Join us in making Wales a place where everyone can thrive. You can support our fight for the rights, equality and inclusion of disabled people by donating, fundraising, leaving a legacy and, most importantly, by signing up to become a member of Disability Wales.
Read on to find out more about who we are and how your support can help us create a barrier-free society for disabled people.
Who We Are
Driving Equality, Inclusion, and Rights for All Disabled People
Disability Wales (DW) is the national association of Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs) striving to achieve the rights and equality of all disabled people. Our core role is to represent the views and priorities of our members to government with the aim of informing and influencing policy and practice.
Grounded in the Social Model of Disability, we work to break down societal barriers—whether attitudinal, environmental, or institutional—that prevent people with impairments from fully participating in life.
For over 50 years, we have been a leading voice for change, advocating for equality, human rights, and a fully inclusive society where all disabled people have the support they need to thrive.
Our Core Values: The Foundation of Our Work
At the heart of everything we do are our core values, which guide our mission and shape the impact we have on disabled people’s lives.
The Social Model of Disability
We believe that people with impairments are disabled by the barriers in society, not by their conditions. Our work is centred on promoting the Social Model of Disability, which challenges negative attitudes and calls for changes in the environment and systems that restrict disabled people’s rights.
Equality, Diversity, and Human Rights
We are committed to protecting the equality, diversity, and human rights of all disabled people. Disability Wales advocates for an inclusive society where everyone, regardless of their impairment, has the opportunity to live a life free from discrimination and prejudice. We work to ensure that policies and practices uphold these rights for all.
An Inclusive Society
Our vision is a fully inclusive society, where disabled people can participate in all aspects of life on equal terms. We believe that every person deserves the necessary support, accommodations, and access to live independently, pursue education, employment, and engage with their community.
Self-Determination
We respect and value the potential for self-determination within each individual. Disability Wales supports people in advocating for their own rights, empowering them to make decisions about their lives, and fostering independence.
A Beacon of Best Practice
As a beacon of best practice, Disability Wales leads by example, working to deliver the highest quality in everything we do. From shaping policy to empowering individuals, we are recognised as a trusted source of expertise on disability rights and inclusion.
Commitment to Quality
Our commitment to quality is central to our mission. Whether it’s the support we provide to individuals or the influence we have on policy, we are dedicated to achieving excellence in the delivery of our work, ensuring our impact is meaningful and lasting.
Our impact
Challenging Barriers, Changing Lives
Thanks to your support, Disability Wales can make a profound impact on the lives of disabled people across Wales. Here are some of the ways we are driving change:
- Advocating for the Social Model of Disability: We work to ensure that policy-makers, organisations, and the wider public understand and adopt the Social Model of Disability. This means pushing for accessible environments, challenging negative attitudes, and ensuring that institutions take responsibility for creating an inclusive society. Our Social Model of Disability Toolkit is at the heart of this work and is essential reading for anyone who wants to learn more about disability rights and equality and how to tackle disabling barriers.
- Promoting Equality and Human Rights: Through our advocacy and campaigns, we actively champion the human rights of disabled people and challenge discrimination wherever it arises. We promote diversity in all its forms, ensuring that disabled people from all communities and backgrounds are supported and heard. Disabled people aren’t often told about their rights and what they are and we want to change that – enter our Know Your Rights pack which aims to equipd disabled people and their organisations with essential information to ensure they can use and live their rights.
- Fostering an Inclusive Society: We work with government, businesses, and communities to build a more inclusive society where disabled people can access the resources, services, and opportunities they need to participate fully. From accessible transport to inclusive workplaces, we strive to create an environment that supports everyone. Our Rights Here, Rights Now project saw us providing education settings in Wales with the tools to effectively teach all learners about the United Nation Convention on the Rights of Disabled People (UNCRDP) to ensure that disabled children and young people feel empowered and that their peers would become allies.
- Empowering Self-Determination: Our programs and initiatives are designed to empower disabled people to take control of their lives. Through training, advocacy support, and raising awareness of rights, we give people the confidence and tools to stand up for themselves. Some examples of our projects include; the groundbreaking cross-equalities mentoring programme, Equal Power Equal Voice (EPEV), with its aim to get more diverse representation in politics and public life. Similarly, our newly established Access to Politics Grassroots Network which will further the vital work undertaken in the Access to Elected Office Fund Wales and aims to get more Deaf and disabled people interested and involved in politics including standing for Elected Office at national and local level in Wales.
- Setting Standards for Best Practice: Disability Wales is committed to demonstrating and promoting best practices in disability rights. We advise organisations on accessibility, and policy development, setting an example for others to follow.
- Delivering Quality Support: Everything we do is driven by our commitment to delivering quality services and support. From influencing policy to supporting local Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs), we ensure that our work creates real, positive change for disabled people.
Why your support matters
Disabled people continue to face significant obstacles that prevent them from fully participating in society. Together, we can change that.
By supporting Disability Wales, you are contributing to a future where every person, regardless of their impairment, has the opportunity to live freely and with dignity.
Your donations allow us to:
- Promote the Social Model of Disability and challenge societal barriers.
- Defend the human rights of disabled people and advocate for full inclusion.
- Empower individuals to take control of their lives and make their voices heard.
- Influence government and policy to create a fairer and more accessible society.
We understand that not everyone is in a position to give financially, and we deeply appreciate that.
Your support as a member or simply as an advocate for our cause is just as valuable.
By becoming a member of Disability Wales, you join a community of individuals who stand for equality, inclusion, and human rights. Whether you’re spreading awareness, engaging in advocacy, or taking part in our events, your support helps us achieve our mission and make a lasting impact.
Join us in making Wales a place where everyone can thrive. Whether through donations or membership, every act of support moves us closer to an inclusive, rights-based society for all disabled people.
