For the last two and a half years, the Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People has been running the Including Young Disabled People project. The project is for young disabled people in any of the boroughs of Greater Manchester, who are between the ages of 16-25.
Project manager Derek Broadbent says the IYDP project promotes a positive image of disability. 'There are enough bad examples in society. It's about recognising that disability is society's problem, and not ours as disabled people'. Disabled people feel that they are disabled by the barriers placed by society, and not by their impairment. This is known as the social model of disability.
The project is about empowering young disabled people, to identify as disabled people and to question society's attitude towards disabled people. The group often run a session called 'Debateable', where current topics are discussed and how they relate to disability issues. Derek continues 'this morning we ran a session where people looked how the issues affected the whole, or maybe they never looked at those issues in that way. In that way, they pick things up from other members of the group'. Derek explains how these debates have often been the basis of an action to take forward, such as consulting with services or campaigning and lobbying. 'That is the process of learning to empowerment'.
Project member Fatema says 'the project has been vey enlightening. I didnt come to the project before because I didnt think it would be my cup of tea. I met one of the workers at meeting and he explained that the project is about the issues we were talking about, so I thought Id come along and see'.
Fatema says she feels that has become more empowered as a disabled person since coming onto the project, and feels that it has opened her eyes to the issues. The project is a place where young disabled have a space to voice their opinions. 'When you come here, you can let your barriers down' continues Fatema.
The project has a further two and a half years funding, so what does Fatema see herself doing throughout the rest of the project? 'I would like to get involved in more activism and do the things we have talked about'.
If you are a young disabled person between the ages of 15-25, live in Greater Manchester, and would like to get involved, contact Derek or Brett on 0161 273 5137 or email bsavage@gmcdp.com