories we’ve shared highlight the importance of Disabled Peoples Organisations (DPOs) across the UK. Ongoing emergency funding is needed to build on the achievements of this DPO COVID-19 NET Emergency Fund and the determination of DPOs to support disabled people locally.

A clearer understanding of the value of DPOs and how they differ from non-user-led disability charities is needed.

Disabled Peoples Organisations need to be at every table.

General Comment 7 from the UN Committee on the Rights of Disabled People (CRPD) sets out why disabled people need representation and how DPOs should be resourced to support & provide that.

Disabled people need to be placed at the heart of policy making. Break down barriers.

Read General Comment 7

Latest

empower: Breaking Barriers, Building Futures

Read all about our first ever empower Roadshow!
Breaking Barriers: Disability Action's Guide to Accessible Apprenticeships

As Apprenticeships Week unfolds with an air of excitement, Disability Action, in collaboration with empower partners Usel and Specialisterne, proudly presents a groundbreaking resource that marks a significant stride toward inclusivity in Northern Ireland. Our short Accessible Apprenticeships Guide is not just a guide; it's a catalyst for change, a testament to our commitment to fostering a more inclusive apprenticeship landscape.
Driving Opportunities Blossom as Disability Action Teams Up with Foyle School of Motoring

Disability Action's recent sale of an adapted vehicle to Foyle School of Motoring marks a significant stride towards driving inclusivity in the Northwest.
WILL YOU ACT YOUR AGE AT THE FORUM?

The Future of Disabled People's Organisations?

Without ongoing funding and capacity building DPOs are at risk of disappearing.
Success of the NET DPO COVID-19 Emergency Fund Project

Despite the challenges of building a new consortium during a national emergency.
The Disability Equality North West Story

The pandemic exposed social and health inequalities and deep-rooted negative attitudes towards disabled people which must be faced and addressed collectively and collaboratively in the future.
The People First Story

We need funders that provide accessible grant opportunities and understand why we exist, what we do, and how we do it.
Capacity building is needed for small DPOs

To be able to successfully access funding and deliver projects.
DPOs should be involved in the development of policies and strategies

General Comment 7 from the UNCRPD.
DPOs are chronically underfunded

We are calling on governments and mainstream funding bodies to support DPOs.
DPOs have lived experience

Leading to more effective and better designed delivery.
A DPO is one whose constitution requires it to have a membership and board with a majority of disabled people

And whose objectives are the rights and equality of disabled people.
DPOs are led, directed and governed by disabled people for disabled people