Difference North East
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Difference North East
@differencene.bsky.social
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Do you want to fight for Disability Rights in the North East of England?
Join us http://differencenortheast.org.uk/join-us/
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Difference North East is proud to host a special event for Disability History Month at Billingham Library on 3rd December 2025 at 12pm.
Our South Region Development Manager, Claire, will be sharing powerful and little-known stories from disabled people’s lives, from the 1600s right through to today.
Event poster with vibrant purple, yellow, and orange geometric overlays. Title reads "Breaking the Myths and Finding the Power in Disability History" with subtitle "Free Talk with Claire Andrews | Wednesday 3 December 2025". A protest image shows someone holding a sign reading "Justice Not Charity". Bottom text invites people to "Join us this International Day of Disabled People for a powerful and engaging talk that connects the past, present and future of disability rights." Sponsored by One IT Services & Solutions, whose colorful flower petal logo appears in bottom left corner.
November 19, 2025 at 1:39 PM
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Small act. Big difference.
This Disability History Month, help us get books about disabled lives into schools & community spaces across the North East. Partnership with Drake the bookshop
How to donate 🧵👇
Split-screen duotone image with bold white zigzag border: young wheelchair user reading on left in magenta; wheelchair user browsing bookshelves on right in yellow-green. Vertical text reads 'SHARE DISABILITY STORIES' and 'DONATE A BOOK' with campaign details '16 NOV-16 DEC, DRAKE THE BOOKSHOP' and Difference NE branding. Split-screen duotone: Difference North east at an event launching a book at Drakes the bookshop with white zigzag border. Text bands: DONATE A BOOK, SHARE DISABILITY STORIES. Campaign 16 NOV-16 DEC at DRAKE THE BOOKSHOP. Difference NE logo.
November 4, 2025 at 12:17 PM
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This year’s theme, “Disability, Life and Death”, explores how society values disabled lives, past and present, and celebrates your communities who still fight for justice.
Join Difference North East for events, workshops, and talks across the region.
Protest images both contemporary and historic with 'Piss on Pity' sign visible. Text overlay with raised fist emoji reads: 'The slogan was clear: "Piss on pity." Disabled activists demanded rights & justice, not charity.' Bottom text: 'Do you want to fight for disability rights? Join! Difference NE'
October 31, 2025 at 12:53 PM
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In 1995, disabled activists chained themselves to buses, blocked traffic, and demanded equality. They didn’t wait for permission, and they made history. As we launch Disability History Month 2025 (15 Nov–15 Dec), we remember that history and ask: How far have we come? How far do we still have to go?
Protest images both contemporary and historic with 'Piss on Pity' sign visible. Text overlay with raised fist emoji reads: 'The slogan was clear: "Piss on pity." Disabled activists demanded rights & justice, not charity.' Bottom text: 'Do you want to fight for disability rights? Join! Difference NE'
October 31, 2025 at 12:53 PM
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Everyone deserves equal access to live the life they want. Thirty years ago, the Disability Discrimination Act became law. It changed everything, but it was never enough.
Protest images both contemporary and historic overlaid with 'These Cuts Will Kill' banner. Text overlay reads: '30 Years Since the Disability Discrimination Act. Won through resistance, not goodwill. Join us this Disability History Month as we look back, and plan for the future and for now!' Bottom text: 'Do you want to fight for disability rights? Join! Difference NE'
October 31, 2025 at 12:53 PM
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History isn’t finished. You’re making it every day.

differencenortheast.org.uk/disability-h...

#DisabilityHistoryMonth #DisabilityCulture #DisabledAndProud #DisabilityRights #DifferenceNorthEast #InclusionMatters #DDA30
A collage showing a person holding a protest banner reading “Cuts Will Kill” and “I Am Disabled Not Disposable.” Repeated “Block Telethon” posters fill the background in bright teal, purple, and yellow tones. Overlaid icons and text list: “Theatre. Photography. Zines. Learning.” Followed by: “Join Difference North East from Nov 15 – Dec 20 for a celebration of creativity and history.” Bottom text: “Difference North East. Disability History Month 2025.”
October 20, 2025 at 1:35 PM
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All led by disabled people, for our community & allies.
Join Difference North East from Nov 15 – Dec 20 for a celebration of creativity, activism, and history.
A layered protest collage with slogans including “Block Telethon” and “Justice Not Charity.” Circular date markers show years 1960, 1974, 1999, 2011. Overlaid text reads, “We’re not just looking back. We’re creating, reflecting and taking action.” At the bottom: “Difference North East. Disability History Month 2025” in yellow, teal, and white.
October 20, 2025 at 1:35 PM
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Disability History Month 2025!
30 years since the Disability Discrimination Act!
We’re not just looking back. We’re creating and taking action.

Theatre.
Photography.
Zines.
Learning.
A colourful collage featuring protest imagery and disability rights banners. Text on a white banner reads “Cuts Will Kill” and “I Am Disabled Not Disposable.” Black circular date markers show key years — 1960, 1974, 1987, 1999, 2011. Below, large text reads “🎉 30 years since the Disability Discrimination Act.” At the bottom: “Difference North East. Disability History Month 2025” in yellow, teal, and white.
October 20, 2025 at 1:35 PM
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We’re thrilled to announce that Difference North East has been shortlisted for Social Impact Business of the Year in the Tees Valley Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Awards 2025!
Difference NE logo and Tees Valley EDI awards logo Overlaid text reads Nominated for 2025 award.
October 2, 2025 at 8:24 AM
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The DWP job search system is failing disabled jobseekers, creating systemic barriers to employment. Urgent reforms are needed to build an inclusive and supportive environment.
differencenortheast.org.uk/dwp-job-sear...

#DisabilityRights #InclusiveEmployment
A digital graphic from Difference North East features a quote criticizing the DWP job search system for failing disabled jobseekers. The quote, placed in a purple text box with white and bolded text, states: "In my personal opinion, I don’t think it’s acceptable that in the whole of the UK, there are only 21 remote jobs on the DWP’s own Find a Job service I could be ‘confident’ to apply for as a disabled person. Kendall is right about one thing – the system has become defined by poor experiences and low trust among many people who use it..." The background is a stylized collage with a blue-green tint
March 13, 2025 at 1:32 PM
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Have your say on inclusive water services! 💧♿
Claire is meeting Northumbrian Water on Feb 13 to discuss customer priorities & accessibility—and she wants to hear from YOU!
🔹 Do you have experiences to share?
🔹 Any issues or suggestions Claire should raise?
Graphic image of a glass of water. Overlaid text repeated in the main body
February 11, 2025 at 2:26 PM
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What Do You Need from a Home?
Join us for a vital discussion on **housing & accessibility** 🏠♿
Feb 25 | 6-7 PM | Online (Zoom)
BSL & live captions provided
Let’s talk:
🔹 What makes housing truly accessible?
🔹 Challenges in renting & social housing
🔹 Your experiences & solutions
A promotional graphic for an event by Difference North East. The background features a stylized image of a housing estate split into four vertical sections with purple, yellow, teal, and green tints. Overlay text reads: 'Your Home, Your Needs, Your Voice! Accessible Housing for All. Housing & Accessibility | 25th Feb 2025.' A circular logo in the bottom left corner states 'Members Make The Difference – Difference North East' with illustrations of diverse figures, including one in a wheelchair. In the bottom right corner, text reads: 'Do you want to fight for disability rights? Join!' next to 'Difference NE.
February 11, 2025 at 2:04 PM
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Disabled people are being left behind in climate planning.
🚨 Rising energy costs
🚨 Food insecurity
🚨 Inaccessible transport
🚨 No evacuation plans
Read more about climate and disability.
https://buff.ly/42UqNFf

#ClimateJustice #DisabilityRights #InclusionMatters #Teesside
A stylized, digitally illustrated graphic with a bold, high-contrast color palette of blues, greens, and purples. On the left side, large text in yellow and white reads: "How Climate Change Affects Disabled People: Insights from the Stockton Business Climate Coalition." On the right, an abstract mural-style background features an eye with the Earth in its iris, surrounded by text that says, "Open Your Eyes." A dark vertical banner on the right reads "Difference NE" with a smaller tagline below: "Do you want to fight for disability rights? Join!
February 10, 2025 at 2:45 PM
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🗣 Disabled & excluded? Let’s talk about it!
How Can Life Be Better for Disabled People? "On the Table" Event Recap!
An illustrated digital graphic showing a group of disabled people sitting around a round yellow table outdoors, engaged in discussion. Some are using wheelchairs, while others are seated on chairs. Two speech bubbles contain the text: 'Public Transport: A System That Isn’t Working for Us' and 'Health and Wellness: Spaces That Leave Us Out.' Below the illustration, bold text reads: 'How Can Life Be Better for Disabled People? "On the Table" Event Recap.' A call to action in yellow text says, 'Do you want to fight for disability rights? Join!' The organization's name, 'Difference NE,' is prominently displayed at the bottom.
February 5, 2025 at 9:56 AM
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Sessions:
4 Feb, 6-7pm (disabled people)
5 Feb, 1-2pm (disabled people)
6 Feb, 6-7pm (employment support workers)

#DisabilityRights #WorkingWell
Have Your Say: Join the Discussion on the "Working Well" Scheme Millions of disabled people in the UK are trapped in poverty because they’re unable to work or find accessible jobs. 62% of the 3.8 million people who couldn’t afford essentials like food or heating last year were disabled people. "Working Well" need to be designed directly with disabled people & DDPOs. Session Details: 4th February, 6-7pm: Open to all disabled people. 5th February, 1-2pm: Open to all disabled people. 6th February, 6-7pm*: For professionals supporting people into employment. Participants will receive a £30 voucher as a thank-you for their time.
February 4, 2025 at 10:34 AM
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📢 Have your say on Working Well!

NENC-ICB wants to hear from disabled people & employment support workers about employment support.

💷 £30 voucher for your time
📧 Register: jenny@jharveyresearch.com
Have Your Say: Join the Discussion on the "Working Well" Scheme Millions of disabled people in the UK are trapped in poverty because they’re unable to work or find accessible jobs. 62% of the 3.8 million people who couldn’t afford essentials like food or heating last year were disabled people. "Working Well" need to be designed directly with disabled people & DDPOs. Session Details: 4th February, 6-7pm: Open to all disabled people. 5th February, 1-2pm: Open to all disabled people. 6th February, 6-7pm*: For professionals supporting people into employment. Participants will receive a £30 voucher as a thank-you for their time.
February 4, 2025 at 10:34 AM
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💬 What needs to change to build better systems?
Join us on 28th January 2025 for a powerful discussion on PIP, WCA, and employment barriers. Share your experiences, ideas, and frustrations. Together, we’ll shape campaigns for real change.
A promotional graphic with a gradient overlay of purple and teal. The background features images of people engaged in conversations, with a focus on community and collaboration. Centered text reads: "Building Better Systems Talk PIP, WCA, and Employment Join the Conversation – 28th Jan 2025! Online 6 PM – join from 5:45 PM for an informal chat!" At the bottom, text in yellow says: "Do you want to fight for disability rights? Join!" The logo for Difference NE is displayed prominently in white and teal on the bottom-right corner. This graphic promotes an online event discussing disability rights, benefits, and employment systems.
January 24, 2025 at 1:52 PM
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In our latest blog, we share our response to NEMCA’s plan, highlight personal stories from disabled people in the North East, and outline the changes needed for a more inclusive future.

💬 Read the full response and help us push for change: differencenortheast.org.uk/transportnor...
Decorative background, overlaid text reads ""I can’t explain how many times I’ve had meltdowns because I couldn’t get real-time updates. Accessibility isn’t optional—it’s vital." A Difference North East member responds to the Mayor’s Transport Plan" Decorative background, overlaid text reads ""Active travel schemes must include adapted vehicles. Leaving us out isn’t progress." A Difference North East member responds to the Mayor’s Transport Plan"
January 22, 2025 at 3:05 PM
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The North East Mayoral Combined Authority’s Transport Plan has the potential to rebuild a fairer transport system—but it must address the barriers disabled people face every day.
The North East Mayoral Combined Authority’s Transport Plan has the potential to rebuild a fairer transport system—but it must address the barriers disabled people face every day. In our latest blog, we share our response to NEMCA’s plan, highlight personal stories from disabled people in the North East, and outline the changes needed for a more inclusive future. 💬 Read the full response and help us push for change: https://differencenortheast.org.uk/transportnortheast/ Decorative background, overlaid text reads "Transport systems in the North East must work for everyone. Read our full response to the North East Mayor’s Transport Plan to see how we’re pushing for mobility justice and accessibility:"
January 22, 2025 at 3:05 PM
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Mary Greaves fought for disability rights — now it’s our turn. 💪
Join us online next week for 'Members Make the Difference', tackling PIP, WCA & employment. Let’s continue the fight for justice.
A poster with a purple background featuring an image of Mary Greaves on the right, smiling and wearing a coat and hat. The text reads: 'Building on Mary Greaves’ Legacy: PIP, WCA, & Employment! Mary Greaves fought for disability rights — now it’s our turn. Join us online next week for Members Make the Difference, tackling PIP, WCA & employment. Let’s continue the fight for justice. Tuesday 28th January 6 PM. Sign up as a member of Difference to get the link.' The text is in white and yellow, with emphasis on the event details in bold yellow font
January 20, 2025 at 11:19 AM
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Who Can Attend?
This event is exclusively for members. Not a member yet? Join us today and become part of a supportive network working for a fairer, more accessible future.
A promotional graphic for a Difference North East event. The background features a purple-tinted photo of a protest with a partially visible banner reading "Tory Cuts." Text overlays read: "Difference North East! Member Discussion Evening... Building a Better System? Members Talk PIP, WCA, and Employment. 28th January 2025." A circular logo at the bottom left reads "Members Make the Difference, Difference North East," featuring diverse figures, including a wheelchair user. A sidebar on the right says, "Do you want to fight for disability rights? Join!" At the bottom, a website link is provided: "
January 14, 2025 at 4:33 PM
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What to Expect:
🔥Hear from fellow members about their lived experiences.
🔥Share your thoughts on what works, what doesn’t, and what needs to change.
🔥Contribute to conversations that will help shape the future policy priorities of Difference North East.
A promotional graphic for a Difference North East event. The background features a purple-tinted photo of a protest with a partially visible banner reading "Tory Cuts." Text overlays read: "Difference North East! Member Discussion Evening... Building a Better System? Members Talk PIP, WCA, and Employment. 28th January 2025." A circular logo at the bottom left reads "Members Make the Difference, Difference North East," featuring diverse figures, including a wheelchair user. A sidebar on the right says, "Do you want to fight for disability rights? Join!" At the bottom, a website link is provided: "
January 14, 2025 at 4:33 PM
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Building a Better System? Members Talk PIP, WCA, and Employment. Building Change Together. Join us for an open discussion where your experiences and insights take centre stage. This month, we’re focusing on PIP, Work Capability Assessments WCA,& employment challenges.
A promotional graphic for a Difference North East event. The background features a purple-tinted photo of a protest with a partially visible banner reading "Tory Cuts." Text overlays read: "Difference North East! Member Discussion Evening... Building a Better System? Members Talk PIP, WCA, and Employment. 28th January 2025." A circular logo at the bottom left reads "Members Make the Difference, Difference North East," featuring diverse figures, including a wheelchair user. A sidebar on the right says, "Do you want to fight for disability rights? Join!" At the bottom, a website link is provided: "
January 14, 2025 at 4:33 PM
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This isn’t just history—it’s a call to action. Will you be part of the conversation?

👉 Reserve your spot now: us06web.zoom.us/meeting/regi...

📢 Spread the word! Let’s make a difference together.

#DisabilityRights #MaryGreavesLegacy #DisabilityHistoryMonth
Photo of Mary Greaves, overlay text is repeated in the main body of the post.
December 3, 2024 at 10:34 AM
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🌟 Learn about Mary’s groundbreaking work and its impact on disabled people's lives today.
🌟 Reflect on how societal views on disability have evolved—and what still needs to change.
🌟 Discover how we can honour Mary’s legacy by fighting for a barrier-free world.
Photo of Mary Greaves, overlay text is repeated in the main body of the post.
December 3, 2024 at 10:34 AM