Press Release: Disabled Peoples Organisation is celebrating its 30th anniversary while warning that many of the barriers it was created to tackle still exist today.
Founded in October 1996 under the name ‘Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People’, Equal Lives has spent the last 30 years providing advice, advocacy and support while campaigning to remove barriers faced by Disabled people. Despite progress in disability rights, Equal Lives says many of those barriers remain, making its work as important as ever.
Ben Reed, CEO of Equal Lives, who has been with the organisation for more than 15 years, said:
“We’ve seen a huge amount of change over the last 30 years, but Disabled people still face significant barriers and too many decisions are driven by ignorance rather than people’s rights and needs. That’s why organisations like Equal Lives remain so important.”
Every year, Equal Lives supports Disabled people and their families to access benefits, social care, health services and independent living support, helping people gain greater choice, control and independence.
Ben Reed added:
“What I’m most proud of is the difference we make every day. Whether it’s helping families get the support they need, ensuring people receive vital advice, or supporting Disabled people to have greater control over their own care, we see the impact of that work every day. As we celebrate 30 years, we’re looking ahead to continuing that mission for many years to come.”
As the charity celebrates this milestone, Equal Lives would like to thank its staff, volunteers, trustees, members and supporters who have contributed to its work over the past three decades.
You can support Equal Lives or find out more here: https://www.equallives.org.uk/.