
Hello! We’re the Steering Group.
We manage the logistics behind the scenes which keep the Forum running.
We are a small group with different skills, experiences and knowledge.

Helen (She/Her)
“I felt it was important to get involved with YDRF and ensure that the disability community in York gets heard. I have lived in York for over 15 years, and during that time have studied and worked in the city. I am a firm believer that many of the issues affecting disabled people are systemic and come not only from a lack of awareness but also disability not being prominent in the minds of decision makers.”
Helen’s latest blog posts:

Marije (She/Her)
“I am a strong believer in “Nothing About Us Without Us” to ensure deaf and disabled people have full and equal enjoyment of human rights.
In 2019 I got a British Empire Medal for services to education and in particular for strengthening disabled people’s rights and giving disabled people a voice in decision-making.
Through the York Disability Rights Forum I want to continue my contribution to making York a great place to live, study, work and visit for all.”

Lydia
“I’m involved because I want to make a difference, help people be aware of what’s going on, and help in some way, even if it’s a small way”
Lydia’s latest blog posts:

Eleanor
“When York: Human Rights City came to talk to MySight York about the Forum I realised that this was something that could become important and that it would be good for MySight to be involved from the beginning, so I put myself forward.”

Marilyn
“I am honoured to be on the Steering Group as an ally, and also as the link person with York: Human Rights City Network. Having worked as a social worker, and a social work lecturer, I am passionate about dismantling barriers (physical and attitudinal) and making an inclusive society that means we all benefit.”

Hazel (They/Them)
“After having being an active member of YorkEndingStigma for a while, using my lived experience to try to enact changes to social perceptions of mental illness, I was looking to branch out into other areas along side this work.
I was told about YDRF and, after a bit of a poke about on the website, just knew it was something I wanted to be involved with.”