Our values
Strength in difference
- As human beings we are all different – and all fundamentally equal[1], with human rights that must be upheld
- A good society relies on human difference – for new ideas, problem-solving and innovation
- Disabled people bring experience and skills that strengthen our communities:
- the resilience some disabled people develop, when shared, can help people more widely handle challenge and unexpected change
- naming discrimination can be a spur to greater equality[2]
Sharing Power
- All disabled people should be able to gain control over their own lives, take initiative, share their wisdoms and talents and participate fully in society
- Equalisation of power, voice, resources and support between non-disabled and disabled people[3] will enable this participation
- Disabled people should be in the lead in everything DR UK does, including sharing knowledge, advice and experience
Connecting
- It is important to foster mutual relationships: everyone has a lot to give
- By bringing people together who share the same goals - right across the spectrum of experiences of disability[4], other human difference[5] and sectors – we can jointly achieve greater change
- It is crucial to show solidarity through mutual support and respect
Innovating
- It is vital as ‘disabled people leading change’ to be the change we want to see
- It is important to seize future opportunities and shape new developments
- Enabling disabled people to be ahead of future changes and emerging issues will support equal participation for all
[1] We all share fundamental human rights and should be equally valued independently from any achievements or contribution
[2] Discrimination can be blatant – or based on lack of awareness
[3] And also between disabled people with different experiences: for instance, different impairments, different backgrounds, different socio-economic status
[4] From neuro-diversity to sensory impairment, from mental health issues to learning difficulties, from long-term health conditions to physical impairments
[5] For instance, people of all communities, backgrounds and regions