Why Isn’t Access Prioritised?
Why Isn’t Access Prioritised? This is a blog from the Director of Difference about why disabled people fight over scarce resources like accessible toilets and parking bays.
What Does Good Care Looks Like?
What Does Good Care Looks Like? is a disabled-led research project from Difference North East exploring what good care means from the perspective of disabled people themselves.
Who Turned Off the Lights? Disabled People & Power Outages
North east disabled climate action group talk about power outages with Durham university.
Access to Work Parliamentary Inquiry
Access to Work and our report to Parliament
Access to Work is a government scheme. It helps Disabled people stay in work. It can pay for things like equipment, taxis, or a support worker. Parliament is looking at whether Access to Work is working properly. We sent them a report. Our report was based on what Disabled people across the North East told us. Many people had problems. The biggest problems were long waits, poor communication, and support being changed or cut without warning. Some people had good experiences. When Access to Work works well, it really helps people stay in work and do their jobs. We told Parliament five things that need to change so the scheme works better for everyone.
Difference North East at the Cleveland Police Hate Crime Strategy Launch
The Cleveland Police Hate Crime Strategy Launch. Difference North East went to a big meeting about hate crime in Cleveland. A hate crime is when someone hurts you or is mean to you because of who you are. This could be because you are Disabled, Black, or LGBTQIA+ or something else. We told Cleveland Police what they need to do to help Disabled people. We said Disabled people need the same legal protection as everyone else. Cleveland Police made an easy read document. This is good.
If you have experienced a hate crime in Cleveland you can report it to Cleveland Police.
Access to the Everyday Report 2026: What Disabled People in the North East Are Telling Us
Disabled people in the North East told us everyday life is still too hard.
77 people shared their experiences.
Many said: Transport is unreliable or inaccessible! There are not enough accessible toilets! Services are confusing and stressful! Workplaces and buildings exclude them! They are treated without respect!
People want to be listened to and involved in decisions that affect their lives.
Access should not be optional. Everyone deserves to get around, use services, work, and be treated with dignity.
Read the full report to learn more and get involved.
Help Shape Disability History Month in the North East! We’re Recruiting!
Disability History Month is coming back to the North East: and we’re looking for a disabled person to help make it happen.
This paid freelance role supports events, venues, artists, and communities to make sure Disability History Month is accessible, welcoming, and led by disabled people. You’ll work flexibly, mostly from home, with support and reasonable adjustments built in.
The role pays £275 per day and is open to disabled applicants living in the North East. Applications close 13 February.
👉 Read the full job description and apply now.
Building Momentum for Fair Travel: MP & Mayor Support and Voices from Our Community
We are making progress in our campaign for fair and accessible travel. After we asked for change, Mary Kelly Foy MP confirmed she supports all of our actions. She will follow this up, and we will share updates soon. The North East Mayor, Kim McGuinness, has also responded positively and is looking at our proposal.
This campaign is about disabled people’s real lives. Many people cannot travel when they need to. One member, Delta, shared how limited bus times and high taxi costs leave her feeling trapped. Fair travel would help disabled people live more independent lives.
We Want to Hear Your Access to Work Story
Has Access to Work helped you or let you down? Your experience matters and can help make real change in the North East. Deadline: 23rd Feb
Real Stories, Real Change. Help Shape Better Employment Support in the North East
We want to hear from disabled people in the North East who are not in paid work. Share your experiences and help shape better employment support. You will be paid for your time.
We’re also looking for three employers who want to show what inclusive work looks like.
Take part in interviews, discussion groups, creative photography, or filmed stories.
Sign up today using our online form or email us. Every voice matters, and together we can make work fairer and more accessible for everyone.