Campaigning that works

Last month, we invited members to email their councillors, asking them to install Not Every Disability is Visible signs at toilets in public buildings. 

The good news is that our call out is already making a difference. Nearly 600 people have sent emails to their councillors and we’ve already heard directly from councils who have told us they’d like to get involved.

One of those who contacted her local councillor was member Stephanie Clifton, who tells us: "It was important for me to get involved because there is still a stigma when it comes to hidden disabilities such as Crohn’s and Colitis. As a person with a hidden disability if you attempt to use a disabled toilet you are immediately judged and sometimes challenged.

“It can and is embarrassing to have to explain why you have to use the toilet, as well as taking up precious time that you don't have when trying to get to the toilet. To have visible signage clearly stating Not Every Disability is Visible would hopefully stop some of the stigma and questions."

Several councils around the country have recently resolved to get on board with the Not Every Disability is Visible campaign.

Councillor Suzy Cornwell, representing Holmewood and Heath, was heavily involved in ensuring that her council, North East Derbyshire, committed to displaying our signs and asked local retail and leisure outlets to do the same.

The council will also be consulting with our charity to ensure that staff have training on invisible disabilities and the toilet signage.

Thank you for taking part in this important campaign.