Accessible venues in London

as researched and explored by Sisters of Frida

 

This report was written as a guidance for accessible venues in London as researched and explored by Sisters of Frida and funded by the GLA.

 

 

What makes a venue accessible?

 

4 key considerations

 

01) Getting there
(Infographic description: Image of a black woman wearing a headscarf. She is sitting on the floor, there is a white cane next to her and she is holding a cup.) Are there good links to buses, trains, and tubes? Are the closest stations accessible? Are there accessible (Blue Badge) parking spaces nearby?

 

02) The physical space
(Infographic description: Image of woman of colour wearing trousers on a manual
wheelchair) Does the venue have a Changing Places toilet? Is there good ventilation for the COVID-vulnerable? Natural light? Appropriate noise levels?

 

03) Support persons
(Infographic description: Image of two women facing each other. They are signing.)
Will BSL interpreters be present? Have you factored in the need for PAs? Have you ensured that the venue will NOT refuse assistance animals like guide dogs (which is common though illegal)?

 

04) Intersectionality
(Infographic description: Image of three people. There is a black woman in the centre. She is being embraced by the other two women of colour.) Disabled persons have a lot more to their identity than just their disability. Are you catering for all participants’ dietary requirements? Varying socioeconomic backgrounds? Are you making culturally competent decisions?

 

N.B Always include disabled participants in the conversation. Don’t be afraid to ask
what someone needs!

 

 

Search for accessible venues in London

 

As part of the Socials for Disabled Women project, our goal was to identify accessible venues in London that meet certain accessibility criteria and budget requirements (see infographic above).

 

The search was conducted in 2024–25 with support from GLA funding. This list is by no means exhaustive, but we aim to continue adding more accessible venues to the Sisters of Frida website. The process took longer than anticipated, and we have tried to be as accurate as possible, but not all venues have been personally accessed. Venues that presented potential accessibility challenges were not included. We have also added some community spaces for minority groups.

 

Currently, there is no single comprehensive guide for accessible venues in London, making this search a significant task. We began with online research but relied heavily on local knowledge, including contributions from participants. For example, locating Changing Places toilets proved challenging- they are not always listed online but are vital for those who need them.

 

The Meetings and Events Accessibility Guide may also be a useful resource.

 

To ensure events are accessible for immunocompromised attendees and safe for everyone, we recommend:

 

● Providing masks and requiring them when attendees are not eating or
drinking.

 

● Offering a choice between FFP2 masks and lip-reading masks in the main
event space.

 

● Providing food in a separate space if attendees remove masks to eat.

 

● Ensuring outdoor spaces are available and accessible when possible.

 

● Honouring mask exemptions.

 

● Providing a medical-grade HEPA air purifier onsite, which can be borrowed if
needed.

 

Venue costs can be a significant limitation. Some of the most accessible venues are not affordable for small grassroots collectives like Sisters of Frida.

 

 

The List

 

South London

 

Woolwich Works- The Fireworks Factory, 11 No 1 St, Royal Arsenal, London SE18
6HD. 020 8035 8835. hello@woolwich.works

Woolwich Works is a multi-disciplinary cultural hub located on the historic Royal Arsenal in Woolwich, offering a wide range of artistic programming and community venue hire rates for local groups and organisations.

 

01) Getting there.
Woolwich Works is well connected via public transport. Woolwich Station on the Elizabeth Line provides step-free access, and the DLR also serves the area with step-free entry. Multiple buses stop near The Arsenal, including routes 129, 177, 180, 472, and 486. Pavements in the immediate area are mostly level. For those arriving by car, Blue Badge parking is available nearby, though spaces may be limited.

 

02) The Physical space
The venue is fully accessible, with level access throughout the building and lifts to all floors. It features two accessible toilets and a Changing Places facility. Entrances, doorways, and corridors are wide enough for wheelchair and powerchair users. Hearing loops are available in performance and meeting spaces, and BSL support can be arranged. Staff can facilitate sensory-friendly visits for visitors who benefit from quieter or low-stimulation environments. Accessible seating and viewing areas are provided in performance spaces.

 

 

Woolwich front room- 105 Powis St, London SE18 6JB. 020 4524 2685.
woolwichfrontroom@gcda.org.uk

Woolwich Front room is a community space and cafe with multiple rooms to hire.

 

01) Getting there.
Woolwich Arsenal station, which has step-free access via National Rail and the DLR and is about a 3–5 minute level walk via General Gordon Square and Wellington Street to Powis Street; Woolwich Elizabeth line station is also step-free and around a 5-minute walk away. Numerous London bus routes stop nearby at Woolwich Arsenal or General Gordon Square, including 51, 53, 54, 96, 99, 122, 161, 177, 178, 180, 244, 291, 380, 386, 422, 469 and 472. A taxi rank is available at Woolwich Arsenal station for closer drop-off if needed.

 

02) The Physical Space.
A ground-floor community space and café with step-free access from the street. An accessible toilet on site but no Changing Places Toilet, the nearest is at Woolwich Works, a 10 minute walk. The main public areas, including The Lounge and The Workshop, are fully accessible and commonly used for meetings, activities, and events, while upstairs rooms such as The Study and Attic are not wheelchair accessible as they can only be reached by stairs and there is no lift.

 

 

Greenwich GMV Community Centre- Block 203, 2 Oswald Gardens, London SE10
0SH. 020 8075 5242. Info@gmvcommunitycentre.org.uk

This centre is managed by London Development Trust, and offers four versatile spaces suitable for a variety of community activities.

 

01) Getting there.
The nearest Tube is North Greenwich on the Jubilee Line. The centre is also accessible by cable car, bus, or river boat. Transport links can get busy, particularly during events at the nearby O2 Arena. Blue Badge parking is available next to the O2 or at the large car park serving IKEA, B&Q, Burger King, and Nando’s, with free parking for up to 5 hours just across the road. The nearest bus stop is Millennium Village South, two stops from North Greenwich station, served by most buses from the station. The centre sits at the corner of Oswald Street and Rennie Street, with a children’s playground outside. Next to a concierge area. There is no on-site parking, and short-stay parking on Rennie Street requires a permit via the concierge.

 

02) The Physical space
The centre has level access, with an entrance and lift next to the Peartree Way concierge. Rooms are well-lit, spacious, and airy, and an accessible kitchen is available for hire. For BSL interpreters, note that some rooms may be slightly echoey. A single lift to the facilities. There is an accessible loo but no Changing Places Toilet, see here for details.

 

 

Deptford Lounge- 9 Giffin St, London SE8 4RJ. 020 8314 7299. deptfordloungedm@thealbany.org.uk

Deptford Lounge is a purpose-built community hub offering a wide range of services and facilities for local residents. The venue is managed in partnership with The Albany, South East London’s leading arts centre, and Lewisham Council, which helps develop its community programmes.

 

01) Getting there.
The closest car park is Frankham Street, with seven accessible bays, 85m from the entrance. Additional parking is available at Deptford Market, Deptford High Street, and Wavelengths. Taxi drop-offs can be made on Giffin Street, directly next to the Lounge. The nearest stations are Deptford (150m, step-free rail) and New Cross (650m, rail and Overground). Multiple bus routes and a nearby DLR link also serve the area.

 

02) The Physical space
The building has level access, accessible toilets (including a Changing Places facility), and shower facilities. The Library and Café are on the ground floor, along with two meeting rooms. Lifts provide access to the first and second floors, serving the meeting rooms, main hall, studios, music rooms, food science room, terrace room, and ball court. Induction loops are available in all meeting rooms (hearing aids should be set to the ‘T’ position). In an emergency, a continuous alarm sounds and red ceiling lights flash. Refuge areas with an Emergency Voice Communication System and Evacuation Chairs are provided on all floors.

 

 

Woolwich Centre Library- 35 Wellington St, London SE18 6HQ. 020 3872 0099. greenwich.libraries@gll.org

Woolwich Centre Library is part of the Royal Borough of Greenwich administration centre. Staff are helpful, and we have not been charged for using the venue.

 

01) Getting there.
The nearest stations are Woolwich Arsenal (rail and DLR, step-free), with multiple buses stopping within 150 m. Blue Badge and on-street accessible parking is available nearby, and some visitors use the Tesco supermarket parking adjacent to the library. Step-free access is available via the Love Lane entrance (automatic doors and small thresholds) or the lift from the main Woolwich Centre building.

 

02) The Physical space
The library has a few small meeting rooms but can support events in collaboration. It has level, step-free access throughout, including reception, reading areas, and computer stations. Accessible computers, large-print and audio book formats, and baby-changing facilities are provided. A Changing Places toilet is available upstairs at the Woolwich Centre, and additional accessible toilets can be accessed with a Radar key. While there is no dedicated hearing loop, staff can assist with accessibility needs, and documents can be supplied in large-print or Braille.

 

 

North London

 

The Greenwood Centre- 37 Greenwood Pl, London NW5 1LB. 020 7974 6051.
greenwoodplace@camden.gov.uk

The Greenwood Centre is a purpose‑built, fully accessible community support and independent living hub in Camden. It opened in 2019 and houses Camden’s first Centre for Independent Living, which is run by and for disabled people and local voluntary organisations led by Camden Disability Action.

 

01) Getting there
Gospel Oak Overground Station is a 15-minute walk with step-free access. There are no nearby accessible Underground stations. Buses include 214 and 88, which stop directly at “Greenwood Centre” with onboard announcements in both directions. Route 134 stops at “Kentish Town Station” toward Archway and at “Fortess Walk” toward Camden Town. Blue Badge parking is available with three public spaces outside the centre on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

02) Physical Space
The centre offers step-free access throughout, lifts to all floors, several accessible toilets, and hearing loop facilities. Meeting rooms and flexible spaces accommodate small and large events, including a conference room and café, all designed inclusively. The centre also features a large Changing Places toilet, and ground-floor day services for people with learning disabilities and mental health needs.

 

 

The Museum of Homelessness- Seven Sisters Road, London, N4 2DE.
mail@museumofhomelessness.org

The Museum of Homelessness is a social history museum created with and by people with lived experience of homelessness. It preserves personal stories, runs exhibitions, community activities, and campaigns to challenge stereotypes and influence policy around homelessness.

 

01) Getting there
The most accessible route to the Museum of Homelessness at Manor House Lodge is via Finsbury Park Tube station, which has step-free access, or by taking a bus to Manor House Station (Stop D), serviced by routes 253, 254, 259, N253, and N279. From either point, you enter Finsbury Park through the Manor House Gate, and the museum is located just inside, with level access suitable for wheelchairs and powerchairs. If arriving by car, the Endymion Road entrance is recommended for drop-off.

 

02) Physical Space
The Museum of Homelessness has both indoor and outdoor spaces suitable for wheelchair and powerchair users, level access on the ground floor, and an accessible toilet. The museum also provides a quiet room for visitors who may need a calm space. For sensory and communication accessibility, they offer creative captioning, audio interpretation for key art pieces on request, and BSL support if arranged in advance. All rooms are equipped with HEPA-grade air filters, and the museum takes a trauma-aware approach, with staff and events designed to support visitors’ wellbeing. As it’s located in the corner of Finsbury park, it’s good for warmer weather.

 

 

The Wellcome Collection- 183 Euston Rd., London NW1 2BE. 020 7611 2222.
venuehire@wellcomecollection.org

The Wellcome Collection in London is a free museum and library exploring health, medicine, and the human experience. It combines historical and contemporary exhibitions with rare medical objects, artworks, and manuscripts. The venue also offers a library, café, bookshop, and public events to inspire curiosity about science and society.

 

01) Getting there.
The nearest fully step-free train and Tube station is St Pancras International, from which there is a short, level walk along Euston Road. Euston Square also offers partial step-free access, while other nearby stations may have limited accessibility. Several bus routes stop close to the entrance, including the 18, 30, 73, 205, and 390. London black cabs can drop visitors directly outside the building, and limited Blue Badge parking is available.

 

02) The Physical space
The Wellcome Collection has step-free access throughout, with ramps and lifts providing access to all public floors, including galleries, the library, café, and shop. However, to get from street level to level 0, there is a platform lift. There’s a Changing Places toilet on level ‘0’ in addition to accessible toilets on every floor of the building. Seating is placed regularly across gallery spaces to allow visitors to rest. They welcome assistance dogs and offer wheelchairs for visitor use. There are quiet spaces, sensory maps, and clear visual signage to support easier navigation around the building. Information is provided in alternative formats, and exhibitions often include large-print text, subtitles on audiovisual content, and tactile or interactive elements. The Burroughs Room does not have natural light (no windows). It can be expensive to hire.

 

 

Kabannas London St Pancras (previously YHA)- 79-81 Euston Rd., London NW1 2QE. 020 7388 9998

Kabannas London St Pancras is a hotel located close to Kings Cross and St Pancras Stations. Kabannas has two meeting rooms. It also has hostel facilities. For central London, the hire price is reasonable. They are currently closed for a full refurbishment.

 

01) Getting there
Kabannas London St Pancras (formerly YHA) is easily reachable via step-free access from King’s Cross St Pancras station. From there, it’s a short, level walk along Euston Road (about 5–7 minutes). Several buses stop nearby, including routes 10, 17, 30, 45, 46, 73, 205, and 214, with ramps available on request. Accessible taxis and black cabs can also drop off directly outside the hostel.

 

02) The Physical space
The meeting rooms are located upstairs. There are two lifts (not big) and doors are not easy to manage alone. The accessible toilet is next to the stair ramp on the way up. Two meeting rooms, one is bigger than the other – there is natural light. The closest Changing Places toilet is located at Kings Cross.

 

 

Friend’s House- 173-177 Euston Rd., London NW1 2BJ. 020 7663 1000. events@quaker.org.uk

Friends House, serves as the central offices of Quakers in Britain, worship, meetings, and community activities. Built in the 1920s, it also functions as a conference and event centre with over 30 meeting rooms and flexible spaces for gatherings ranging from small meetings to large conferences of up to around 1,000 delegates, as well as a café and bookshop.

 

01) Getting there.
Friends House on Euston Road is directly opposite Euston Station, making it easily reachable via step-free access from the main rail concourse. For Tube travel, use King’s Cross St Pancras or Euston Square and continue via bus (e.g., 18, 30, 73, 205, 390). Blue Badge parking is available nearby on Endsleigh Gardens.

 

02) The Physical space
The venue features a step-free main entrance from the garden side, with lifts providing access to most upper floors and meeting rooms. Accessible toilets are available on multiple levels, hearing loops are installed in key spaces such as The Light auditorium, and assistance dogs are welcome. Most meeting rooms are step-free once inside and can be arranged flexibly to accommodate wheelchair users, though some lower-ground floor rooms are not fully accessible. The 35 meeting rooms and event spaces can host gatherings from 10 to 1,000 delegates, with complimentary WiFi and a wide range of audio-visual equipment available for hire. There is also an accessible open courtyard, which provides a pleasant outdoor space when the weather is good. Nearest Changing Places toilets are at the Wellcome Collection (2-minute walk) and Euston Station (3-minute walk).

 

 

Calthorpe Community Centre- 258-274 Grays Inn Rd, London WC1X 8LH. 020
7837 8019. info@calthorpecommunitygarden.org.uk

 

Calthorpe Community Centre in King’s Cross is a community hub and garden offering local residents opportunities to grow food, join activities, volunteer, and take part in workshops, supporting wellbeing, social connections, and inclusion for all ages.

01) Getting there.
The centre is about a 10–12 minute walk from King’s Cross Station, which has step-free access from the street to many platforms. Wheelchair users can also take buses 46 or 17 from King’s Cross, which stop nearby. Blue Badge parking is limited in the area, so public transport is recommended. The path to the centre is step-free but not entirely smooth, with wheelchair access through the garden entrance. Taxis may not always know the exact location of the entrance, so it can help to provide directions in advance.

 

02) The Physical space
The centre has several rooms available from £35/hr, with discounts for charities, universities, and not-for-profit organisations. The entire site can also be hired for larger events. There is a cabin available for summer use, though activities from other groups on-site may sometimes be noisy or disruptive. The garden and centre aim to be welcoming and inclusive, with wheelchair access throughout. Meeting rooms are accessed via the garden along a step-free path, though the paving is not completely smooth. There is an accessible toilet on-site, but no Changing Places facility; the nearest are at King’s Cross Station or Great Ormond Street Hospital (8-minute walk).

 

St Luke’s Community Centre- 90 Central St, London EC1V 8AJ. 020 7549 8181.
info@slpt.org.uk

St Luke’s Community Centre is a local community hub in Islington. It offers large and small rooms suitable for a variety of events. The centre also features an online hub with free WiFi and resources for all ages. Their fully equipped, accessible Cookery School can be hired, with all income supporting classes that teach the local community healthy, budget-friendly cooking and how to reduce food waste.

 

01) Getting there.
The nearest Tube is Old Street Station, which does not have full step-free access. Buses stopping nearby include routes 21, 43, 55, 215, and 243, all of which are low-floor and wheelchair accessible. For drivers, blue badge parking may be available on nearby streets, but public transport is generally easier. Once at the centre, level access and lifts are available to the main spaces and rooms.

 

02) The Physical Space.
The centre has a step-free entrance, automatic doors, level access to main areas, and accessible toilets (though turning space is somewhat limited). The reception has a lowered counter, and a hearing loop is available. Lifts provide access to the main spaces, but there is no on-site Blue Badge parking or Changing Places facility. Outdoor areas include an Edible Yard and a sunny terrace, while the Garden Room offers a private street entrance and a secluded terrace garden. See their rooms for hire here.

 

 

East London

 

Graeae Theatre Company- Bradbury Studios, 138 Kingsland Rd, London E2 8DY. 020 7613 6900. info@graeae.org

Graeae Theatre Company produces accessible theatre, reaching audiences who may have limited access to the arts, while training disabled artists.

 

01) Getting there
The closest station is Hoxton Overground (step-free), while Old Street Tube is nearby but not step-free. Buses stopping nearby include 149, 242, and 243.

 

02) Physical Space
The building offers fully accessible rehearsal studios, meeting rooms, and breakout spaces with height-adjustable lighting rigs. Facilities include two changing places toilets. An induction loop system, BSL interpretation, gender-neutral toilets, seating areas, and drinking water are available, with staff trained in BSL Level 1+. Blue Badge parking may be available on nearby streets. The theatre also provides hearing loops and sensory-friendly adjustments on request.

 

 

London Museum Studios- First Floor, Studio Smithfield, 1 East Poultry Avenue, EC1A 9PT. londonmuseumstudios@londonmuseum.org.uk

London Museum Studios has two bookable rooms free for community partners in the City of London and Islington. Rooms can support meetings, film screenings, workshops and small-scale indoor fitness classes.

 

01) Getting there
The nearest station is Farringdon (served by Circle, Hammersmith & City, Metropolitan, Thameslink and Elizabeth line) which is step free and about a 4-minute walk to the venue, and several London buses (40, 63 and 341) stop close by for a step-free journey right to the area. Car parking can be found at Smithfield Car Park – 3-minute walk.

 

02) Physical Space
London Museum Studios is a fully wheelchair accessible venue, found on the First Floor of Studio Smithfield. There are two lifts available and accessible toilets. A quiet space is available in the studios. There’s no Changing Places Toilet, the closest is at the Barbican centre, which is a 10 minute walk away. You can also view their visual story to get to know the Studios better before arriving.

 

 

London Museum of Docklands- No 1, West India Quay, Hertsmere Rd, London
E14 4AL. 020 7001 9844. venuehire@londonmuseum.org.uk

London Museum Docklands is a museum that explores the history of the River Thames, the growth of the Port of London and the docks’ historical link to the Atlantic slave trade. There are meeting rooms available to book.

 

01) Getting there
Step-free options are by Docklands Light Railway (DLR) and nearby buses: West India Quay DLR (about a 3-minute walk with step-free access) and Canary Wharf station (DLR, Jubilee and Elizabeth line, around a 7-minute step-free walk) are both good step-free choices. For buses, several London bus routes stop a short walk away- including 135, 277, D3, D7, D8, N277 and N550 at West India Avenue (around 300 m) and 15, 115, D6, N15 and N551 at Upper North Street (about 700 m). You can also use the accessible Uber Boat River Bus to Canary Wharf Pier and walk about 8 minutes along level pavements. From all these stops and stations there are clear pedestrian routes to the museum’s main entrance on the quayside, and if cobbled surfaces are difficult, the staff can welcome people via a ramped rear entrance on Hertsmere Road with advance notice.

 

02) Physical Space
The building has lifts on every floor so you can reach all gallery levels without stairs, assistance dogs are welcome everywhere, and there are accessible toilets on the ground and third floors with a Changing Places facility. The museum offers visual story guides and sensory maps, and other sensory aspects of the exhibits, and seating and folding seats are available throughout the galleries. If cobbled pavements around the main quayside entrance pose difficulty, the staff can welcome you via the staff entrance on Hertsmere Road with a ramp, just press the buzzer or arrange ahead with the Box Office. Wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be borrowed by advance request, and staff are available to assist. The museum also runs quiet sessions and sensory-friendly events.

 

Sadlers Wells East- 101 Carpenters Rd, Stratford Cross, London E20 2AR. 020 7863 8198. events@sadlerswells.com

Sadlers Wells East is a newly built space with accessibility in mind. As well as a theatre space, it also has hireable meeting rooms.

 

01) Getting there
Step-free access is available from Stratford Station (Central, Jubilee, Elizabeth Lines, DLR, Overground & National Rail) and Stratford International (650 m walk), with level, paved paths through Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Several bus routes serve the venue, including 108, 339, 97, and 388, with stops near the London Aquatics Centre or Westfield Avenue. From these stops, it’s a short, step-free walk to the theatre entrance. The surrounding paths are fully paved, making it straightforward to reach the venue from multiple transport options.

 

02) Physical Space
Step-free access throughout the building, lifts to all public areas, wheelchair-accessible seating in the auditorium, and accessible toilets on site, including a Changing Places toilet. In addition to performance spaces, there’s hireable meeting rooms and studios suitable for workshops, presentations, and conferences, which all have hearing-loop systems.

 

The Barbican- Silk St, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS. 020 7870 2500.
business.events@barbican.org.uk.

As well as being a cultural space, The Barbican has meeting rooms available to hire.

 

01) Getting there

The 153 bus stops closest to the main Silk Street entrance, with additional services like the 4 and 56 stopping near Barbican tube station. The nearest step‑free stations for tube/train are Moorgate and Farringdon, both offering lifts from street to platform
and then an easy paved walk to the centre; Liverpool Street also has step‑free access with a slightly longer walk. On arrival, the Barbican building itself has step‑free access from Silk Street and internal lifts to all public areas. The Centre’s own car parks off Silk Street and Beech Street include designated Blue Badge bays in Car Park 3 and Car Park 5, providing level access into the venue and lifts to key floors.

 

02) Physical Space
Accessible meeting room hire and other events, offering step‑free access from its main Silk Street entrance with lifts serving all public levels and ramps throughout the complex, accessible toilets on multiple floors. In addition to a wide range of conference rooms and meeting spaces available for hire with level access, the Centre also includes a Changing Places facility located in the Beech Street cinema complex. Assistance dogs are welcome, and the Barbican runs an access scheme to support booking needs.

 

 

East and South East Asian Community Centre- 12-14 Englefield Road, N1 4LS.
+44 (0)20 8986 6171. info@seeac.org.uk

The East and South East Asian Community Centre is a community hub supporting people of East and Southeast Asian heritage in the UK, offering services like welfare advice, mental health support, advocacy, and social activities to promote inclusion, wellbeing, and community connections.

 

01) Getting there
The closest Overground station is Dalston Junction (8-minute walk), which has full step-free access and a Changing Places toilet. Hoxton Overground is also nearby and step-free. Multiple buses stop along Kingsland High Street, including 30, 38, 56, 277/N277, 149, 243, 242/N242, 67, 76, and 488. Pavements along both the station route and the high street are newly built with low kerbs. There is no on-site parking, but Blue Badge holders can use shared pay-and-display bays on Haggerston Road or park on single/double yellow lines for up to three hours with a badge.

 

02) Physical Space
The main entrance has a step, but a portable ramp is available, and there is wheelchair access via a side entrance, though turning can be tight for power wheelchair users. They also have a ramp they can use for the front entrance. Inside, the venue is step-free throughout, with a square open-plan café at the front and long, wide corridors leading to modern, airy halls at the back. The accessible toilet is step-free, with grab rails and a changing bench, but there is no on-site Changing Places toilet – the closest is at Dalston Junction (8-minute walk).

 

 

Haggerston Community Centre- 8 Lovelace St, London E8 4FF. 020 8356 7845.
Haggerstoncc@hackney.gov.uk

Haggerston Community Centre is a council-run community hub in Hackney offering versatile halls and meeting rooms for local events, classes, workshops, and private functions, supporting community activities and engagement.

 

01) Getting there
The centre is a 4-minute walk from Haggerston Overground Station, which is step-free (Category B1) with lift access, accessible toilets, and a Changing Places facility. Hoxton Overground is another nearby step-free option. There is no on-site parking, but Blue Badge holders can use shared pay-and-display bays on Haggerston Road or park on single/double yellow lines for up to three hours. Nearby bus stops serve routes 149, 242, N242, 243, 236, 67, 76, 277, and 488. Pavements surrounding the centre are even, newly built, and have low kerbs, making routes easier for wheelchair users.

 

02) Physical Space
The venue is newly redeveloped, modern, and spacious, with wheelchair access to ground-floor spaces and accessible toilets. Amenities include Wi-Fi, a kitchen, and open hall spaces, making it suitable for a wide range of activities and events. However Dalston Junction is the closest Changing Places toilet, a 10 minute walk.

 

 

City Hall- Kamal Chunchie Way, London E16 1ZE. 020 7983 4000.
visits@london.gov.uk

The headquarters of the Greater London Authority (GLA), located in the Royal Docks area of Newham.

01) Getting there
The nearest step-free stations are Royal Victoria (DLR), Custom House (DLR and Elizabeth Line), West Silvertown (DLR) and Canning Town (Jubilee line). City Hall is served by bus routes 474, 147, 241, 325 and 678. You can also travel by boat to North Greenwich Pier or via the IFS Cloud Cable Car to Royal Docks. Covered bike racks are available behind City Hall on Kamal Chunchie Way. There are two parking bays reserved for Blue Badge holders, and it’s recommended to contact them in advance to reserve one.

02) Physical Space
City Hall has step-free entrances, lifts, and accessible toilets throughout. They include a Changing Places toilet. The building provides facilities such as hearing loops in meeting and event rooms and can arrange BSL support for visitors. Sensory-friendly access can also be coordinated in advance for groups requiring a quieter environment. There is a security check when entering the building, which can take time.

 

The Sundial Centre- 11 Shipton St, London E2 7RU. 020 3828 3928.
bookings@sundialcentre.org

Sundial Centre is a community and day‑care centre in Bethnal Green, East London (Tower Hamlets). It’s a local public space run in partnership with Peabody and other community services that provides social, recreational and support services for people in the area.

 

01) Getting there
Hoxton Station (Windrush Line) is a step-free station just a 5-minute walk away with a Changing Places toilet. The area is served by bus routes 26, 55, 149 and 510. There is no on-site parking.

 

02) Physical Space
Available for weekend hire. The centre offers a fully equipped assisted bathroom and wet room with easy access, two wheelchair-adapted minibuses for transport, hoists and lifting aids, a built-in entrance ramp, a lift to the first floor, and a hearing loop.

 

 

West London

 

Action on Disability Centre for Independent Living- Ground Floor Office, Mo
Mowlam House Clem Attlee Court, London SW6 7BF. 020 7385 2098.
info@aod.org.uk.

The Action on Disability Centre for Independent Living in Fulham is a disability-led hub supporting disabled people to live independently. It offers advice, advocacy, training, peer groups, and community activities. The centre is run by disabled people, for disabled people, to promote inclusion and independence.

 

01) Getting there
The centre is located at Mo Mowlam House, Clem Attlee Court, London SW6 7BF. Nearest Tube stations include Fulham Broadway which has step free access. The closest bus stop is on Mulgrave Road, which hosts the 74, 190, 430, N74, N97. There are disabled parking bays you can book in advance.

 

02) Physical Space
A dedicated disability‑led community centre in Hammersmith & Fulham. The space was developed with full accessibility in mind, with step‑free access and full wheelchair access, including wide doorways. There is a Changing Places toilet and an accessible community garden, including raised beds. The centre can usually accommodate BSL and interpreter support on request.

 

Wilditch Estate Community Centre- 48 Culvert Rd, London SW11 5BB. events@enablelc.org

Wilditch Estate Community Centre is a local community centre and public hall in Battersea. It’s a multi‑purpose venue run on behalf of Wandsworth Council that offers rooms and a main hall for hire for community activities, classes, meetings, exercise groups, rehearsals, and private events.

 

01) Getting there
Wilditch Estate Community Centre is well served by public transport, particularly buses, with several routes (including 44, 49, 319, 344 and 345) stopping within a 4–7 minute walk. Clapham Junction is the nearest step-free train station (24-minute walk), while Battersea Power Station (Northern line) provides a step-free Tube option but is a longer walk (28 minutes). There is no on site parking, but on-street parking is available nearby.

 

02) Physical Space
Wilditch Estate Community Centre has step-free access via a sloped entrance and level access throughout the building, with a lift connecting the ground and first floors. There are adapted toilets on both floors but no Changing Places toilet. Most rooms are accessible to wheelchair users, though some internal walkways are narrow and doors are mainly manual. There is no hearing loop. Assistance dogs are welcome, lighting is generally good, and signage is clear. The nearest Changing Places toilets are at Clapham Junction station (24-minute walk) and Battersea Power Station (28-minute walk).

 

Open Door Community Centre- Keevil Dr, London SW19 6TF. 020 8871 8174. events@enablelc.org

Open Door Community Centre is a local community centre in Southfields, Wandsworth, London that provides a multi‑use public hall and rooms for groups to hire.

 

01) Getting there
The main entrance has step‑free access with a gentle ramp.. There is at least one Blue Badge parking space nearby, and on‑street parking is also available. There are several London bus routes, including 39, 493, and 639. The nearest Tube station is Southfields on the District Line, about a 10–12 minute walk, though step‑free access may be limited at certain entrances. Community transport services, like Wandsworth’s accessible minibuses, are another option.

 

02) Physical Space
The main hall is spacious and airy. Step‑free access via a sloped entrance, level access through most areas, wheelchair‑accessible rooms and an adapted accessible toilet with right‑hand transfer space. However, some parts (like specific teaching rooms or basement areas) may involve steps, and there is no Changing Places toilet or built‑in hearing assistance system.

 

Acton Gardens Community Centre- Munster Court Bollo Bridge Rd, London W3
8UU. 020 8075 5240. info@actongardens.community

Acton Gardens Community Centre is a modern, purpose‑built community hub in South Acton, West London that opened in 2019 as part of the Acton Gardens regeneration project. It provides flexible spaces for community and voluntary groups, classes, meetings, events, and social activities, with multiple halls, meeting rooms, and kitchen facilities available for hire

 

01) Getting there
The centre is very close to public transport, a 5 minute walk from South Acton Overground station (step-free) and roughly 10 minutes on foot from Acton Town Tube station (step-free). Buses in the area include local routes that serve Acton High Street and surrounding streets (such as the E3, 207, 266 and N11 at nearby stops). Walking routes from stations and bus stops are mostly level.

 

02) Physical Space
Acton Gardens Community Centre is a modern, purpose‑built community hub in South Acton with step‑free, wheelchair‑accessible entrances and level access throughout the building. It has mobility‑adapted toilets available but no Changing Places facilities. The pavements around the centre are level and newly built, and there is also a large, well kept green, good for summer months.

 

Sands Arts Community Centre- Peterborough Rd, London SW6 3EZ. 020 3196 9431. welcome@seacc.uk

Sands End Arts & Community Centre is a modern arts and community hub in South Park, Fulham, London designed to bring people together through creative, social and cultural activities. It’s run by a local charitable trust

 

01) Getting there
Served by routes like the C3, 28, 295, or 306 stopping within a short walk of the centre. The nearest Overground station is Imperial Wharf, about a 20–30 minute walk.. The closest Tube station is Fulham Broadway on the District Line, around 15–20 minutes’ walk. There’s also the Chelsea Harbour River Bus nearby if traveling via the Thames.

 

02) Physical Space
A single‑storey building with step‑free, level access throughout. There are accessible toilets, an accessible bathroom and baby‑changing facilities, as well as family‑friendly amenities, and nearby accessible parking helps visitors arriving by car. The centre also has a café and flexible spaces that are all on ground level. Its main hall and meeting room are spacious with natural light. The nearest Changing Places toilet is a 33-minute walk away, at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.

In honour of Alice Wong, Sisters of Frida would like to gather in community to celebrate her life.

Sisters of Frida will be hosting a community gathering to watch the livestream of Alice Wong’s celebration of life memorial from the United States. We invite you to come together to celebrate her life, her work, and the wisdom she shared with the world. Alice Wong remains a powerful voice for Disability Justice; a comrade in struggle who through her writing, activism, and leadership fought for a world in which all beings are free. Alice cherished friendship, community and storytelling and in the days after her passing, a message she had prepared was shared widely. In her own words:
“I’m honoured to be your ancestor and believe disabled oracles like us will light the way to the future. Don’t let the bastards grind you down.”

Where: Calthorpe Community Garden, London, England

When: Wednesday, March 25th from 6 pm to 8:30 pm

Can You Help Shape the Future of Sisters of Frida?

We need a new steering group to decide where we go next

Sisters of Frida is unique. We are the only collective of disabled women and non-binary people in the country. We create a space for disabled women and non-binary people that DDPOs don’t provide – in fact, nowhere else provides it.

Sisters of Frida formed from a need for disabled women to have a voice within the wider women’s and disabled people’s movements. We are led by ideals and strong principles.

We build community, a space where we want to lift ourselves and each other up, to centre us in thought and action, to celebrate ourselves with pride, to amplify our voices, to share our skills, to challenge power and privilege, and to pursue avenues of change for disabled women and non-binary people. We are a diverse movement committed to an intersectional approach to our work and collective liberation. We’ve impacted national and international conversations about disabled women within both the feminist and disability rights movements. We are committed to radical politics and cross-movement solidarity work.

Like many communities and organisations, the pandemic (and life, more generally) has stretched the capacity of the current directors to its limit. But more importantly, movements can’t flourish without change and evolution. Sisters of Frida needs new energies, directions, ideas, drive, and most importantly, people.

Our new steering group will decide where we go next. We want you to be a part of it.

Previous priority areas have included combating violence against disabled women and girls, and disability and sexuality. Most recently, we’ve conducted research on the impact of the pandemic on disabled women and gender non-conforming people. In all these areas, we’ve shaped conversations nationally and internationally to centre the rights and experiences of disabled women and non-binary people. We’ve often been one of the very few groups speaking from and for these perspectives.

Our future priorities will be up to you.

We’re proud of what we’ve achieved, but we know there are voices that have been missing from the conversations we’ve been part of that we haven’t been able to represent. Similarly, we as a community have mutually built and shared skills and knowledge necessary to sustain our efforts but we’ve also learnt that there are other strengths needed to take Sisters of Frida even further.

We are looking for up to 8 people to form Sisters of Frida’s new steering group, to decide our next directions and develop our new organisational strategy. We’re looking to ensure Sisters of Frida can continue and is sustainable.

To do that, we need people with a diverse array of experience, formal or informal, including around fundraising, finance, strategic planning and organisational development.

If you think you can help shape the future of Sisters of Frida we’d love to hear from you.

To find out more about applying to be part of our new steering group, you can find our application documents linked below. They’re available in plain text and easy read format.

What can you expect from the Application process?

• We will close submissions at 5:00pm on 3rd March 2024.
• If you have any questions at any point in the application process, you can get in contact via sisofrida@gmail.com.
• Responses from one of our part-time workers will come as soon as possible, on Wednesdays and Fridays.
• After submissions are closed, we will be in contact shortly afterwards to arrange access for interviews.

More information and to apply

Background to Sisters of Frida

• In standard read (Word document)
• In Easy Read (Word document)
• In Easy Read (PDF)

Steering group call out

• In standard read (Word document)
• In Easy Read (Word document)
• In Easy Read (PDF)

Application information

• In standard read (Word document)
• In Easy Read (Word document)
• In Easy Read (PDF)

Art piece by Eleanor Parkes

She can be found on Instagram @e.j.parkes

With gratitude for sharing with us

Article by Simone Aspis

I will just begin by introducing myself before setting out my position on Heidi Crowter’s court case, the legal challenge to the Abortion Act on disability discrimination and human rights grounds. Heidi Crowter is currently applying to have her case heard by the European Court of Human Rights after the Supreme Court have refused permission to appeal during May 2023.

I am firstly a disabled feminist who identifies herself as a member of the LBGTQAI+ community. And yes I am Jewish and Yes I am a paid up member of a progressive synagogue and Queer Yeshiva. Nope I am not a pro-lifer or anti-abortion either. I have spent the past 25 years fighting for disabled peoples’ rights across a whole range of issues, anti-disability discrimination, human rights, inclusive education, independent living and medical ethics at the beginning and end of life whilst working for various disabled peoples led organisations and campaigns. I have also been involved in developing the BCODP’s bioethics training pack as well. If you would like to know more about myself click https://www.simoneaspis.co.uk/.

Whilst I no longer support Heidi herself because disability equality has been used to peddle anti-abortion agenda, nevertheless the principle of promoting non-disability discrimination or more broadly non-trait discrimination throughout reproductive decision making is one that needs further debate, and it should not be simply argued away by a woman’s pro-choice rights to abortion. Heidi’s court case raises a bigger question, which is to what extent is it a pregnant woman’s right to choose the traits of her child to be born.

For me there are two very distinct questions that arises from Heidi Crowter’s court case.

The first one is, should a woman have a right to an abortion if she/they do not want children per sue for whatever reason? My answer is a definite Yes.

My second question is, do individual women have the right to decide the human traits of a future child to be born? My answer is No.

Human traits selection of a future child covers disability, race, sex and other traits viewed generally as being desirable or undesirable by our society. Male, white and non-disabled are valued traits of children society generally values. On the other hand female, colour and disabled are not valued traits of children society generally values.

I do not think it should be for pregnant women to make the decisions about the type of future child they want to give birth to. Such decisions have an impact upon the future of our society and the constitution and diversity of any subsequent populations.

States have tried to strengthen the position of women that includes access to education alongside providing financial incentives to positively encourage women to give births to female children who otherwise would had been aborted. In the global South, states have offered financial inducements to encourage the birth of more female babies as they are considered as a drain on family finances. Whilst, feminists have contested the status of girls and religious traditions (including financial customs), such challenges are insufficient to deal with the in-trenched view of women within patriarchal societies that
continue to favour males. One of the unintended consequences is that individual women who decide to give birth to a male baby, think through what would be best for themselves and their individual family unit. I do not expect individual women to consider the cumulative impact of individual women making similar decisions elsewhere in choosing the sex of their child. I have the expectation that the state may well need to intervene to ensure that there is a sufficient diversity reflected within our population. So, the state does have a role in ensuring there is no skewing of male births by making sex-selection abortion unlawful with the aim of maintaining appropriate sex ratios that allows for population replacement and growth. Whatever reproductive technologies are used, there is no getting away from the need to have both male and female births to ensure that the human population exists.

So where does this leave disability because one can argue that there is no need to have disabled people, like you need women and men to guarantee the continuation of the humankind. Not only do we need a society to reflect biological sex diversity, but also one that encompasses individuals with a diversity of human traits including those with physical, sensory and intellectual abilities. After all, we need a population consisting of individuals with a whole range of human traits to have a functioning society. Society is not going to function if we do not have those with all sorts of traits that encourages caring,
artistry, paying attention to detail when it comes to health and safety alongside the accountants, lawyers and all the other roles that are needed and where some of those human traits are commonly (not exclusively) associated with a disability diagnosis.

Despite disabled people having all sorts of human traits needed to create a healthy diverse society, we know there is a very high rate of disability-related abortions because women are too aware of the disablist environment that makes bringing up disabled children a big challenge when there is minimal support systems in place and where everything is deemed to be a struggle. Even if we have all the incentives and a brilliant inclusive systems in place I do not believe that alone would encourage the birth of disabled babies. Just like with the incentives for raising female birth rates, such incentives do not
necessarily encourage women to raise and give birth to disabled babies. Just like with women who opt for sex-selection abortion, they are thinking what is best for themselves and their families. Like with sex selection I do not expect women to consider the cumulative impact of individual women who are making the same decision to terminate disabled babies. So, if we accept individual women’s right to select the human traits of their child is a private matter, then that removes society’s response to our population skewing towards a future without disabled children such as Downs Syndrome or Autism with associated types of human traits. If we view that abortion is simply a woman’s right and nothing else, then we move eugenics from the public to the private sphere that goes beyond public debate and state intervention to ensure we have diverse future population. A population reflecting individuals with diversity of human traits would require state intervention, hence making human trait selection abortion unlawful. If I remember rightly, one of the arguments used by the Conservative Party for not needing anti-disability discrimination laws back in the early 1990s is that we can rely on education, persuasion and good will to ensure disabled peoples inclusion is promoted, even during the time when services were better funded than they are currently. It took the introduction of anti-discrimination legislation, the Disability Discrimination Act, now the Equality Act to bring about change that viewing disabled people and disability equality as a rights based issue.

My position is supported by the UN Convention Rights Of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD and Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) committees that do not support human trait selection abortion, in this case sex and disability.

There are a number of ethical questions that we need to debate by disabled women.

• What type of society do we want to live in?

• Who should decide on the type of society we will have, which will impact upon the present and future populations.

• Should any section of our population become sole decision makers about the kind of future society? I.E. Pregnant women in this case?

By Simone Aspis (Changing Perspectives)

Treasure

A wheat pillow. Chocolate. A cuddly toy. Jewellery. Homemade dinner. Artwork. Clothes. Books. Mugs.

These are some of the material gifts I have received from other disabled people over the past few years. Having pre-made dinner ready to go when you don’t feel well is brilliant, and wearing clothes and jewellery from someone you might not have been able to see in a while feels like being closer to them, somehow.

Good jokes. Bad jokes. Listening. Laughing. Sitting silently side by side. Heckling politicians side by side. Motivation. Backup. Interesting challenges. Opportunities. Protection. Genuine caring. Harsh truths. Acceptance. Understanding. The quest for knowledge, and the relay between those who know and those who need to know. Pockets of peace.

These are some of the non-material gifts I have received from other disabled people over the past few years. These are more important. Knowing that you won’t be ridiculed or punished for who you are allows you to figure it out, if you’ve not had that opportunity. Joining in the fight for legal rights to be upheld and extended is much easier when you’re not fighting alone.

Last year, I had a health issue which required use of a new device for a few weeks. I didn’t have much knowledge, and it had been attached to my body in a way that did not work. Another disabled person sent me a video of how it should work and what they thought had happened. I was sleep-deprived, in pain, feeling awful, and not able to concentrate. They explained everything step by step, patiently, in clear language with a calm and caring voice, without judgement or shame for me not knowing something so simple. It felt like a hug. If I could download how to do that into the brains of every NHS professional, it’d be wonderful. It’s easier to get used to something new when someone with lived experience can talk you through.

A friend made me cry last night. We don’t speak often, as one or the other of us might have a last-minute disaster or just not have the energy. WhatsApp and Messenger just have to do in between. We laughed about recent news, and talked about something personal. She remembered the context that I’d told her a long time before, and spoke of it in a caring tone. To hear something understood and cared about that I’ve had to defend against people who don’t believe it was wonderful.

These things are more valuable, and I treasure these memories.

Take care of each other. You will be treasured.

by Anonymous

Social meetings after lockdown

Sisters of Frida had 2 social meetings this year. We will be having 2 more next year. The meetings are generally to meet as disabled women in London, about SOF, and for us to get to know each other. Please send an email to Eventadmin@sisofrida.org to register an interest.

Photo below of the first meeting in North Greenwich

A Tribute to Lisa Ellwood

Lisa passed away on May 11, 2023. She was only 57. I was shocked and saddened by the news. Though we had never physically met, we had many long conversations on the phone. I was hoping to meet her one day in Edinburgh when she moved there from rural Wales. She gave me encouragement and solidarity on being a disabled woman of colour and gave me lessons on intersectionality. She told me of the discrimination she faced from some disabled people here not because she was a Native American but because she was also autistic, with mental health issues and not afraid to speak out about suicide or domestic violence. She inspired me with her passion for disability rights and taught me to embrace my different identities. She was strong – a feminist warrior – in spite of being hampered by her disability and impairments.

She was also a strong supporter of Sisters of Frida and was in the Steering Group for a short while. She helped in getting news about us at the UN CRPD and CEDAW in Geneva. She believed strongly in having a voice/platform for disabled women and helped us in every capacity. This is her profile in LinkedIn:

A strong communicator with a distinctive voice, Lisa J. Ellwood is an Autistic Lenape and Nanticoke Native American currently resident in the UK.

Ms. Ellwood is a Freelance Journalist & Writer and an active member of the Native American Journalists Association, Investigative Reporters & Editors, Society of Professional Journalists, and the National Union of Journalists (UK). She has a B.A. Degree from Temple University with a major in Journalism and Advertising and minors in Marketing & French. Her specializations include Data Journalism & Visualization, NDN Country, Disability Rights, Mental Illness and Autism.

Lisa’s Disability Rights & UK Politics blog, The Creative Crip, has been featured in Society Guardian many times. She was a freelance Correspondent for Indian Country Today Media Network from September 2015 until its hiatus from active operations September 2017 as well as a Contributing Editor and Features Writer for The Promota Africa Magazine. In September 2011 the Left Foot Forward Political Blog cited her effective use of social media and blogging in its “Nomination for most influential left-wing thinker: The disabled rights community”​ feature. She has also been interviewed for Grazia Magazine (Australia) & appeared on radio shows internationally including Native Trailblazers.

We miss her.

Here are tributes from her colleagues:

written by Eleanor Lisney

We launched this e zine last year in October, 2021. We decided against calling it a newsletter because it’s not just about our news but the voices of disabled women and non binary people, showing opinions, reflections and creative pieces.

We had members who wanted the possibility of sharing some of individual pieces so we’ re posting here for easy retrieval later.

We need you here

From Fleur Perry
Fleur is a law student and disabled people’s activist living in the South West. Her main interests are accessible housing and Equality Act breaches.

Fighting for your needs and your rights can be draining in every way. You push and push against a sea of eyebrows slightly raised in amused disbelief, or bent into a sharp frown of “How dare you?” or receive the same flat emails carefully constructed to make “Go away” sound like good business.
If that seems familiar, you are not alone. You don’t need to fight this alone. Every member of the SoF community has met a barrier that needs smashing. As disabled women and non-binary disabled people, we know the impact it has, what it feels like, and have words for feels that non-disabled people have never had to know.
We share those experiences, the bad and the good. We share knowledge and resources and music and poetry, building context and learning from each other. Judgement and shame, intrusive questions and gossip are for somewhere else – not here. Mutual solidarity, inclusion, and making space are key principles.
We want you here. We want your opinions. We want your voice. Got something to say that no one’s ever said before? Say it here. Know something that you don’t think will make sense to anyone else? Try us! We want to understand. You will be heard. You will be believed. You will be valued.
We think this is the first step to change. If we want to try to do something to make our world a better place to live, it has to work for everyone, and that’s means we need everyone. If we don’t have you, we’re missing out.
I think the community is the most valuable part of SoF. The reports and opportunities to campaign on some of the biggest issues in the UK today are all built from the experiences of individuals, and the time and energy they each give to making sure that knowledge isn’t lost, but unleashed.
What do you want to say?

“Disability justice is the art and the practice of honouring the body” An interview with Lydia X.Z. Brown

In this interview with Lani Parker of Sideways Times, Lydia X.Z Brown talks about disability justice as a praxis which honours the body and the whole person. Disability justice is a radical framework which requires understanding the interconnected nature of oppression and that we must tackle all forms of oppression in order to change the system we live in. We also talk about differences in language, tensions within disability movements and the importance of using a variety of tactics amongst other things…

Read or listen to it at Sideways Times. Thank you, Lani and Lydia for the podcast.

We are warriors

from Sarah Rennie. 

Sarah is a former solicitor, her day-to-day work is research and governance advice. However, Sarah delivers disability equality training nationwide and acts as a consultant for select clients on internal equality working groups.

I owe a great deal to Sisters of Frida.

Years ago, I was asked me to join the steering group and I experienced a major case of imposter syndrome. Looking back – I’m not going to lie – I did have a lot to learn. I was in my late 20s and feeling pretty unsure about my identity. In fact, I would sometimes feel uncomfortable around disabled people due to what I now realise is a classic case of internalised ableism. I was a feminist, a solicitor-turned-access-consultant, a feminist and had started attending disability rights protests. Sheepishly, alone and stood at the back.

Within Sisters of Frida, I saw myself as the boring but useful person who could help with governance and report writing. In a space with such incredible and talented disabled women, I was just in awe. I listened a lot and absorbed their ideas and critiques like a sponge. Whilst I battled my insecurities, I was made nothing but welcomed and treated as one of the gang.

After helping out where I could, one of the first projects I really got my teeth into was the Serious Crime Act and the defence to the crime of coercive behaviour in an intimate or family relationship. I represented Sisters of Frida at the UN in Geneva, along with other DDPOs, to present evidence of violations on disabled people’s rights to the UN Committee on the Rights of Disabled People. This was one of the greatest honours of my life.

Over the years, my confidence grew but so did my personal self-esteem. I finally felt comfortable in my own skin and proud to be a disabled woman. Whenever anyone asks why, I always credit the experiences I had and friendships I made through Sisters of Frida.

But my newfound confidence in activism was bitter sweet. In 2019, I was about to face a pretty tough challenge: the block of flats I live in is wrapped in cladding like that of Grenfell Tower and riddled with fire safety defects. I knew that disabled people were facing additional financial and safety issues, such as lack of savings or means of escape, so I co-founded Claddag, a disability action group, with another disabled woman. Sadly for me, I knew I couldn’t run the campaign and fulfil my commitment to Sisters of Frida so I had to resign from the latter. As expected, the team understood completely and have given me loads of emotional and practical help with Claddag.

If our fight for justice in the building safety crisis is successful, then my first task will be to knock on Sisters of Frida’s door and ask if they’ll take me back to support with the work. As they are a group of compassionate, inclusive, uplifting and strong warriors and I have no reason to think they won’t welcome me home.

A unique voice: why Sisters of Frida Matters

by Bethany Young 

Bethany is actively involved in with Third Sector organisations, promoting equality and advocating for disability rights. She is a SOF steering group member.

People often ask me why I joined Sisters of Frida. Why do you need it? In the past, I have asked the same question.. For years, I had soaked up the idea that my barriers came from having Cerebral Palsy. It was my job to overcome these. My experience of being both Disabled and a girl, then a woman, led to more isolation, and more hurdles that others didn’t see. If I could not clear them or ignore them myself I was a failure. It was all my fault.

Looking back, these beliefs I was taught about myself made no sense. I was putting loads of effort and skill into every area of my life – from employment and Independent Living to family relationships and managing my CP. Nothing changed, in fact the barriers got worse. After reaching out for help, I asked myself – maybe the problem isn’t me? I realised that so many of my experiences came from the strings attached to me. My CP is mine. My body and my mind are mine. These barriers are not. I felt relieved because my struggles made sense without shame or guilt. Everything I thought I knew about Disability shattered. Such a big realisation gave me a sense of hope and freedom, but also fear. I was starting again. Now I had asked the right questions, I needed answers.

I looked for mentors in the Disabled community to get peer support and find out more. I wanted an active community working for social change. Before long, I found Sisters of Frida – a disability organisation truly led by diverse Disabled women. Their inclusive vision and values, creativity and collaborative way of working all made me want to get involved.

Since joining Sisters of Frida, I have worked on lots of wonderful opportunities. I’ve written quotes for press releases, helped plan events, write reports and advocate for Independent Living. Planning for our future is exciting. We are unique because we recognise people don’t exist in clinical, clear-cut tick boxes. Real life diversity is social, human and multi-layered. This idea drives Sisters of Frida’s work and partnerships. We build relationships to connect with other women’s organisations. We bring our lived experience, and knowledge to new audiences. I have amplified the voices of diverse Disabled women on current struggles, like Social Care or Covid-19. Our perspectives don’t need to stay in an isolated bubble. Together, as Sisters of Frida, we spark better, bolder conversations to create change.

I am proud of all I have learned and achieved so far whilst working with everyone in Sisters of Frida. I am a better communicator, collaborator and activist. Working with these women shifted how I saw myself. I know my worth. I found my voice by listening to them. I found answers by learning from them. I am not alone, because together we are Sisters of Frida.

We are collaborating with Culture Access to interview some people on intercessions: being people of colour and disabled and more. Does Disability History include our disabled voices/stories? It is good that DPOs have had events for Black History Month and impact for Disabled Black people but there are many other stories in solidarity.

See what Nila Gopal has to say on this topic

Nila Gopal

Eleanor Lisney spoke on the complexity of being intersectional – including of being a disabled woman of South /East Asian origin.

Eleanor Lisney

Sarifa Patel spoke on being a disabled Asian mother of colour

Sarifa Patel

There are more people to interview. We think its also good for the International day of Disabled people on the 3rd December. And to beyond those dates really to continue the voices of Disabled people of colour.

See the other videos at the Culture Access website, meanwhile here are the ones to date

Annabel Crowley

Shura Davey

James Lee

Fazilet Hadi

Aminder Virdee

Wishing everybody happy celebrations for the International Day of Disabled people (People with Disabilities)!

with thanks from support from the Woolwich Centre Library and in collaboration with Culture Access

Funded by the Isla Foundation

With many thanks to pseudodeviant for sharing this with us, first published on Crip the Planet.

Queer Theory has provided a really useful lens for examining the marginalising effects of existing in ways that deviate from societal norms. As a Queer Crip I found that it not only helped me find new ways to understand my sexuality and gender, but that it helped me think differently about how disablement impacted my life, both personally and systemically. I started noticing that the boundaries between my experience as a queer person and a disabled person were blurry to say the least; sure homophobia feels different to disablism, but the root cause, that deviation from what our society expects a person to be (non-disabled, straight, cisgendered, often white & male too), was the same.

It’s one of the reasons I feel so hurt by the amount of casual and systemic disablism I experience from the LGBTIQ+ community. One of the ways that this community has learned to validate itself is to set itself in opposition to disability; “I’m not crazy, it’s who I am!”, “I’m not deluded, this is my gender”, “I don’t have a mental health condition” said with a sneer, “I’m normal, not broken like them”, “My needs require radical social solutions. Disabled people just need fixing”. The often visceral rejection of disability, of other people with bodies and minds, feelings & desires that either function or are structured in a way that doesn’t meet societal norms, seems strange at best, and cruel at worst. It’s especially hard when you are a disabled queer, expected to denigrate part of your being (being a disabled person) to validate another (being queer).

Before we dive in, I should say that yes, I am well aware that these issues are just expressions of disablism in the wider world, none are completely exclusive to the LGBTIQ+ community (heck, I could write the same about some neurodivergent activists that wish to no longer be seen as disabled because they aren’t broken us crips). LGBTIQ+ spaces are one of the few places I feel like I can be my queer self, and therefore I have a massively vested interest in wanting to do my bit to challenge the way casual and systemic disablism is an accepted part of the way we fight for LGBTIQ+ liberation.

A Quick History

Why is it like this? Well a lot of it has to do with the history of campaigning around queer issues. I’m going to have to do this in a nutshell, because queer history is as vast a topic as the history of humanity. Historically homosexuality was seen as being intrinsically linked with sin; the church condemned such “sodomites” as immoral and unnatural. You see similar in the history of disablism with the notion that we were cursed, possessed, or otherwise deviant beings, suffering in some way for moral failings. Then came the move to understand and naturalise homosexuality, by suggesting it is a biological reality. We were “born this way”, we can’t help who we are, God made us this way. No longer is it the dominant narrative that sin is responsible, it’s now an “individual tragedy” of genetics. Of course, this led to LGBTIQ+ people being increasingly seen in a very similar way to how most see disabled people; as objects of pity that it is morally right for a compassionate society to “fix”. Like it or not, it’s for their own good. Homosexuality & being transgender became psychological & physiological impairments, and intersex bodies became “choices” for parents. Medical attempts at conversion and treatment began, rather than allowing for queer liberation. This had very real, very harmful implications. A friend reminded me that an example of this was clearly seen during the AIDS crisis, when a lot of funding was seen going to organisations that wanted to “cure” homosexuality instead of the disease. From the start of the process of medicalisation, demands grew for society to be the thing that changed, accepting the community, rather than converting the individual. Some groups under the umbrella achieved “official” demedicalisation faster than others; homosexuality was removed from the DSM in 1973, while the World Medical Organisation (WHO) waited until 1990 to remove it from the ICD. The WHO only removed “Transexualism” from the ICD in 2018, and gender dysphoria is still a DSM classification while writing this in 2020.

Because these fights for demedicalisation are very recent (and in the case of things like the gender dysphoria in DSM, and the forced assignment of binary genders to intersex children are still ongoing), the language of those campaigns is still firmly embedded in the community. Given how many still see queer bodies as inherently immoral, it should come as no surprise, given the history, that there remain people who think queer folks have a “treatable” disease no matter what the WHO might say. The issue is not that we LGBTIQ+ people want social support and acceptance and an end to unnecessary and harmful medical interventions, it is that a lot of the language used to argue for this is disablist, and reinforces disablist narratives.

I’m going to look at two of those narratives in a bit more detail now.

Medical Conditions are insults

“Being gay isn’t like being mad, being gay is normal because it doesn’t hurt anyone”

This feels very obvious to me, but I feel I should start with the most basic point: There will never be liberation for the LGBTIQ+ community while its disabled members are still oppressed. Its disabled members will continue to be oppressed while anyone in society, including LGBTIQ+ people, denigrate disabled people because they are still pathologised and medicalised. As a mad crippled queer, the knowledge that many of my queer sibs see the idea of being compared to me as some dire insult is at once infuriating and deeply upsetting. Especially coming from a community that was once seen as being like me until society changed its mind. Instead of showing solidarity with those of us still left behind, contempt is shown instead.

To reinforce the idea that there are “acceptable” bodies and minds is not helpful to either community. It is crucial to challenge the norms which say some bodies/minds aren’t acceptable. The LGBTIQ+ community is still actively trying to challenge this with regards to LGBTIQ+ people, but will keep being held back while it still reinforces this norm by affirming that there are people (some of whom are queer themselves) that should still be deemed unworthy of acceptance. As long as there are socially acceptable ways of calling the functioning of some bodies and minds “wrong”, the LGBTIQ+ community will always be skating on thin ice with regards to their own liberation.

Reinforcing these ideas is a harmful thing.

Social models for us, not you

“We’re not crazy or sick, LGBTIQ+ need social support & acceptance, not to be medically labeled”

Here we look at the notion that LGBTIQ+ marginalisation comes from society not accepting them and making it hard to get things like the appropriate medical support they need, while disabled people’s marginalisation stems from their inherent wrongness.

There is a pervasive notion that, while LGBTIQ+ people won’t be truly liberated until there is wholesale social change so people can accept and affirm the nigh infinite ways an individual’s gender, attraction, and sexuality present (or don’t), disabled people just need “fixing”. This simplistic approach does no one any favours. Of course there are disabled people out there that would like relief from undesirable impairment symptoms (pain, fatigue, frightening visions, high stress etc…), but even if you magically got rid of those, the majority of us would still be seen as impaired. People would still develop impairments and become disabled. We would still require aids and adaptations and access to medical care (which is a social issue in and of itself). The negative stereotypes about disability would still exist. We would still be marginalised, we’d just be in less pain while it happened. Much like LGBTIQ+ people, us crips also need widespread social change to be liberated. I get very frustrated listening to LGBTIQ+ people try to argue that their marginalisation comes from society not accepting them and making it hard to get things like the medical support they need, while disabled people’s marginalisation stems from their inherent wrongness. Disabled people that need medical interventions to help manage impairments are apparent proof of this, while LGBTIQ+ folks that need them to help live their lives are somehow different. I’ve tried to pick into the reasons that one should be considered impaired and the other not; that one should be considered disabled and the other not; and I draw a blank. I struggle to see how the LGBTIQ+ community can suggest that there is a need for a social model of difference/queerness/impairment for a dysphoric trans person undergoing a medical transition to manage a body that causes a degree of emotional/physical suffering & additional marginalisation, but not for a disabled person taking medication, or having prosthesis fit to manage a body that causes a degree of emotional/physical suffering & additional marginalisation. Where is the difference? What answers are there that don’t drip with disablist tropes where we are broken, subhuman, suffering, wrong, unnatural, dull & ugly? If you have one I’d like to know because this genuinely gets to me as a queer (and genderqueer) crip.

In saying all this I want to stress that I do not seek to undo the progress of the Trans community by pointing out the similarities in aspects of our struggles. More I seek to point out that there isn’t a distinct line that can be drawn between our struggles. I’m not trying to deny transphobia and homophobia existing, or argue that they should be re-medicalised. I am suggesting that LGBTIQ+ and disabled peoples’ transgression of societal norms around mental & bodily structure/function/feelings/desire are very similar, and both require those norms to be thoroughly challenged. That disabled people also require social interventions, especially when they have had any medical interventions they personally want to have to help manage/alleviate any symptoms they might find undesirable, and are now simply trying to live their lives as disabled people.

Reproduced Disablism

I want to leave this piece by talking a bit about some of the core disablism that is reproduced by talking about disabled people and queer liberation like this.

• That disabled LGBTIQ+ people aren’t a part/ aren’t an important part of the LGBTIQ+ community.
• That to exist with an impairment, as a disabled person, is so widely understood to be a negative thing that to suggest it to someone is to insult them.
• Disabled People’s bodies/minds are in some way unnatural and abnormal, even though impairments are extremely common, often part of evolution, something that generally develops in us all as we age and so on.
• To be disabled is to be an aberration that needs either correcting through doctors or spiritual interventions, or if that fails, some sort of tragedy that dooms the individual to the lowest class of existence. Immediately othering and marginalising disabled people.
• To no longer be seen as a disabled person, to no longer be seen as impaired, to be seen as “normal” is a goal that should be held by all people that are classified as having impairments.
• That disabled people can be liberated by medicine making them “normal” (where normal is the current capitalist construction of how an ideal worker/commodity’s body should be structured, think and function) or as close to “normal” as possible. Something queer theory explicitly argues against.
  • That this should go beyond helping those who wish to alleviate pain or other individually undesirable symptoms of their impairment, and that medical interventions to make them “normal” should be imposed on all.
  • This never mentions how the people that can’t be medically “normalised” enough to fit within society’s norms then can’t be liberated, leaving them as a perpetual underclass.

I’ve not dedicated any space to talking about disablism in the form of frequently inaccessible spaces, and the additional pressures in many parts of the community to conform to specific bodily standards that are unattainable for many disabled people. This is in part because I think they are a symptom of underlying disablism and living in a neoliberal society. It’s also in part because this post has gotten long and I think it’s time to stop

To try and summarise all of this, I believe that disablism is still rife in LGBTIQ+ spaces & communities. I think one of the ways we can help combat this is to challenge the idea that there is a clear and distinct boundary between disablist oppression and homophobia & transphobia. There is at least a partial overlap because of a common root; both groups are seen to deviate from societal norms around bodily form and function, and expression of thoughts and feelings. As a result both groups experience moral & spiritual judgement for their difference, both experience a conflict between wanting access to any chosen medical interventions and not wanting to have medical interventions forced upon them, both want social change and to challenge norms, both have to deal with difficult stereotypes about their sexuality and attraction. Another way is to ensure that compassion, respect and solidarity arealso built where differences lie. We are stronger together, compassion is punk AF and smashing social norms is revolutionary

Many thanks for sharing this piece with us, friend who wishes to remain anonymous. First published on Letter to Gender Critical Activists

There’s something I have been pondering, since reading this blog, on Letters:
https://letter.wiki/conversation/896

Mainly I’m pondering the question, how cleverly it wasn’t directly answered, and why.

It’s occurred to me that many people may not realise that many transgender children are not socialised in the exact same way as our non transgender peers. Therefore to assume we were raised the same way as people assigned the same sex as us, is a mistake. As the above article says, beautifully, we *fail* the gendered socialisation.

I cannot speak for anyone else, especially not transgender women. I can say that, anecdotally, my experience seems not that dissimilar to others in terms of the fact that our childhood socialisation is often different to that of our non transgender peers and siblings.

I am not an academic, so this will not be a peer reviewed piece linking evidence. This is a personal anecdote about my experience. No doubt there are proper evidential things within the plethora of gender studies work.

I do not usually discuss my personal life, hence choosing a faceless blog.

Content note for short references to sexualisation and to parental bullying and violence.

As soon as I realised sex existed and gendered ways of doing things, it was clear to me I was a wrong girl.

It was clear because my mother made it very clear that I kept doing it wrong.

Toys are not gender, but pay attention to the behaviour.

The first Christmas I remember, I wanted a football. I was nearly 4. We didn’t own one.

Instead I got a kitchen unit and a tea set. I think a lot of parents aren’t so gendered about toys now, and that’s great. Girls can play with anything.

My mum explained that Santa brought it, because I’m a little girl, my brother is a little boy. So, it was obvious to me that Santa didn’t realise I’m a wrong girl… That secretly I’m a boy and nobody has noticed.

It’s the first time I remember thinking it, as I don’t remember it starting. I remember because I thought Santa knew, as he even knows things our parents don’t. I felt surprised, and a bit sad.

I tried so hard that day to be a good girl, I made so much water tea until they made me stop and told me off. I got the message that I still wasnt getting it right. I felt so anxious and guilty, as I dont want them to know I’m not a girl.

After this, I start trying to pretend to be a girl. When I can remember.

I get told off, and sometimes hit, for a number of gendered misbehaviours not excluding sitting wrong, standing wrong, being to brash, being too loud, talking too much, being too intelligent, not having enough common sense, asking too many questions, being too opinionated, walking wrong, falling over too much, getting too dirty, playing with nature, playing marbles, climbing trees, damaging my clothes, not playing with girls, the list is endless and many of you can list it yourselves.

Did you think, gosh being a girl is pants? Did you think, is a boy being better? Did you think, this is just how it is for girls? Did you ever wonder what being a boy is like? What did you think, as I’m sure I don’t know. Please reply if you like :-).

I just kept thinking, “I’m not a girl and I’m in deep shit when they realise”. I feared being thrown away, as they were clearly angry enough at me, just for being a ‘wrong girl’.

I started to fear puberty. I was convinced that one day I would begin to grow a beard that wouldn’t stop and I didn’t know how to get a razor because I was only 6. Then they would all know.

Maybe some girls do think this, I’d love to know.

Then I had a little sister and she was perfect. A “real girl”. Soon she was a great comparison for our mum.

When you keep getting your gendered behaviour wrong, the training gets more often and tougher. They try to hyper gender you, or give up, or a bit of both.

My little sister got it right from the beginning somehow, and I wondered about it. How did she know?

Any butches (butch women and trans butches) reading will no doubt be familiar with “having to wear a dress” for family / special event / function / school / etc, and I share that horrible experience.

At the same time, sometimes I wanted beautiful sparkly clothes and things, but I would be told I can’t have them, because I would just spoil them. I climbed a tree once in my favourite dress, I got in a lot of trouble. I secretly kept it, and still own it.  Can’t win for losing.

Proper girls like my sister have those nice things, but not me.

My interest in all kinds of clothes remains

As you get older, if you are still getting your gendered behaviour wrong, it can get worse.

I have a much hated photograph of myself at 12 years old, still actually trying to “be a girl” so hard that I look ridiculous. I still feel humiliated, just seeing it.

Some of us trans folk may be pushed towards early sexualisation, with whoever people think our ‘correct’ sex, or gender is. I won’t discuss that here, as the consequences are well known to feminism, and extend to most transgender people too (of all backgrounds). In our case just add in a little “It’s to straighten you out”. Like other LGBTQ+ people.

By the time I realised I wasn’t going to grow into a man, I was just in time to dread my actual puberty – and hate that with all the passion of many other transgender people (also well well documented, not going into that here). I seem to have similar dysmorphic view of my body as many other trans folk, although I don’t want to change it. I have a whole different body in my head, so I don’t care.

Around then, puberty, I remember just wanting to tell people to call me “A person”. Wanting all of sex and gender just to leave me the hell alone.

And there I stay.

All of the common ground above we have, but one thing is very different, surely.

I did not experience sex and gender socialisation as a girl. As soon as I was given it, I knew it wasn’t mine. I experienced it knowing I wasn’t a girl. Right from go. Or rather – believing I was other, wrong, and very confused about it all.

I didn’t experience my childhood gender training as a girl. I experienced it as other. Instead of thinking why are girls treated this way, I thought, “I shouldn’t be treated this way because I’m not a girl.”

This means our experiences will differ in important ways. Especially around my ability to understand women’s issues.

I cannot tell you all the differences, only you can tell me, in a way, but maybe if we talk together kindly in a space without judgement, we can find out.

And while we’re doing so, we could consider whether it’s at all fair to assume that any transgender people are raised like other same-sex children, or gender socialised like other children, and especially whether we experience it the same way non transgender people do.

I think this is the basis of many wrong assumptions, which make it hard to even ask the right questions about what is going wrong between us.

Sisters of Frida stands in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter movement globally and in the UK. We cannot do that without including Disabled Black Lives.

Racism and ableism are intertwined.

From deaths in custody to the hostile environment, from the school
exclusions to austerity policies, Black lives and, in particular, Black Disabled lives are devalued by systemic and structural racism and ableism. The coronavirus pandemic has laid bare health inequalities in the UK: Black people are four times more likely to die of Covid-19 than white people
and deaths of people learning difficulties have gone up by 134% during the pandemic.

We fight for a world where Black Disabled women are valued, cherished and can thrive in our communities.

The UN Committee on the Convention of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) published its concluding observations following its first review of the UK government’s compliance with the Convention. We contributed to the report and went to Geneva, as volunteers, to ensure that violations of disabled women’s rights were given attention. The Committee highlighted many areas of concerns which explicitly or indirectly affect disabled women, but we’ve highlighted three key themes below.

 

1) Involvement of Disabled Women: Nothing about us without us

 

We share the Committee’s concern that disabled women and girls’ rights “have not been systematically mainstreamed into both the gender equality and disability agenda” and support its specific recommendation to “adopt inclusive and targeted measures, including disaggregated data” to prevent the multiple and intersectional discrimination we face.

 

Mainstreaming our rights, requires our involvement. We therefore also welcome the Committee’s recommendation to allocate “financial resources to support organisations representing [disabled women]” and develop mechanisms to ensure our involvement in planning and implementing law which affects our lives. For example, we were not consulted on the drafting of the coercive abuse offence in the Serious Crime Act. If we had, we would have been able to show how the ‘best interests’ defence for carers dangerously undermines the rights and safety of disabled women and people with learning disabilities.

 

Strategies need to be measured, financed and monitored. We therefore welcome the Committee’s recommendation for mechanisms to support our involvement in the design of strategies to implement the Convention through “measurable, financed and monitored strategic plans of action”. Measurability requires the collection of disaggregated data and this has been repeatedly called for by UN rapporteurs. Gaps in data mask the multiple discrimination faced by disabled women.

 

2) Multiple and Intersectional Discrimination

 

Disabled women experience sexism and dis/ableism in our everyday lives, along with many other forms of oppression (eg. based on age, sexual orientation, economic status and migrant status). Here’s an example to illustrate. A visually impaired woman cannot access information on an NHS website due to inaccessibility. This is disability discrimination, but is gender-neutral. However, lack of access to family planning services is clearly gender and disability discrimination. If she is actually a teenage girl living in a remote indigenous community, clearly intersections of multiple aspects of her identity operate to exacerbate the disadvantages she faces.

 

This is why the Convention specifically addresses the rights of disabled women in Article 6. It requires the Government to recognize that disabled women and girls face multiple discrimination. It’s therefore crucial that the Government implement the Committee’s recommendation to explicitly incorporate protection from “multiple and intersectional discrimination” in national legislation. Whether it’s routine GP appointments, cervical testing or maternity care, disabled women constantly struggle to access medical services, so we strongly support the Committee’s recommendation to develop “targeted measurable and financed” strategies to eliminate barriers in access to health care and services and to measure their progress.”

 

3) Access to Justice

Our rights are worthless if they are unenforceable or ignored. The barriers with the justice system are procedural, financial and accessibility-related and stop us from bringing claims to enforce our civil rights, count against us in proceedings (eg divorce and family matters) and prevent us from reporting criminal abuse against us.

 

We therefore strongly support the Committee’s recommendations:

• to develop training for the judiciary and law enforcement personnel. The UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women has already noted concerns about “women being deemed unfit mothers for having ‘failed to protect’ their children from an abusive parent”. Ignorant, counterproductive and damaging comments and actions by judges and police must end.
• to provide “free or affordable legal aid” for disabled people in all areas of law. The UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women has specifically noted concern about the evidential requirements to apply for legal aid and the consequences for family law problems.

 

The many other areas of concern noted by the Committee can be read here

 

Next Steps

 

We were disappointed by the lack of media attention given to the 17-page catalogue of shame but the disabled community, including the DPOs, continue to valiantly highlight the UN’s findings.

 

Whilst we welcome the Committee’s recommendation for the UK Government to produce annual reports on its progress, we fear it will be another exercise of denial and lack data, evidence or understanding of intersectional discrimination.

 

We, Sisters of Frida, are preparing for CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of all Forms of Discrimination Against Women) and working with other women’s organisations on this. In the meantime, we are joining the ENIL Freedom March in Brussels and will raise it with our MEPs as to how they will be responding to protecting disabled women on VAWG as the Istanbul Convention is being ratified by the UK government.

 

Vivienne Hayes MBE, CEO of the Women Resource Centre says:

“The last time Sisters of Frida went with the UK CEDAW Working Group to Geneva, we noted in our oral statement that women of all ages and backgrounds in the UK are facing threats to their rights but this does not have to be the case if government policies are created in partnership with women’s NGOs and include a gendered perspective. This will ensure that there is not a long-term legacy of discrimination against women, and will also impact on the future economy.

 

In 2017, Sisters of Frida note that disabled women are acknowledged as still facing the same level of discrimination in the UNCRPD Concluding Observations. We call upon the UK government to honour its commitment to women’s rights and work with us to establish a clear and inclusive mechanism in order to bring women’s voices into the heart of government.”

 

Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson, Co-Director of the Women’s Budget Group said:

 

‘We know that disabled women have been hit particularly badly by austerity policies over the last seven years. Disabled women have lost income through cuts to both specific disability benefits but also to housing benefit, tax credits and benefits for children. Cuts to public services including social care, health, education and transport budgets have all disproportionately affected disabled women.

The Public Sector Equality Duty, contained in the 2010 Equality Act, places a positive obligation on all public authorities to have due regard to the impact of their policies and practices on equality. Despite this the government have failed to publish meaningful assessments of the cumulative impact of austerity on equality.

We call on the government to meet both their obligations under both domestic and international law to ensure that their policies meet the needs of disabled women’

 

Sarah Green, Co-Director, End Violence Against Women Coalition said:

 

“It is known that disabled women are disproportionately subjected to sexual and domestic violence by perpetrators of these crimes, and that disabled women face additional barriers to escaping and staying safe, and even in being believed.

 

“International human rights treaties require our Government to ensure that disabled women’s needs are specifically considered and addressed when implementing policy on policing and preventing violence. Following the UN CRDP inquiry into the UK’s performance in this area, we need to hear assurances from the UK Government that disabled women’s needs are known and are made part of policy and practice in relation to ending and preventing abuse.”

 

Pragna Patel, Director, Southall Black Sisters said:

 

‘Leave no woman behind’ is an important development and human rights goal that is central to achieving gender equality and one to which the UK government claims to be committed. But in the UK this goal remains largely rhetorical as the most vulnerable women – those with disabilities and multiple needs – are rendered marginalised and invisible by increasingly harsh economic and social welfare measures. Disabled women’s needs and rights are being gravely and systematically violated by the UK government. Why else do we see such an appalling lack of access to emergency shelters, secure housing and welfare rights, education, work, health and counselling facilities for disabled women who are also fleeing domestic violence? If the UK wants to be recognised as a leader in disability and human rights, it must develop laws, policies and strategies that enhance the rights of all women. This means understanding and addressing the overlapping and intersecting forms of discrimination such as race, gender and disability that create additional vulnerabilities and barriers for women. Sadly this government is unlikely to turn its rhetoric on achieving a ‘fairer’ society into reality but we are ready to stand with our disabled sisters to shame the government into action.

 

Lee Eggleston on behalf of Rape Crisis England and Wales said:

 

‘Disabled women who have experienced sexual violence make up a quarter of Rape Crisis service users – which is an indication of how disproportionately disabled women are impacted by sexual violence, often by their own carers. The voice and engagement of specialist organisations run by and for disabled women, like Sisters of Frida and Stay Safe East, is essential to the CEDAW process in raising awareness of sexual violence to the Committee.’

 

Zarin Hainsworth OBE, Chair,  National Alliance of Women’s Organisations

 

‘Disabled women  face multiple disadvantage in being able to participate as fully as they wish in all aspects of their lives – social, as well as political and economic .  The CEDAW Committee made recommendations in their concluding observations to their last report that would improve the capacity of women in the UK to access health care and justice but little has been achieved and austerity policies combined with a lack of specific attention to the issues faced by disabled women, make these more not less distant goals.  Indeed, disabled women – especially those with learning disabilities who are also likely to experience mental ill-health – continue to face the loss of their babies at birth.

We strongly support NAWO members, Sisters of Frida, in their campaign for focused attention by the UK Government on the needs and concerns of disabled women and girls.’

 

 

We would be happy to hear from others, individuals and/or organisations, who would like to join us in our campaign for disabled women’s rights in issues mentioned here. Please comment below or write to hello@sisofrida.org, tweet @sisofrida

 

Note: Stay Safe East is a unique user-led organisation run by disabled people, providing specialist and holistic advocacy and support services to disabled people from diverse communities in East London (currently Waltham Forest and Newham) who are victims/survivors of domestic or sexual violence, hate crime, harassment and other forms of abuse.

 

We often get asked why we campaign for the rights of disabled women. Here are a few reasons.

Employment and Pay

• 35% of disabled women (and 30% of disabled men) are paid below the National Living Wage in the UK.^[1]
• Disabled men face a pay gap of 11%, while disabled women faced a gap twice as large at 22%.^[2]
• Despite qualifications, disabled women have lower participation rates in higher skilled jobs and work fewer hours than both non-disabled women and disabled men.^[3]
• 27% of disabled women are economically inactive compared with 16% disabled men.^[4]
• Lone parenthood reduces female employment generally by 15%. However, disabled female lone parents are more than half as likely to work than non-disabled female lone parents.^[5]

Violence and Abuse

• Disabled people experience more domestic abuse than non-disabled people. Disabled women are significantly more likely to experience domestic abuse than disabled men.^[6] In fact, one in ten experienced domestic abuse in 2012-13.^[7]
• Abuse is also more severe, more frequent and more enduring.^[8][9][10]
• Deaf women are twice as likely as hearing women to suffer domestic abuse.^[11]
• The Serious Crime Act 2015 made ‘coercive and controlling behaviour in an intimate or family relationship’ a criminal offence (s.76). The Act provides that it is a defence for a perpetrator to show that they believed themselves to be acting in the victim’s ‘best interests’. This was intended to cover carers. We believe this defence risks preventing disabled women and people with learning disabilities from seeing their abusers brought to justice.

Health and Medical Care

• UK maternity care does not meet the needs of disabled women. A 2016 study revealed that only “19% of disabled women said reasonable adjustments had been made for them.”^[12]
• The CEDAW Committee is concerned that “Disabled, older, asylum seeking and Traveller women face obstacles in accessing medical health care and that Disabled women have limited access to pre-natal care and reproductive health services”.^[13]
• Disabled women, particularly with learning difficulties, are at risk of forced sterilisation in the UK or are encouraged to consent to sterilisation as a form of ‘menstruation management’ rather than be presented with a range of options available to other women.

Mental Health

• Disabled women with a mental health problem die on average 13 years earlier than the general UK population.^[14]
• Nearly half of female prisoners in the UK have been identified as having anxiety and depression. This is double the rate of male prisoners. What’s more, nearly half female prisoners (more than double the rate for men) report attempting suicide.^[15]

Public Life

• The CEDAW Committee is concerned that ethnic minority and disabled women are particularly poorly represented in Parliament, the legal system and on public sector.^[16]

You download the information on this page as a PDF factsheet.

^[1] Equality and Human Rights Commission. 2017. Being Disabled in Britain. https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/sites/default/files/being-disabled-in-britain.pdf

^[2] Papworth Trust. 2016. Disability in UK 2016 Facts and Figures. http://www.papworthtrust.org.uk/sites/default/files/Disability%20Facts%20and%20Figures%202016.pdf

^[3] All Party Parliamentary Group for Women and Work. 2016. Women Returns Annual Report 2016. https://connectpa.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Women-and-work-Annual-report-low-res.pdf

^[4] TUC. 2015. Disability and employment. https://www.tuc.org.uk/sites/default/files/DisabilityandEmploymentReport.pdf

^[5] The Poverty Site, 2011 http://www.poverty.org.uk/45/index.shtml

^[6] Adding insult to injury: intimate partner violence among women and men reporting activity limitations. Cohen, M. et al. 8, 2006, Annals of Epidemiology, Vol. 16, pp. 644-651

^[7] Public Health England. 2015. Disability and domestic abuse: Risk, impacts and response. https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/480942/Disability_and_domestic_abuse_topic_overview_FINAL.pdf

^[8] Adding insult to injury: intimate partner violence among women and men reporting activity limitations. Cohen, M. et al. 8, 2006, Annals of Epidemiology, Vol. 16, pp. 644-651

^[9] Prevalence of abuse of women with physical disabilities. Young, M. et al. 1997, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vol. 78, pp. 34-38.

^[10] Partner violence against women with disabilities: prevalence, risk and explanations. Brownridge, D. 2006, Violence against women, Vol. 12, pp. 805-822.

^[11] Women’s Aid. 2015. https://www.womensaid.org.uk/16-days-deaf-survivors-and-domestic-abuse/

^[12] Hall J, Collins B, Ireland J, and Hundley V. (2016) Interim report: The Human Rights & Dignity Experience of Disabled Women during Pregnancy, Childbirth and Early Parenting. Centre for Midwifery Maternal and Perinatal Health, Bournemouth University: Bournemouth. http://www.birthrights.org.uk/2016/09/maternity-care-failing-some-disabled-women/

^[13] UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women : Great Britain, November 2014, available at: https://nawo.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/CEDAW-concluding-observations-EHRC-and-NAWO.pdf

^[14] Equality and Human Rights Commission. 2017. Being Disabled in Britain. https://www.equalityhumanrights.com/sites/default/files/being-disabled-in-britain.pdf

^[15] Light, M., Grant, E. and Hopkins, K. (2013), ‘Gender differences in substance misuse and mental health amongst prisoners: Results from the Surveying Prisoner Crime Reduction (SPCR) longitudinal cohort study of prisoners’. https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/surveying-prisoner-crime-reduction-spcr

^[16] UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Concluding observations of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women : Great Britain, November 2014, available at: https://nawo.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/CEDAW-concluding-observations-EHRC-and-NAWO.pdf