What is a DDPO?
A clear, accessible guide to Deaf and Disabled People's Organisations
Short answer
A DDPO (Deaf and Disabled People's Organisation) is an organisation that is led, run and controlled by disabled people. Its purpose is to protect disabled people's rights, influence policy, and create change based on lived experience — not charity, pity or medical models.
In one sentence: A DDPO is where disabled people lead work about disabled people.
Easy Read: What is a DDPO?
- A DDPO is an organisation run by disabled people.
- Disabled people make the decisions.
- It works for rights, equality and access.
- It is not a charity model. It is a rights model.
What does DDPO stand for?
DDPO stands for Deaf and Disabled People's Organisation. You will also see the term DPO (Disabled People's Organisation) used across the sector — these terms are closely related.
The inclusion of "Deaf" matters. Deaf people, particularly those who use British Sign Language (BSL) as their first language, often identify as a distinct linguistic and cultural community. DDPO explicitly recognises this.
What makes an organisation a DDPO?
- At least 75% of the board or governing body are Deaf or disabled people
- Disabled people have real control over the organisation's direction and decisions
- Work is grounded in the Social Model of Disability and lived experience
- The organisation works for disabled people, not on behalf of them
Why are DDPOs important?
Disabled people face barriers created by society, not by our bodies or minds. DDPOs exist to change those systems.
DDPOs:
- Campaign for disability rights and justice
- Influence public policy and services
- Challenge discrimination and exclusion
- Support disabled people to organise collectively
- Create safer spaces led by lived experience
- Hold governments accountable to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD)
The UNCRPD — which the UK has ratified — requires governments to actively involve organisations of disabled people (not just organisations for disabled people) in all decisions that affect disabled lives. DDPOs are how that principle is put into practice.
DPO vs DDPO: what is the difference?
Both terms refer to the same concept. DPO (Disabled People's Organisation) is the broader, older term. DDPO (Deaf and Disabled People's Organisation) is increasingly preferred because it explicitly names Deaf people as part of the community.
The important thing is not the label, but who leads and controls the organisation.
How is a DDPO different from a disability charity?
| DDPO | Non-DDPO disability charity |
|---|---|
| Led and governed by disabled people | Often led by non-disabled people |
| Focus on rights and systems change | Often focus on care or service delivery |
| Based on lived experience and the Social Model | Often based on professional or medical models |
| Works collectively and politically | Often focuses on individual support |
| Accountable to disabled people | Accountable to funders, trustees or donors |
This distinction matters for policy. When governments and commissioners seek input on disability issues, they should be consulting DDPOs — not only charities for disabled people. The disability rights movement has long argued that the difference between these two models shapes whether outcomes actually reflect disabled people's needs.
DDPOs in the North East
The North East has the highest proportion of disabled people of any English region — 21% of residents are disabled. Despite this, disabled people in the region face significant barriers in housing, transport, employment and healthcare.
Difference North East was founded because the region needed a strong, independent, disabled-led voice. The Disability Price Tag 2024 shows that disabled households need on average £1,095 extra per month to reach the same living standard as non-disabled households — a direct result of a society not built to include everyone. Tackling that gap requires disabled-led organisations at the heart of decision-making.
Is Difference North East a DDPO?
Yes. Difference North East is a disabled-led organisation run by and for disabled people across the North East. We:
- Campaign for disability rights and justice
- Create spaces for disabled people to organise
- Influence policy and public debate
- Centre disabled leadership in everything we do
Do I have to identify as disabled to work with a DDPO?
No. You do not have to use the word "disabled" about yourself to be welcome. DDPOs recognise that many people are newly disabled, neurodivergent but not yet diagnosed, living with long-term health conditions, experiencing mental distress, or disabled by society but not comfortable with labels. If barriers affect your life, DDPOs are for you.
FAQs
What does DDPO stand for?
DDPO stands for Deaf and Disabled People's Organisation — sometimes also written as DPO (Disabled People's Organisation). Both refer to organisations led and controlled by disabled people.
Why does disabled leadership matter?
Because disabled people understand the barriers we face. Lived experience leads to better policy, better services and real change. The UNCRPD also legally requires governments to involve organisations of disabled people in decisions that affect them.
Is every disability organisation a DDPO?
No. Only organisations led and controlled by disabled people are DDPOs. Many charities work in the disability sector but are governed by non-disabled people — these are not DDPOs.
Can non-disabled people work with DDPOs?
Yes — as allies, staff or supporters. But leadership and decision-making stays with disabled people.
What is the UNCRPD and why is it relevant to DDPOs?
The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) is an international treaty the UK has ratified. It requires governments to involve disabled people's own organisations — DDPOs — in decisions that affect disabled lives. DDPOs are not just useful; they are required under international law.
Want to get involved with a DDPO?
Difference North East is a disabled-led organisation working across housing, transport, employment, access, culture and community in the North East of England.