Disability Equality (NW) aims to create a society where individuals with disabilities have equal opportunities and can live independently without barriers. The organization promotes the social model of disability, advocating for rights such as accessible housing, education, and employment. Additionally, it focuses on supporting disabled people through volunteering and peer support, especially prioritizing the voice of young disabled individuals.

1. Key Aims for 2011-2016
Our Vision Disability is the loss or limitation of
opportunities to take part in the normal life
Our vision is a society in which all people of the community on an equal level with
– regardless of impairment – are valued, others due to physical and social barriers.
live full family, social and economic lives
and can access and actively take part in Therefore disability is not a medical problem
but rather a social issue - the result of
their local communities.
society being organised to meet the needs
of the majority of people who do not have
significant impairments. It is a type of
Our Core Values oppression, similar to sexism and racism.
a) Equal Opportunities,
c) The Principles of
Diversity and Social Justice
Independent Living
Disability Equality (nw) is committed to
Disability Equality (nw) interprets
embracing diversity and promoting equality of
“independence” as disabled people having
opportunity. We will not tolerate discrimination
control over how support is provided, who
on grounds of gender, gender identity, marital
provides it and when. This means having
status, sexual orientation, race, nationality,
the same choice, control and freedom as
religion, age, impairment, HIV status, working
other citizens in all areas of life.
pattern, caring responsibilities, trade union
activity or political beliefs – or any other Disabled people’s organisations have
grounds. We are determined to ensure that: identified twelve basic rights which, if met,
• we treat all individuals fairly, with dignity would enable disabled people to live
and respect; independently and be fully included.
These are:
• we accept people for who they are;
• Full access to our environment.
• the opportunities we provide are open to all;
• A fully accessible transport system.
• we provide a safe, supportive and
welcoming environment; • Technical aids – equipment.
• we promote and campaign for social justice. • Accessible/adapted housing.
• Personal assistance.
b) The Social Model of • Inclusive education and training.
Disability • An adequate income.
Disability Equality (nw) actively promotes • Equal opportunities for employment.
the Social Model of Disability in everything • Appropriate and accessible information.
it does. This defines ‘impairment’ and
• Advocacy (towards self-advocacy).
‘disability’ as follows:
• Peer support.
Impairment is the loss or limitation of
• Appropriate and accessible heath care
physical, mental or sensory function on a
provision.
long-term or permanent basis.
Need an alternative format? Telephone our helpline 01772 558863

2. d) The Importance of Our Mission
Volunteering and Peer Support
Disability Equality (nw) is dedicated to
Our organisation’s mission is to
providing volunteering and peer support promote the removal of disabling
opportunities for disabled people. In doing barriers from society and further
so, we recognise that the people who know the human and civil rights of
best the needs of disabled people and how
to meet those needs are disabled people disabled people.
themselves. Therefore part of our role must This mission has been translated into 4
be to ensure that local disabled people have strategic aims:
a voice and are listened to. 1. To support individual disabled people to
achieve independent living;
e) The Role of Young Disabled
2. To facilitate volunteering and peer support
People
opportunities for individual disabled
Disability Equality (nw) is committed to people;
working with young disabled people and 3. To influence the local community, services
including them in all aspects of its work. and other organisations, to remove
We recognise that young disabled people barriers for disabled people;
have a unique voice, often having had
4. To continually work to embed good
different experiences. We also recognise
practice in the organisation through
that young disabled people are vital to the
further developing excellent governance,
future of our organisation.
robust management and a strong
f) Person-Centred Approach commitment to equality of opportunities.
Disability Equality (nw) is dedicated to For more details please contact:
a person-centred approach to delivering Melanie Close, Chief Executive,
services and support. This means that Disability Equality North West,
the needs and wishes of the individual are 103 Church Street, Preston,
prioritised and met. All of our services and Lancashire, PR1 3BS
support is underpinned by the principles of Telephone helpline 01772 558863
the Social Model of Disability.
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Disability Equality (nw) Ltd
103 Church Street, Preston,
Lancashire, PR1 3BS
Telephone helpline 01772 558863 DisabilityNW
www. disability-equality.org.uk charity number: 1114622
Email: hello@disability-equality.org.uk company number: 5506903