Our Vision Statement

To achieve an inclusive and accessible society, free from disabling barriers  

To ensure that Disabled Londoners have independence, choice, and control over our own lives, and can influence and change the disabling barriers we experience 

We have been progressing towards our vision since 1979. We began as a small group of Disabled residents campaigning for access to local swimming pools and public toilets. As we have broadened our services, activities and influence, the values that guide us and give Action on Disability its unique character are: 

Human Rights: 

• We believe every Disabled person’s life should be defined by human rights rather than by charity 
• We follow the principles of the UN Convention on the Rights of Disabled People and 12 Pillars of Independent Living – https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/resources/independent-living and https://www.lbhf.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2022-12/hf-independent-living-vision-easy-read-version-september-22.pdf 
• We actively promote everyone getting fair, equitable3 and accessible opportunities which enable independence  

Social Model of Disability: 

• We work within the Social Model of disability4 
• This model recognises that people are disabled by barriers in society, not by their impairments or differences 

Lived Experience Leadership and Co-production: 

• We stand for ‘Nothing about us, without us’. That means Disabled people should be fully involved in leading change 
• We lead by example in this as an organisation governed and run by Disabled people. We do this well because we have lived experience of Disabled people’s issues 
• We believe in coproduction. That means local Disabled people should be involved in local decision making, and actively part of designing solutions to local problems and issues 

Partnership and Collaboration: 

• We work closely with the local community of Disabled people; peer support groups; families; local communities; and groups working with other marginalised people 
• We collaborate with other Disabled people led organisations around London and beyond 
• We believe we are stronger together. This is a more effective way of influencing change getting closer to our vision

Inclusion, Diversity and understanding trauma: 

• We actively embrace justice, dignity and respect within our organisation and wider community 
• We value the diversity of our community. We work sensitively, knowing people will experience trauma because of intersectional5 forms of discrimination such as ableism, racism, sexism, and homophobia 
• We believe in empowering Disabled people and groups who are less visible and under-represented inside and outside of Action on Disability