Having spent over 34 years as a campaigner in the disabilities rights movement, I have accrued a great deal of valuable experience and expertise in a diverse variety of issues that affect disabled people. As a disabled woman myself, I have lived experience of disability and the obstacles we face
In 1988 I chaired a Disabled Peoples User Led Organisation (DPULO). In 1991 I chaired the British Council of Disabled People which was a national DPULO from there I went on to Chair the UK Disability Forum for Europe this enabled me to travel all over Europe meeting disabled people and listening to their struggles.
In the 90’s I ran a peer support group for people receiving Direct Payments which led me to develop a web site to support disabled people to employ their own Personal Assistants, Carers or Support Workers we gained charity status in 2009.
I am passionate about independent living and the right to have support to fully access the community. I am appalled that disabled people are being hit by the austerity cuts and seeing their support being taken away.
I have been a member of the Labour Party for ten years and have served as both the disability officer and chair of my CLP
I want to help to continue the excellent work the current Executive are doing.