About DR UK

1. About DR UK • National charity • ‘Disabled people leading change’ • Formed in 2012 through merger of Radar, Disability Alliance and NCIL • Majority of trustees, staff and volunteers with lived experience of disability • Charitable objectives include • breaking link between disability and poverty • enabling disabled people to achieve independence and control

2. Core work • Information, advice, policy and campaigning services to disabled people and member organisations • All information and advice designed by and for disabled people • Website reaches 1.5 million people each year • Extensive engagement through social media

3. Projects • Working with employers to promote career development opportunities for disabled people • Leadership Academy for disabled people already in employment and keen to progress in their careers • ‘I Can Make It’campaign to open up employment opportunities for young disabled people

4. Information and advice • Student helpline 0800 328 5050 students@disabilityrightsuk.org • Education factsheets including: • Funding further education • Funding higher education • Applying for Disabled Students’ Allowances • Telling people you’re disabled – guide for students • Understanding the equality act: information for disabled students

5. Publications

6. Website • Under development • Good practice resources for education providers in FE • Focusing on transition to internships and paid employment • Includes video and key learning points

7. Interest in apprenticeships • Support the government’s commitment to creating three million new apprenticeships by 2020 • Believe this provides a unique opportunity to help meet another commitment – that of halving the disability employment gap • Wish therefore to raise awareness and understanding of ways to make apprenticeships inclusive