Difference North East
Disabled People's Organisation for the North East | All Our Links: Links to all our blogs, social media, and way to take action!
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Fix the Systems, Not the Rules
This week’s Budget affects disabled people across the North East. Some changes, like ending the two-child limit, could help families and lift children out of poverty. But many measures focus on more checks and assessments, not on fixing the barriers that make life hard. Disabled people need income security, accessible systems, and a say in decisions that impact them. Tougher rules do not make life better, fairer, well-funded systems do. Change happens when disabled people and allies speak up together. If you agree, join Difference North East and help push for real change.

The Support That Makes Our Work Possible
Difference North East is a community of disabled people. We are able to run events and create safe, accessible spaces because many people and organisations support us.
DARK shared their zines with us, helping us bring more disabled voices into our work. Local businesses like Drake the Bookshop make it easy for people to donate books. Venues such as libraries, theatres, and galleries let us use their spaces for free. Other organisations fund access, including BSL interpreters, so everyone can join in.
This support helps disabled people come together, share experiences, and take part. Join us for free

Claiming the Normal: Everyday Lives Through the Lens of Kev Howard
Claiming the Normal: Everyday Lives Through the Lens of Kev Howard. The exhibition of portraits of Disabled people opened today in Newcastle Central Library- more details here!

Share Disability Stories: Donate a Book This Disability History Month
This November and December, you can help more people learn about disability by donating a book.
We’re working with Drake The Bookshop in Stockton-on-Tees to share stories that show disabled lives with pride and honesty.
You can pick a book from our special list — from children’s stories like What Happened to You? to powerful memoirs like Being Heumann.
Buy it online, choose “Collect from shop,” and we’ll make sure it reaches a local school or community group.
Small actions make a big difference. Let’s share our stories!