Keep up to date with the latest news and contributions from Forum members!

The Forum is made up of a wide range of people with different disabilities and experiences and we want our blog to reflect that. As such, you might hear from someone with a visual impairment in one post and someone with epilepsy in another.

If you have an idea for a blog post, get in touch! See our blog submission guidelines for more information.

Two hands typing on a laptop keyboard

Dropped kerb policy consultation

We know dropped kerbs are a big issue and now is your chance to have a say on the issue. City of York Council are currently consulting on the process involved in applying for vehicle crossings which by…
A sticker which reads 'I've had my covid vaccination' held out between a finger and thumb

Getting a COVID-19 Vaccination in York

Here is some information on getting a COVID-19 vaccination in York that might be useful for anyone feeling anxious or apprehensive about the process. Information is based on some individual experiences of people in York who have received…
The York ME Community logo

Meet: The York ME Community

In this post we talk to Bill Clayton to find out about The York ME Community and his views and experiences of life with ME. Bill is a member of the Forum Steering Group and is a vital…
Disabled is spelt out in letter tiles

What should I call you…?

People worry about using the wrong language or accidentally insulting someone by using the wrong terminology.  Whilst it’s obviously important to treat people with respect, it’s also ok to get it wrong now and then.  So long as…
Eleanor stands in front of a hedge, smiling. There is a lawn with trees in the background and some houses in the distance.

Meet: Eleanor and MySight York

In this post we talk to Eleanor to find out a bit more about her and her time with MySight York. She is a member of the Forum Steering Group and brings some valuable perspectives and experiences to…
A person holding out a gift box wrapped in brown paper with a candy cane pattern on it

Give Your Old Devices a New Home This Christmas

If you’re getting a new device or bit of tech to replace last year’s stuff then why not donate it to York’s IT Reuse Scheme and give it a new lease of life, along with the opportunity for…
A man and a woman embrace in the snow. The woman sits in a wheelchair and smiles at the camera. The man crouches beside her, looking at her and smiling.

Wait a Minute… a Wheelchair-Christmas-Rom-Com-Mashup?

Yesterday I watched the festive rom-com ‘Christmas Ever After’. Admittedly, I’m not a fan of romance films, not a fan of Christmas and certainly not a fan of the combination of the two! However, I had heard that…
Someone smiling and raising their arms joyfully. Coloured glitter is falling on them from above.

Our Highlights from York Disability Week 2020!

This was our first time joining in with York Disability Week, and we’re so happy we did! There were lots of fantastic events available throughout the week, giving everyone in York the chance to come together to learn…
The word 'hello' in a speech bubble

Our first public meeting!

We held our first public meeting on 3rd December, also known as the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities! It was also part of York Disability Week which included some other great events. At the meeting, we…
Illustration of someone sat in a wheelchair with a flexed arm and holding up a sign that reads 'Nothing About Us Without Us'

The War on Disabled People

As part of York Disability Week, Helen met with Ellen Clifford, author of the incredible book, The War on Disabled People. Ellen began the event with an introduction to herself and the book, and read a small section…
Text reading 'job vacancy'

Job Vacancy – Applications Closed

An exciting job opportunity for someone passionate about disability rights in York is open for applications now. The position is for a coordinator with York Human Rights City Network in their disability programme. This is an exciting opportunity…
Speech bubble with the word ableism inside

What is ableism and why does it matter?

What is ableism? “In its most boiled-down, squished together, simplified form, ableism is the process of favoring, fetishizing, and building the world around a mostly imagined, idealized body while discriminating against those bodies perceived to move, see, hear,…
The word 'info' written in chalk

Finding Covid 19 Support

England is once again facing lockdown, and we know, from our own experiences and our recent annual survey, that restrictions are hard on people’s physical and mental health. We expect this is going to be worse given it’s…
A Blue Badge clock dial

Update – Blue Badge Parking

Over the summer, changes were made to Blue Badge parking in the city centre as a result of Covid 19 and the need for social distancing. At the time, we received numerous emails from people in York and…
York Minster on a sunny day

Website Launch

After lots of hard work tinkering with words, pictures and html, we’re really excited to announce the launch of our new website! We have a lovely new home on the web and hope that you find our content…

Blue Badge Parking

As shops and cafes were allowed to reopen, following forced closures due to coronavirus, social distancing measures were needed in York city centre. In order for people to stay the required distance apart, City of York Council made…

Being a disabled person in Britain today

In 2017, the United Nations declared that the conditions for disabled people in Britain were tantamount to a ‘human catastrophe’ and things haven’t got better since. In this post, I want to give a brief overview of what…

YDRF in the media!

York Disability Rights Forum have been in local and national media regarding the changes to Blue Badge parking in the city centre.

Past Blog Posts