RDN Chair's Blog
Andrew Moult
Andrew Moult began his career in HM Forces. A member of the Royal Engineers from 1975 -
1984, Andrew was medically discharged when he became a Disabled person. Unsure of where to go after being discharged, Andrew decided to become a vehicle and HGV mechanic. After training for his new career, he had to give it up due to barriers. Andrew then went through what he calls a 'very traumatic time' during which he suffered from life-threatening illnesses. Having enrolled at college to re-train in IT and Business Administration, Andrew set up his first support group for Disabled students at the college. The group successfully campaigned to make the college accessible to Disabled people and changes were made to the college in line with best practice.
Following this experience, Andrew was offered further employment with small organisations in Walsall who supported Disabled people with physical impairments and mental health problems. In 2000, he started to develop Walsall Disability Forum which now boasts nearly 80 member organisations and develops best-practice services such as the adapted housing service and the disability access support service.
Andrew's experiences working with the statutory and private sector, as well as the voluntary sector have brought him to realise that it is not always about 'throwing bricks'. He says "It's about giving a voice to Disabled people and taking that voice to a higher place where it can influence and make changes. Disabled people deserve the right to lead an equal and quality life and have access to the same opportunities as non-Disabled people".
Click on the titles to read the blogs.
Keep your stength up and your voices in tune as the RDN continues to give a voice to Disabled people that will hopefully bring success and achievement to the movement.
Posted: 30/08/2011
There are more and more changes taking place around care for service users. One of these is fairer charging. The Third sector is vital to supporting and empowering service users.
Posted: 21/02/2011
With the cuts well on the way and systems being reviewed, Disabled people are in for a rocky ride. It is time for DPO's to look deeply into opportunities that occur and to pursue local authorities to work more smartly with the voluntary sector.
Posted: 13/12/2010
How can DPO's make the most of the spending review?
Posted: 28/10/2010
Savings need to be made to cover the deficit. Will DLA be affected?
Posted: 23/09/2010
We know cuts are coming. It's time for us to get our message across that Disabled people are being affected in very real ways.
Posted: 25/08/2010
Chair of the RDN Gary Aitken's first blog. Gary shares his vision for the RDN and invites you to share your views.
Posted: 30/06/2010