There are several ways of getting a group started. It is important to recognise that at the end of the process, you want a group that is:

• formally recognised by key agencies
• credible with disabled people and disability groups in your area
• committed to training and development of ‘professional’ standards
• established as a formal body (either as a separate organisation or as a sub-group of an existing organisation)

There is no ‘right way’ of running an access group, and the choices made will depend on local needs and circumstances. Some groups operate entirely independently, whilst others are a sub-group of a larger disability organisation. You could get further advice on the most suitable option from your local Council for Voluntary Services.

You need to consider from the start whether your access group will be an organisation ‘of’ or ‘for’ disabled people. Essentially, an ‘of’ organisation has disabled people in control of the organisation (that is, a 51 per cent or more majority). It may not permit non-disabled people to sit on the management committee, for example.

Organisations of disabled people work to the principles of the Social Model of Disability.

For more information on this issue, contact:

• UKDPC in England
• Disability Wales in Wales