Take Back Control Of Your Life And Your Future
At The Disability Union, the first union by and for disabled people and carers, We are building a community That gives us a voice and control over our lives and the decisions made about us.
what is a DISABILITY union?
If you've ever wished social services, your local council, your child's school, your employer or anyone else would listen about disability then the disability union is what you are looking for...
We're a group of disabled people who have come together to fund our own organisation to work towards equality and inclusion for disabled people. Our voices are much stronger together and this gives us power, the more members we have the more people we can help and the more we will be listened to by the people who make decisions about us. For example, say you want your local leisure centre to install a ramp; who do you think they are more likely to listen to: you on your own or you backed and supported by an organisation made up of thousands of Disabled People? If you think the second is more likely then this is one more reason to join!
Our ambition at The Disability Union is to build a truly inclusive world. We believe that inclusion is a human right, which is why we work day in, day out to protect and enhance the lives of disabled people across the United Kingdom. We do this in two ways:
Win new rights and equal treatment Through 'collective action'
All the human rights we enjoy today came about because groups of people came together and worked, fought, and even died, to convince those in power to change the law. We call this collective action, because people come together to form a collective and they then take actions to bring about the changes they need. The Civil Rights movement, the Suffragettes and trade unions are all examples of collective action. Disability rights is no different and our goal is to bring about the collective action needed to win the right for full inclusion in society for disabled people.
Help you enforce your existing rights and get access to the support you are entitled to
Disabled people have a right to equal treatment and should, in theory, have access to support to live independently. the reality is that we have to fight for all these things everyday, and our team of union reps are there to help you do that, whether it is fighting for funding for carers, adaptations to your home, problems with your employer, or dreaded benefit assesments; if it is to do with your disability we can help!
Ready to get started?
What our union reps can do for you
Our job as Union Reps is to be your champion and your advocate.
We listen when they won’t.
We stick up for you when nobody else willl.
We fight the battles when you can’t.
What we do
refer for Legal consultation
We can refer members to an appropriate lawyer for a legal consultation on cases relating to your disability rights with no hidden fees or extra costs
Benefits guidance
Struggling to claim the benefits you are entitled to? PIP, Universal Credit, ESA, DLA, or DSA? Need support making an appeal? We're here to help
1:1 union rep
Once you have been a member for at least 30 days, our team of dedicated Union Reps are available every weekday 9-5 to help you work through any and all disability hardships you may be facing
housing support
Being unjustly evicted due to your disability? Need adaptions made to your home? We've got your back, and will help get the right accomodation for you and your family
Social care
Struggling to find, fund or manage the care you need? Our team members have years of experience managing their own care and know the system inside out. We can help
Emotional support
Loneliness kills. That's why we offer emotional support and a listening ear through our caseworkers, all of whom have lived experience of disability
Join Today
Pay monthly – Become the newest member of The Disability Union today!
Become a member today
Find the right membership for you. Whichever plan you fit into, you'll get full access to our support services, ensuring you get our help to live the independent life you deserve.
General
Monthly Membership- For members on a low-income, retired or unemployed
- Free legal consultations on your disability rights
- 1:1 benefits guidance and advice
- Use of our advice-line
- Weekly drop-in support sessions
Working
Monthly Membership- For members in work on a stable income
- Free legal consultations on your disability rights
- 1:1 benefits guidance and advice
- Use of our advice-line
- Weekly drop-in support sessions
Solidarity
Monthly Membership- For members who want to give a bit more
- Free legal consultations on your disability rights
- 1:1 benefits guidance and advice
- Use of our advice-line
- Weekly drop-in support sessions
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is A Trade Union?
A trade union is a group of employees who join together to maintain and improve their conditions of employment.
The typical activities of trade unions include providing assistance and services to their members, collectively bargaining for better pay and conditions for all workers, working to improve the quality of public services, political campaigning and industrial action.
What Is the difference between a trade union and The Disability Union?
The Disability Union represents disabled people and it’s purpose is to secure stronger disability rights, give us better access to public services and fight for our full inclusion in society. Any disabled person can join and we will represent and support you in all your struggles as a disabled person. Whether it’s at work, with the government, your local authorities, a shop or something else entirely, we will be there to help you fight for your rights as a disabled person.
Why do we need The Disability Union?
Disabled people are marginalised because, despite the fact we make up 20% of the population, we are spread out all over the place, often disadvantaged and have no collective way to get our views heard. That is until now. The Disability Union provides that collective voice for disabled people. It allows us to fight to get a seat at the table in all decision made about us so that there is nothing about us without us.
Who is The Disability Union for?
The Disability Union is for all disabled people in the United Kingdom. That’s all nations; England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. If you identify as disabled, then we are here to help.
Do I have to pay to join?
Yes, and we do our best to keep our memberships as affordable as possible. The Disability Union has to be independent so we are funded almost entirely by our members and only take funding for the set up of specific projects, or to help us expand quickly.
If you’re struggling financially, and cannot afford to join, please reach out to us and we will see what we can do. As we expand, we are saving money for a hardship fund that will eventually enable us to help all those who cannot afford a membership. For now, we do our best with what we have and will not leave you stranded.
Are you a charity?
No, we are not a charity. Our legal status is a Community Interest Company (CIC) Limited by guarantee. That means that all the money that goes into The Disability Union is spent on the organisation itself. We legally cannot take profits.
What is activism?
Activism is the act of campaigning for political or social change. The Disability Union exists for a political purpose to improve disability rights and make sure there is nothing about us without us. We consider everything we do from campaigning to helping individual members, to engaging with businesses and government to be a form of activism.
What is Solidarity?
As disabled people, we have an awful lot in common. With many shared struggles and life experiences and it is only by supporting each other that we can make things better. Solidarity means having and showing an awareness of our common interests, goals, conditions and needs. The Disability Union considers one of its main objectives to be the building of solidarity between disabled people.
How can you help me?
We can help you in two ways; firstly, we can address your immediate needs by helping you get access to the services you are entitled to, fight discrimination and build a better life for yourself. Secondly, through our campaigning and political activity, we can increase your rights and fight for a more inclusive society.
Why should I join?
Firstly, joining us means you’ll never be alone in your disability struggles ever again. We will help and support you every step of the way. Secondly, you’ll find a community of like-minded disabled people who can give you support and advice, and over time, become a new group of peers who truly get what it means to be disabled. Thirdly, your membership is directly contributing to the fight for equality and justice for disabled people and any volunteering support you can give us will add rocket fuel to our progress.
What can I do to help?
By simply joining The Disability Union, you are helping the fight for equality and justice, while allowing us to support you and other disabled people in their immediate needs. Very soon, we will be setting up local groups in your community and will be looking for volunteers to help us do this. If you would like to volunteer, please reach out to us at support@disabilityunion.co.uk and we’ll add you to the waiting list.
Do you cover N. Ireland, Wales and Scotland?
Yes. We cover the whole of the UK.
What is the difference between a Trade Union and The disability union?
The Disability Union is inspired by and based on the trade union movement. However we do very different and complimentary things here are some of the ways we differ:
Trade Unions
The disability union
Organise workers
A trade union signs up as many workers from a specific employer or industry as possible
deals with employment and workplace issues
Using the collective power of these workers a trade union aims to resolve issues around the workplace, such as health and safety; and employment issues such as workers rights and pay.
Does not deal with disability issues unless it is linked to the workplace.
deals with employers and governments
A trade union primarily deals with employers and governments to protect and improve people working conditions. For example they will bargain with an employer for better contracts or they may pressure government to improve workers rights, in law, such as weekends.
Organises disabled people
The Disability Union signs up as many disabled people as possible
Deals with disability issues
Using the collective power of these disabled people, The Disability Union aims to resolve issues around disability issues, such as access requirements, social care issues such as getting funding and lots more
Does not deal with workplace issues unless it is linked to disability (Such as discrimination or access requirements)
Deals with anyone who makes decisions about disabled people
As disability issues can arise everywhere we have to deal with a vast number of people and organisations. Often these will include local authorities, businesses and even governments.
Find out more
Call us today 02382 546 695