We all deserve to live free from discrimination, poverty and exclusion. However, many Deaf and Disabled people experience structural inequalities that impact our ability to live independently and have choice and control over our lives. Our organisation works hard to remove barriers and create more inclusive and equitable communities.

 

Our Vision: A society where Disabled people can live as full and equal citizens in all aspects of life and lead systemic change. 

Our Mission: Disabled people in Merton face marginalisation and disadvantage. We navigate barriers and work to create a borough that is truly inclusive. 

 

Merton CIL - Run and controlled by Deaf and Disabled people for Deaf and Disabled people Illustration

We work within the social model of disability and an independence charter, co-designed with Disabled people. We believe that society creates barriers that disable people with impairments. 

 

We provide a holistic service, with all work feeding into our three overarching/strategic aims:

  1. To promote the independence and inclusion of Deaf and Disabled people in Merton.
  2. Challenge discrimination faced by Deaf and Disabled people.
  3. Deaf and Disabled people in Merton achieve change locally.

 

You can read more about the work and services feeding into these three aims here. 

 

We work with and support Disabled adults (18+) living in Merton. We work with Disabled people across the full spectrum of disability.

 

What is a Deaf and Disabled Peoples Organisation (DDPO)? A DDPO is a user-led organisation where over 50% of staff and 75% of trustees are Deaf or Disabled people. 

 

What do we mean when we say ‘Disabled’? - We use the term ‘Disabled people’ to mean all people living with an impairment or health condition. This includes:

  • People with physical impairments
  • People who experience mental distress/mental health issues
  • Deaf People
  • Hearing impaired People
  • Blind, partially sighted or vision impaired People
  • People with learning disabilities
  • People with long-term health conditions
  • Neurodivergent People
  • People with invisible impairments

We recognise and respect that some of the people mentioned above do not think of themselves as Disabled but we believe the groups above can face disabling barriers in society.

 

Merton CIL Business Plan and Easy Read Constitution

You can read our Business Plan here. 

You can also read our Easy Read Constitution here.