Short answer

A DDPO (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 Disabled People’s Organisation.

In the UK, this usually means:

  • At least 75% of the board are disabled people
  • Disabled people control the organisation
  • Work is based on lived experience and the Social Model of Disability

Why are DDPOs important?

Disabled people face barriers created by society, not by our bodies or minds. DDPOs exist to change those systems.

“Nothing About Us Without Us” The core principle behind disabled-led organising worldwide

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

How is a DDPO different from a non-DDPO disability charity?

DDPO non-DDPO disability charity
Led 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 Often based on professional or medical models
Work collectively and politically Often focus on individual support

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” for yourself to be welcome. DDPOs recognise that many people:

  • Are newly disabled
  • Are neurodivergent but not diagnosed
  • Have long-term health conditions
  • Experience mental distress
  • Are disabled by society but not by labels

If barriers affect your life, DDPOs are for you.

FAQs

What does DDPO stand for?

Disabled People’s Organisation.

Why does disabled leadership matter?

Because disabled people understand the barriers we face. Lived experience leads to better policy, better services and real change.

Is every disability organisation a DDPO?

No. Only organisations led and controlled by disabled people are DDPOs.

Can non-disabled people work with DDPOs?

Yes, as allies, staff or supporters, but leadership and decision-making stays with disabled people.

Want to get involved with a DDPO?

Difference North East is a disabled-led organisation working across housing, transport, employment, access, culture and community.

Join Difference North East Learn about our work