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Disabled voices shut out: why we left the government’s disability network

why we left the government's disability network and need a disability-led advocacy network. A collage of photos showing disabled people in Difference North east meetings, discussions, and protests. One protester holds a sign reading “THESE CUTS WILL KILL.”

Article Summary

Disabled people were asked to give advice to the government. But they didn’t listen to us. We were part of something called the Regional Stakeholder Network. It was meant to include our voices. Instead, we were ignored. No answers. No respect. That’s why we left. Now, we’re starting something new. A space for disabled people, run by disabled people. We will set the agenda. We will invite others in, on our terms. We are not tokens. We are builders. Read why we walked away, and how you can support what comes next.

WE’RE NOT TOKENS: IT’S TIME TO BUILD OUR OWN TABLE

SEAT ROUND THE TABLE? THE BREAKING POINT.

Today, Difference North East resigned from the government’s North East Regional Stakeholder Network (NE-RSN). We are not alone. Robert Punto (West Midlands RSN) resigned, stating he’d “never known any government with such little regard for disabled people.”

The NE-RSN promised to “champion our rights.” Instead:

✖️ Zero replies to our evidence
✖️ Zero consultation on welfare reforms
✖️ Zero in-person consultations in the North East

We were tokens. Decoration. Ignored.

WHY “BUILD OUR OWN TABLE”?

The government designed the RSN for non-disabled agendas. It is:

❌ Inaccessible
❌ Unprofessional

We refuse to beg for scraps.

🔨

Made BY US

Only d/Deaf, Disabled, Neurodivergent people & DDPOs

🔨

Owned BY US

Agendas set by members. Rotating leadership!

🔨

Power TO US

We invite the government to our table: on our terms

URGENT CALL: JOIN THE BUILD

TO CURRENT RSN MEMBERS:

We offer an open invitation to current NE RSN members to consider your positions and join us in designing a better network, by us and for us!

TO OUR COMMUNITY:

FOUNDING MEMBER SEATS ARE LIMITED

Deadline: June 20, 2025

🗓️

When

June 26, 2025
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM

📍

Where

Zoom Online Meeting

✅

Register Now

Use our direct registration link


https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/xQXwMQCkR9qTE-YZExplhw

Be a FOUNDER. Not a guest.

  • Set the name: “Our Voice, Our Agenda” (proposed)
  • Set the rules
  • Demand the government LISTENS

FOUNDING MEMBER SLOTS CLOSING JUNE 20

CLAIM YOUR FOUNDING SEAT

THIS ISN’T PROTEST. IT’S POWER.

We won’t shout into their void.
We are building where they failed.
Bring your rage. Bring your solutions.
Take your seat at the table.

RESIGN. REGISTER. RESHAPE.

Read our resignation letter here!

Accessibility

BSL & Live captions. Email hello@differencenortheast.org.uk with additional accessibility needs. We adapt to YOU.

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