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.
Ashley
She/her
Chair
“I’ve been an advocate for disabled people and improved accessibility in the heritage industry for several years now, both academically and professionally, but I always felt I could do more.
I joined the Steering Group to bring my experience as someone with a chronic illness and hidden disability, and also represent YDRF in other settings to increase awareness of the barriers that disabled people face.”
Helen
She/her
Co-Chair
“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.”
Marilyn
She/her
Secretary
“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.”
Tash
She/her
Treasurer
“Although I have been working within the disability sector in a variety of roles for nearly ten years, it was following birth trauma that I became disabled myself. It is one thing to know and recognise the multitudes of barriers facing disabled people, and another to feel them firsthand.
I joined the Steering Group because their values around equity, intersectionality and combating systemic prejudice aligned with my own.”
Elki
She/her
Communications
“I’ve worked in communications for many years and have a particular interest in inclusive and accessible communication. I was part of the Steering Group when we launched the Forum and, after taking a step back for a few years, was delighted to return. Everyone in the Steering Group is fantastic, and I was really pleased to be invited back!
The thing that drew me to YDRF is that it represents disabled people in all their diversity. While our experiences may differ, there is so much we share, and it’s a privilege to be part of that community.
One of my favourite parts of being involved is finding new ways to communicate with our community and showing that inclusive communication doesn’t mean compromising on quality or impact. I’m constantly learning about different communication needs and enjoy the challenge of making our communications as accessible and inclusive as possible. I also believe strongly in the power of accessible communication and flexible ways of working to help include and empower disabled people.”
Other steering group members include (biographies coming soon!):
- Hilary
- Jane
- Abi
- Amanda
In Memorium
Eleanor
“When York: Human Rights City Network 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.”
Eleanor was a founding member of York Disability Rights Forum and remained on our steering group until her passing in late 2025. She’s been an important part of the Forum and her wider involvement in the area of disability rights has been great. Her knowledge, wisdom and humanity will be sorely missed. One of our members captured our thoughts so well when she said: ‘Eleanor was a very intelligent and dignified woman who cared very deeply for a wide range of people and has done so much good for YDRF and making it into what it is today’.