Devon Disability Voice (DDV)
Enabling disabled and Deaf people to campaign and be involved in developing the support services they need.
Devon Disability Voice (DDV) is a group of volunteer members who meet regularly to raise awareness, share information, and influence change on issues affecting disabled people.
Hosted and co-ordinated by Living Options Devon, the engagement group is led by, and for disabled people, from across Devon. It enables people with disabilities to campaign and be involved in developing support services they need.
Raising awareness and influencing change
- Co-production is key for us, we work alongside our DDV volunteers to identify emerging themes, respond and raise awareness
- Together we identify priorities to help us to develop user-led services
- The group share and educate others on disability and / or accessibility matters
- We continue to emphasise the need for consultation when it matters and not as an afterthought.
Get involved – share your voice
The DDV aims to be a representative group. Whether that be a physical impairment, Deaf, neurodivergent, someone experiencing a mental health or long-term health condition – each voice is a valued voice. Each person brings their own expertise by experience.
We support members of the DDV and people to take part in surveys, meetings, and focus groups on health and social care related topics. Information about these opportunities is published on our website as part of our Devon Engagement Service.
What’s being discussed?
DDV meetings are held quarterly with meeting minutes available on request. Some of our latest discussions have included:
- Equality Act 2010 – how to understand your rights as a disabled person
- The impact of shared pathways
- The impact of street furniture
- Travelling with confidence on public transport
- Eligibility for Disability bus passes
Have your say!
Here you will find current consultations or research projects running locally or nationally which you may like to participate in.
- Exeter Age UK: Enhancing opportunities for older people in the City of Exeter. An engagement event which is a joint venture between Age UK Exeter and the Royal Society of Arts. They want to hear the over 50s views on involvement and resources in the city of Exeter. On the day, there will be presentations from expert speakers. The event is held at Sycamores, Mount pleasant road, EX4 7AE on Wednesday 26th February 2025, from 1pm-4:30pm. Snacks will be provided.
What DDV volunteers value about being involved…
“Great way to meet and share our lived experiences, as a person with a disability.”
“Being able to contribute to improving lives for disabled people in Devon.”
“Learning about other experiences and improving my knowledge.”
“The idea that we can together effect change.”
“I find out things to share with my network.”
“Getting support to try and change for better outcomes on various disability issues.”