Our History

AoD 45 Years Visual Journey

In 1979, a group of determined Disabled residents in Hammersmith and Fulham came together with a shared goal: to challenge barriers and create opportunities in their community. From the outset, Hammersmith and Fulham Action on Disability (HAFAD) was user-led and founded on the principle that Disabled people must have a central voice in decisions affecting their lives. Early campaigns focused on making public spaces accessible, including swimming pools, toilets, and other essential community facilities. These grassroots efforts set the tone for decades of advocacy and change. 

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A group of people stand in line outside a public toilet in an urban area on a sunny day.
Several people, including wheelchair users, wait in line outside a public accessible toilet building. The scene appears to be outdoors and is in black and white.

By 2013, the organisation had grown beyond its local roots. To reflect its broader mission across London, HAFAD rebranded as Action on Disability (AoD). This marked a new chapter: AoD now had the capacity to serve a wider community, tackling a range of issues affecting Disabled people while staying true to its core principle of being led by those it serves. 

A group of people, including a woman with a limb difference, hold a sign reading “We’re open! Action on Disability Centre for Independent Living, 7 June 2023” at an outdoor event.

Over the years, AoD’s services have expanded to meet the evolving needs of Disabled individuals. A milestone moment came in 2023 with the opening of the brand-new, purpose-built ground floor Centre for Independent Living in Fulham. This state-of-the-art hub provides a safe, welcoming space where Disabled people can meet, take part in activities, access support, and gain the confidence and skills to live independently. The Centre embodies AoD’s commitment to community, empowerment, and inclusion, offering facilities that are fully accessible and designed around the needs of Disabled users. 

Today, AoD operates across West and Greater London as a leading user-led Disabled People’s Organisation. From running local campaigns and providing training to managing community spaces and advocating for policy change, AoD ensures that Disabled voices are heard, respected, and acted upon. For 45 years, AoD has been at the forefront of promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion, continuing a legacy of empowerment and opportunity for generations to come. 

Join us in ensuring Deaf and Disabled people can enjoy greater independence, control, and choice in their lives.

  • Handwritten poster with colorful text and illustrations features quotes about disability rights, inclusion, leadership, equality, and empowerment, emphasizing "Nothing About Us Without Us.

    Our Impact

    We create real change by removing barriers, strengthening rights, and supporting Disabled people to live with independence, choice and control.

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  • A diagram titled "Independent Living and Coproduction Groups" shows interconnected bubbles representing various support groups, campaigns, and strategies related to disability action.

    Our Vision Statement

    A world where Disabled people have full equality, independence and inclusion, with barriers removed and rights respected in every part of life.

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  • A group of disabled people hold signs demanding civil rights and an end to discrimination during a protest outside a building.

    Our History

    For over 45 years, AoD has been led by Disabled people, challenging inequality and building stronger, more inclusive communities.

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  • A group of seven adults, including a man in a power wheelchair and a guide dog, pose together outside a building on a sunny day.

    Our People

    Our Trustees, staff, volunteers and members are proudly led by Disabled people, bringing lived experience and expertise to everything we do.

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  • A woman speaks into a microphone onstage beside another woman at an event for disabled people. The cover text reads: "Five Year Business Plan 2026–2031" by Action on Disability.

    Our Five-Year Plan

    Our plan sets out how we will strengthen rights, expand services, influence change and embed co-production across all our work.

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  • Line graph showing AoD income and expenditure from 2014 to 2024, with both values generally rising; expenditure exceeds income in most years.

    Annual Reports and Accounts

    Read our annual reports to see our achievements, financial transparency, and the difference we make alongside Disabled people each year.

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    Support Our Work

    Help strengthen our services, rights work and community programmes by supporting AoD through donations, fundraising, membership or partnerships.

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