What is a User Led Organisation?
A User Led Organisation (ULO) is one which is run by and controlled by disabled people of all ages. ULOs give people more choice and control over how their support needs are met.
A report produced by the Prime Ministers Strategy Unit Improving the Life Chances of Disabled People r(2005) recommends that each locality should have at least one ULO.
Typically, ULOs provide:
- Information and advice
- Peer support and advocacy
- Support to use a Direct Payment or Personal budget
- Support to recruit and employ personal assistants
- Assistance with self-assessment
- Disability Equality Training
- Support for the implementation of the Equality Duty
As a ULO DAD also responds to the needs of local disabled people and carers, and involves them in designing, delivering and monitoring its services. DAD’s Memorandum and Articles are designed to ensure that disabled people maintain control of DAD. Our membership reflects the same principle.
DAD works to the Social Model of Disability and works to remove barriers caused by Society for people with impairments.