We all deserve to live free from discrimination, poverty and exclusion. However, many Deaf and Disabled people experience structural inequalities that impact our ability to live independently and have choice and control over our lives. Our organisation works hard to remove barriers and create more inclusive and equitable communities.

Our Vision is a society where Disabled people can take control over their lives and achieve full participation

We work within the social model of disability and an independence charter, co-designed with Disabled people. We believe that society creates barriers that disable people with impairments. 

We provide a holistic service, with all work feeding into our three overarching/strategic aims:

1. To promote the independence and inclusion of Deaf and Disabled people in Merton.
2. To identify and challenge discrimination faced by Deaf and Disabled people.
3. To encourage Deaf and Disabled people and supporters to achieve change locally.

We work with and support Disabled adults (18+) living in Merton. We work with Disabled people across the full spectrum of disability.

What is a Deaf and Disabled Peoples Organisation (DDPO)? A DDPO is a user-led organisation where over 50% of staff and 75% of trustees are Deaf or Disabled people. 

What do we mean when we say ‘Disabled’? - We use the term ‘Disabled people’ to mean all people living with an impairment or health condition. This includes:

• People with physical impairments
• People who experience mental distress/mental health issues
• Deaf People
• Hearing impaired People
• Blind, partially sighted or vision impaired People
• People with learning disabilities
• People with long-term health conditions
• Neurodivergent People
• People with invisible impairments

We recognise and respect that some of the people mentioned above do not think of themselves as Disabled but we believe the groups above can face disabling barriers in society.