International Day of Disabled People

The International Day of Disabled People (International Day of Persons with Disabilities), on 3 December, is an opportunity to promote the rights and well-being of people with disabilities and raise awareness of people’s contributions to all aspects of political, social, economic and cultural life.

Family Fund trustee, Marguerite, shares how her lived experience of disability shapes her work with us:

“It was never my goal to become a trustee for a charity, but the work the charity was doing, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, was remarkable and inspiring. My desire to positively impact the lives of disabled individuals and their families motivated my decision to join. Family Fund’s mission to provide financial and emotional support aligns with my values and commitment to meaningful change for marginalised communities in society.

“Having been a teenage mother and a single parent to a disabled child (undiagnosed at the time), I found it challenging to access support without facing judgment.”

“This experience fuels my strong advocacy for people to bring their lived experiences into decision-making spaces. Ensuring they can shape the policies and actions that impact them. Having lived through similar challenges as some of the families that Family Fund supports, I offer a genuine perspective on families’ struggles. Including accessing resources, understanding educational needs, or navigating support systems.

“My background in advocacy, combined with personal insights and experience in the disability space, has prepared me to make thoughtful, well-rounded decisions as a trustee. This combination enables me to approach issues from both strategic and empathetic perspectives.

“As a disabled Black woman, I bring a vital, authentic perspective to the board, contributing to decision-making. Disabled people’s voices are essential for creating policies that genuinely address the needs of disabled communities. I bring an invaluable perspective rooted in lived experiences, which resonates with the individuals and families we support. My advocacy is naturally enriched by a personal understanding of the barriers our families encounter.

“My experiences bring a different lens to discussions, emphasising practical and effective solutions. This perspective is crucial in shaping policies prioritising accessibility, resource availability, and empathy, ensuring that decisions reflect real-world challenges.

“One of the most rewarding aspects of being a trustee is the satisfaction of knowing my work contributes meaningful change. Engaging with diverse perspectives and continually learning from other trustees and families enriches my role. While making a difference and providing a deep sense of purpose.

“Being a trustee allows you to bring about change, share your experiences, and help shape a more inclusive future. Don’t avoid using your unique perspective—it’s precisely what organisations need to serve their communities better. You need to demonstrate that you can be empathetic, resilient, a critical thinker and open to learning.”