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.
- Public toilets consultation by Teignbridge district Council. A chance to share your views on the recent consultation discussing Public Toilets in Teignbridge. The survey is open until the 23rd December 2024.
- Public consultation by Devon County Council – Devon and Torbay Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4) A public consultation has been launched on the Devon and Torbay Local Transport Plan 4 (LTP4).
The plan sets out the transport priorities across the county between 2025 and 2040. The deadline for feedback to the online questionnaire is 11:59pm on Saturday 30 November. There are also two online webinars for stakeholders as part of the consultation:- You can sign up for online webinars via the following links: Tuesday 8 October 4-5pm or Monday 18 November 4-5pm - Public Consultation by Devon County Council – Devon Countywide Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) A chance to share your views on the draft Devon Countywide Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP). The consultation will run from Tuesday 1 October 2024 to Saturday 30 November 2024.
- Torbay Autism Strategy Survey – Torbay Council are working with the Autism Partnership Board to develop a Torbay Autism Strategy. They are looking for views about autism in Torbay, If you have experience or knowledge of autism, your input could help towards shaping the strategy. Closes Thursday 28 November
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.”