About DCDP
The Derbyshire Coalition of Disabled People was the first organisation of its kind to emerge in Britain. It was set up in 1981 International Year of Disabled People (IYDP), and the same year as formation of the British Council of Organisations of Disabled People and Disabled People's International.
The IYDP slogan Full participation and Equality was made the theme of a Derbyshire IYDP Conference in February 1981. The conference formed a Steering Committee with a brief to:
- form a democratic, representative body,
- serve all people with physical, sensory and mental impairments,
- support/encourage the self-help and activity of disabled people,
- seek the fullest possible involvement of non-disabled supporters,
- work from the basis of direct experience of disability,
- secure services for independent and integrated living,
- ensure disabled people have control in matters which concern them.
County Council funding was agreed; an accessible office was found in Clay Cross (in the former headquarters of the rebel Clay Cross councillors); the Coalition's Inaugural Meeting was held on 12th December 1981; and a Co-ordinator and Clerical Assistant were appointed. At the same time, the County Council issued a 'Statement of Intent' in relation to active involvement of disabled people, barrier free environments, integrated independent living arrangements, transport, education, and support for information, advocacy and counselling services.
In this way the Coalition was established at the cutting edge of a very broad programme of change. Early meetings of the new DCDP Council soon reflected this wide scope. They explored both the different and shared experiences of people with all kinds of impairment. They were an intense focus for personal growth, development of organisational skills, and awareness of disability politics. DCDP soon equipped itself for a sustained task of campaigning, education, and practical support, putting into practice the new social understanding of disability developed by bodies like the Union of Physically Impaired Against Segregation and the Liberation Network of People with Disabilities.
DCDP also developed its links with the wider Disabled People's Movement, and carried forward a local debate on Centres for Independent Living (CILs) a completely new approach to the way services would be designed, delivered and controlled.
Source materials:
- A 1984 Channel 4 documentary, 'Statement of Intent', is available on loan.
- A 1993 publication, 'Ten Turbulent Years', is priced £5 (limited stocks).
Now read about the Derbyshire Centre for Integrated Living (the old DCIL)