The first union by and for disabled people launches this week! “25 years on from the Disability Discrimination Act, we vow to renew the fight for equality.”

The first union by and for disabled people launches this week -

“25 years on from the Disability Discrimination Act, we vow to renew the fight for equality.”

Southampton, Hampshire: The Disability Union launches to the public this week in order to build power and a national voice for disabled people powerful enough to influence policy; whilst also helping people with their day-to-day disability struggles. The date of this launch is significant as this November marks the 25^th anniversary the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995. The Disability Union aims to help kick-start and nurture a new generation of disability activists and work with existing organisations and activists to build a stronger disability community.

‘The union is the idea of disabled campaigner George Baker (pictured), whose ambition is to create “the first democratic and campaigning union which fights for disabled people in the workplace, in the social care system and in society at large” ’ – John Pring (Disability News Service).

“In many ways disabled people are more marginalised than ever, Coronavirus has made this impossible to ignore with 59% of covid-related deaths being disabled people. We want to revive and restore the spirit of possibility and activism that allowed disabled people to fight for the Disability Discrimination Act.” says Joel Jordan, Co-Founder of The Disability Union. “There are amazing disabled people and disabled people’s organisations, all over the country doing incredible things, our mission is to connect everyone who is fighting for disabled people’s rights because we are stronger together.” Adds George Baker, Co-Founder of The Disability Union.

In the short time since the union began operating it has already accomplished a lot:

• Secured a grant from Learning Disability England to provide support during Coronavirus.
• Had great success helping disabled people in all sorts of ways. For example they have helped people avoid unlawful eviction, secure accessible housing, successfully fight benefit appeals, and instigate legal action around disability discrimination.
• Is working with and being supported by incredible disability organisations including: Disability Horizons, Access Your Life, Evenbreak, LiveYou, and has gained coverage in Disability News Service.
• Has also gained the support of prominent campaigners such as Jane Hatton (founder of Evenbreak), Fleur Perry (activist and campaigner), and Martyn Sibley (founder of Disbabilty Horizons).

To learn more about The Disability Union, click here.

About The Disability Union: The ambition of The Disability Union is to build a truly inclusive world. They believe that inclusion is a human right, which is why they work day in, day out to protect and enhance the lives of disabled people across the United Kingdom.