Engaging with disabled people's organisations

How to get the best results when working with disabled people’s organisations

Working with disabled people’s organisations

When selecting an organisation to work with, be aware of their area of expertise. An organisation representing a range of impairments may have a wider perspective than an organisation that represents the interests of a group with a narrower focus.

Working with user-led organisations

User-led organisations are run by their members. These groups are likely to closely reflect the views of the disabled people they represent.

Credibility and transparency

Engagement with disabled people can only succeed when there is clarity about what is being asked for and what will happen in response. Avoid promising what can’t be delivered. Define the remit of the engagement, and identify when discussion moves beyond it.

Access to disabled people and their organisations

The Office for Disability Issues (ODI) can provide access to disabled people and their organisations on a number of levels:

Equality 2025 is a high-level advisory group of disabled people. It offers strategic advice at the very early stages of policy development.
ODI facilitates a regular meeting of key figures in the disability movement. The group involves representatives from the leading national charities as well as key figures from grass-roots and user-led organisations.
ODI is currently piloting a Network of Networks to enable two-way communications between disabled people and government. After this pilot phase is complete, it is planned the Network of Networks will provide an independent consultation service.

Explore

Network of Networks on the Independent Living Strategy page

Beyond the Office for Disability Issues

Page last reviewed: 04 November 2010