Action on Disability

A Disabled People’s Organisation (DPO) led by disabled people, for disabled people, this organisation works to ensure that disabled people have independence, choice and control over their own lives.

Established in 1979 as Hammersmith and Fulham Action on Disability (HAFAD), the organisation was started by disabled residents campaigning for access to swimming pools and public toilets, and in over 40 years they have achieved strong growth, offering services across West London, including:  

  • Youth Service 
  • Welfare & Benefits 
  • Direct Payments 
  • Supported Internship & Employment 
  • Peer Support/Our Place Project 
  • Disability Equality Training & Co Production 
  • We follow the Social Model of Disability, which recognises that people are disabled by barriers in society, not their impairments. We view disability as a social construct and for the lives of disabled people to improve that construct must change. Therefore, we are committed to the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN CRPD). 

Mission 

Hammersmith and Fulham Action on Disability’s mission is to influence local and national policy by promoting the rights of Disabled People, deliver high quality, professional, inclusive and accessible activities which promote independence for disabled people, and to increase disabled people’s knowledge and confidence about their rights, enabling them to access better opportunities and make well-informed choices. 

  • Be part of and promote an inclusive society free from disabling barriers where all individuals are equal. 
  • The incorporation of and respect for diverse cultures and people is essential to achieving a sustainable service. 
  • Alleviating poverty in the pursuit of equity is an important part of creating a fairer society. 
  • Working with disabled people, Deaf and Disabled Peoples’ Organisations, families and communities around Greater London because they believe “we are stronger together”.