So, you’ve been asked to share your story again…
June 25, 2026
What happens after you share your experiences with us? Charlotte explains how your stories help shape our research, campaigns and influencing work.
What happens after you share your experiences with us? Charlotte explains how your stories help shape our research, campaigns and influencing work.
Difference North East is looking for a Disabled researcher based in the North East to help uncover and preserve local disability history.
Working across 2026 and 2027, you’ll dig into archives held by local authorities and other institutions, exploring stories of figures like Mary Greaves, disability rights protests in the 1990s, and the history of workhouses and special schools in the region.
The role pays £275 per day for 10 days per year, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Grant.
Applications close midday 1st July 2026. Send a short expression of interest to bex@differencenortheast.org.uk and allison@differencenortheast.org.uk.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
A job advert for a half-time Trainer & Training Development Officer
On the 1st of October we held our third meeting of our new regional forum for disabled people, their organisations and their allies. This time, we talked a lot about barriers to employment.