Become a member
Real life. Real voices. Disability Equality in action.
Our vision at BDEF is a Bristol where Disabled people are heard, valued and connected, with the independence, choice and control to shape our lives and lead change in our communities.
Joining BDEF is free and easy. We are a growing community of Disabled people, allies and organisations working together to create a more inclusive Bristol.
Together, we can challenge barriers, celebrate our strengths and create a city that works for all Disabled people.
Join today. Shape Disability equality in Bristol tomorrow.
Join BDEF for free with the short form below!
We look forward to having you be a part of BDEF’s growing community where Disabled people are heard, valued and connected.
Alternative sign-up method
If you'd prefer, you can also sign-up by calling or emailing us.
Types of memberships
Full membership (Disabled people)
Open to any adult who:
- Self-identifies as Disabled
- Lives, works or studies in Bristol
This gives you full voting rights.
Ally membership (non-disabled supporter)
Any non-Disabled adult who recognises their role in supporting the rights and inclusion of Disabled people in Bristol and are part of the wider network of change.
What do we mean by 'Disabled person'?
BDEF uses the Social Model in defining a ‘Disabled person’ as a someone who has an impairment or condition and experiences barriers in society barriers in society related to this.
This includes:
- d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing people
- people with a visual impairment
- people with a physical impairment
- people with learning difficulties
- neurodivergent people
- those who are chronically ill
- people who have experienced mental health conditions
- people who may not consider themselves a Disabled person but who have a condition, impairment or are neurodivergent and experience the same structural inequity and barriers as those who do identify as Disabled people.
Social Model of Disability
At BDEF (Bristol Disability Equality Forum), we champion the Social Model of Disability.
Traditionally, most people understand Disability to be part of the Medical Model where Disability is seen as a problem caused by a person's body or condition and so the language around it is created through the medical system.
The Social Model, created by Disabled people for Disabled people, sees Disability created by inaccessible environments, attitudes, and systems that exclude people. It's society that needs to change - not Disabled People.
At BDEF, we focus on the barriers that Disabled people face such as buildings with no lifts, information with no alternative formats (BSL, Makaton, Language) and discrimination or negative assumptions among other things.
The Social Model of Disability recognises that Disabled People are disabled by barriers in society— not by our impairments, conditions or neurodivergence.
Monthly newsletter
You can also sign up to receive our monthly newsletter which highlights work that BDEF is doing, community events and news and opportunities coming up for Disabled people and allies in Bristol.