Difference North East - Changing Perceptions of Disability
Skip to main content

Author: diffneteam

Driving Difference 2024-25

Stylized illustration using a halftone dot pattern effect. The center shows an empty purple chair symbolizing MPs who didn't attend the welfare reform meeting. On the left are stacked yellow coins marked with pound sterling symbols representing proposed benefit cuts. On the right is a teal-colored protest sign reading 'THESE CUTS WILL KILL.' The image conveys the stakes of welfare reform and political absence.

Disabled people across the North East made change happen in 2024-25.
We told our stories. We shared what barriers we face every day. Then we turned those stories into evidence that decision-makers had to listen to.
We wrote a 17-page report about transport problems. We campaigned when the government forgot about us. We trained police and council workers about disability.
When 18 MPs didn’t come to our meeting, we didn’t give up. We organized together. And we won a government meeting that didn’t exist before.
This is what happens when disabled people work together.

From Insight to Impact: Disability History Month 2025 Across the North East

Insight Impact Disability History Month

Disability History Month 2025 Across the North East: Across the month, we delivered a wide programme of activity spanning public events, creative workshops, exhibitions, training and institutional talks. These took place across the North East, including Hartlepool, Newcastle, Billingham and online, and involved disabled people, allies, cultural organisations and public-sector institutions.

Budget 2025 Disability North East: Fix the Systems, Not the Rules – What This Week’s Budget Means for Disabled People

Budget 2025 Disability North East

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.

Breaking the Myths and Finding the Power in Disability History

Finding Power in Disability History. Historic images of disability protest. Overlaid with colourful geometric patterns

Join us for a free talk with Claire Andrews from Difference North East this International Day of Disabled People. Learn about key moments in disability history, from banned sign language to protests that changed the law, and discover how the past shapes our future.
Wednesday 3 December 2025
1pm–3pm (Talk starts 1:15pm)
Billingham Library, TS23 2LN
Free – booking needed
Access: BSL, hearing loop, accessible toilets and parking.
Everyone welcome.
Book your free place and find the power in disability history.

The Support That Makes Our Work Possible

Support Makes Work Possible: Collage-style graphic featuring the logos of organisations that support Difference North East. Visible logos include: ONE IT Services & Solutions, Disability Action Research Kollective, Newcastle Libraries, Northumberland Estates, Northern Stage, and Alphabetti Theatre. The background is dark with layered textures and circular date markers.

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

Zine Workshop – Disability History Month: Make Noise Without Social Media (Ages 12–15)

Zine Workshop, Disability History Month. Two contrasting scenes of disability activism blended together with a purple and blue halftone pattern. On the left, a group of protesters hold banners reading “Benefits Cuts Kill” and “DPAC.” On the right, a person stands by a roadside holding a flag that reads “Welfare Not Warfare

Come and make your own mini magazine (called a zine) with artist Miki Rogers.
You can draw, write, or cut and stick pictures to show your ideas and feelings.
It’s a fun and friendly space for young people aged 12–15.
You do not need to be good at art or writing — just be yourself.
All materials are provided. Parents or carers can come too.
When: Saturday 22 November 2025, 11:45am–1:15pm
Where: Newcastle City Library, Level 3
Book free place: Eventbrite link/ form here

Share Disability Stories: Donate a Book This Disability History Month

Donate Books This Disability History Month: Split-screen duotone image separated by bold white zigzag border: left side shows a young wheelchair user with glasses reading a book in vibrant magenta; right side shows a wheelchair user reaching for colorful children's books on shelves in yellow-green tones, creating a halftone print effect

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!

30 Years On: Reflecting on the Disability Discrimination Act and Launching Disability History Month 2025

Disability Discrimination Act Disability History Month: Black and white photographs with magenta overlay showing disability rights protesters marching with 'THESE CUTS KILL' banner, illustrating activism during Disability History Month and context for Disability Discrimination Act

This November marks 30 years since the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) became law. The DDA made it illegal to treat disabled people unfairly at work, school, in shops, and in public services. But full inclusion is still not here. Disability History Month 2025 explores this history under the theme “Disability, Life and Death”. It looks at how society values disabled lives, past harms, and how activism and community work continue to create change. Join events across the North East to celebrate achievements, share stories, and plan for a fairer future.