Helen plans her routes through Darlington carefully, avoiding broken pavements and inaccessible shops. (Image: Difference North East member at community event)

"It takes a lot of energy out of you being out," Helen told us as she described planning routes through Darlington, carefully avoiding broken pavements, shops with steps, and toilets used as storage cupboards. Most days, she says, the environment feels like it's working against her.

Helen is one of 77 disabled people who shared their experiences with us for our new report, Access to the Everyday. What they told us was clear: everyday life in the North East is still too inaccessible in too many ways.

This isn't about individual stories of bad luck. It's about patterns, barriers, and systems that stop disabled people from participating fully in their own communities.

Getting from A to B Shouldn't Be This Hard

After 7pm, wheelchair users in Hartlepool face severely limited transport options. (Image: Evening bus stop in Hartlepool)

For Lee in Hartlepool, transport isn't just about buses. It's about whether he gets to have a life.

The buses stop after seven. Wheelchair taxis often don't turn up or refuse bookings altogether. The new flexible minibus service doesn't reach his estate.

"It's like we don't exist," he says.

Physical access problems came in top, but it wasn't only about ramps and lifts. Service reliability, lack of staffing, and attitudes all played a part.

Grace in Stockton-on-Tees can't use her disabled bus pass before 9:30am.

"They assume disabled people don't have jobs or kids to get to school."

The Toilet Problem

Yet two-thirds of you also told us you'd been unable to go out because there was no accessible toilet available.

Craig in Middlesbrough put it simply: "I've had to cancel trips because there was no toilet I could use. It makes you feel trapped."

What's Working

There are places getting it right. ARC Stockton, Little Cog Theatre Company, and The National Glass Centre were named as examples where access actually works, often because disabled people were involved from the start and staff understand what's needed.

But these remain exceptions. Across the region, 44% of you noticed new buildings going up that still aren't accessible, a reminder that access is still being treated as optional rather than essential.

Respect Is Not Optional

Disabled people across the North East shared experiences of discrimination and disrespect. (Image: Community listening session, 2025)

Rachel was told she couldn't be a responsible adult for her own daughter's medical procedure because she uses a wheelchair.

Laura was refused entry to a pub because of her speech impediment.

Paul gave his time and expertise to advise his local council on accessibility, only to watch them do the opposite.

"It's like consultation theatre," he said.

These are patterns that shape whether you feel safe going out, whether you can work, whether you're listened to when decisions are made about you or your community.

"Living with a disability or long-term health condition in the North East often means feeling invisible to the very systems meant to support us." — Nicky, 51, Middlesbrough

What Would Make a Difference

Half of you said training, awareness, and culture change would make the biggest difference. Proper Disability Equality Training rooted in the Social Model of Disability and led by disabled people, rather than token gestures that are too often seen at the moment.

Another 29% said what matters most is being listened to and believed.

Barriers at Work

Physical access is just one of many employment barriers disabled people face. (Image: Inaccessible office building in the North East)

For those of you in work or seeking it, 65% faced barriers in the last year.

Attitudes and discrimination came top, followed by inaccessible events and physical access problems.

Joan in Northumberland can't attend many work events because they're held in inaccessible venues.

"I have a right to be there," she said.

Information Shouldn't Be a Battle

Amina keeps detailed records of every interaction with services, because she's learned she'll need them. (Image: Difference North East member, not Amina)

Amina in Stockton-on-Tees has learned to keep a notebook of names, dates, and reference numbers from her interactions with health and social care services, because experience has taught her she'll need them.

She'll have filled the same form three times, then every time she rings, she gets a different department or has to start her story again.

"I shouldn't have to be my own case manager," she told us.

The NHS and social care were hardest to navigate, followed by mental health services and benefits.

Dealing with these services left most of you stressed (68%) and exhausted (59%). Almost half said you felt like giving up.

Not a single person said services left them feeling supported or more in control.

"Services meant to support us shouldn't be torturing us." — Zain, 32, Redcar

Disabled people were clear about what would help: one person who listens, who knows your name, who doesn't need you to start from the beginning every time.

What Needs to Change

When we asked what you want decision makers to hear, the messages were direct.

The broader message was about involvement.

As Patricia from Darlington put it: "A lot of decisions are made about us without us being asked anything. They don't include disabled people at all."

The changes you're asking for aren't radical. They're about the basics that make everyday life possible:

• Reliable transport
• Toilets you can use
• Information you can understand
• Workplaces that include you
• Being treated with dignity and respect

Join Us

The barriers are real, but so is the community working to remove them. (Image: Difference North East members at regional gathering)

This report belongs to your community, to our community. The 77 disabled people who took part shared their experiences because they know change is possible when we come together.

Difference North East is your organisation, led by and for disabled people across the region. Our work is shaped by what you tell us matters.

If what you've read here connects with your experience, we want to hear from you.

Read the Full Report

The Access to the Everyday Report 2026 includes detailed findings, regional breakdowns, and recommendations for policymakers, service providers, and employers.

Report Highlights:

• Experiences from 77 disabled people across Newcastle, Durham, Sunderland, Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Stockton-on-Tees, Darlington, Northumberland, and Gateshead
• Statistical analysis of barriers in transport, employment, public services, and built environment
• Case studies from disabled people in each area of the North East
• Recommendations for local councils, NHS trusts, employers, and transport providers
• Examples of best practice from organisations getting accessibility right