Disabled Charity Merger

Three of the UK’s leading disability charities have merged to form a new organisation called Disability Rights UK.

Disability Alliance, the National Centre for Independent Living and RADAR revealed their unification plans following extensive negotiations between the three existing charities.

The new organisation will bring together over 600 local and national disability organisationsacross the UK as well as over 500 individual disabled people.  Disabled people will make up at least three-quarters of Disability Rights UK board members.  With such a wide range of members, it is hoped the new disability charity will be uniquely placed to represent the views of disabled people.

Giving Disabled People a Voice

Liz Sayce, the new Chief Executive Designate of Disability Rights UK, said: “It’s fantastic that the members of the three organisations have voted overwhelmingly in favour of coming together to create the largest pan-disability national organisation led by disabled people, which will enable many more disabled people to have a voice”

As well as continuing to provide the services that the three charities offered individually, Disability Rights UK will offer a range of support for disabled people covering issues such as education, employment and welfare rights.  The new charity also aims to engage with local and national government, journalists and parliamentarians to help achieve equality for disabled people.

Richard Gutch, project manager for the merger adds: “With so much change in public services it is now more important than ever that disabled people and the people supporting disabled people have one source of expertise and advice to call on.  Disability Rights UK will be that source of independent, authoritative support.  As one organisation, it will also be more sustainable and better placed to respond to the challenges faced by the sector.”