Our campaign encourages everyone to listen to disabled people and ask them what they want or need, instead of making assumptions.
Developed in partnership with disabled people. Read more about some of their experiences, and learn about what they want and need from you.
Ash
“Would you call someone able bodied ‘inspiring’ for just going about their business? Inspirational is a lazy compliment. I’m just a stand up guy who sits down.
I use my disadvantage to my advantage every day. Where my legs don’t work, my mind does. “
![Image of a man called Ashley, sitting on a wheelchair. Ashley is wearing a t-shirt that says ‘Don’t push it, unless I ask you to.’](https://askdontassume.campaign.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/168/2023/09/Ash.jpg)
Cat
“I don’t want to relive my trauma every day for total strangers. It’s not that I mind sharing my story. I just want to be able to choose the context.
I do work as a motivational speaker. If you want to hear my story, you’ll have to pay!”
![Image of a woman called Cat, wearing a t-shirt saying ‘One of a kind. Ask about me, not my scars.”](https://askdontassume.campaign.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/168/2023/09/Cat.jpg)
Claire
“My social media is about debunking stereotypes. People say ‘you’re not blind because you are looking at the camera.’
There is an element of ignorance out there. But there are also a lot of people who are actually hoping to learn.”
![Image of a visually impaired woman called Claire, holding a cane. Claire is wearing a t-shirt that says ‘Can’t touch this - ask before guiding me.’](https://askdontassume.campaign.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/168/2023/09/Claire.jpg)
![Dark grey portrait graphic with the HM Government logo and “Developed in partnership with disabled people” at the top. A quote from Niall reads: “People say to ‘be kind’ but we need practical help. Being aware of what autistic people need, asking open questions and listening to their specific needs, that’s being kind”. At the bottom of the graphic it reads: “Disability. Together we can do better. #AskDontAssume”](https://askdontassume.campaign.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/168/2023/10/ADA-quotecards-2.png)
![Dark grey portrait graphic with the HM Government logo and “Developed in partnership with disabled people” at the top. A quote from Alisha reads: “I want the world to treat me equally. To see I am a person with dreams and aspirations and desires”. At the bottom of the graphic it reads: “Disability. Together we can do better. #AskDontAssume”](https://askdontassume.campaign.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/168/2023/10/1.png)
![Dark grey portrait graphic with the HM Government logo and “Developed in partnership with disabled people” at the top. A quote from Ian reads: “My blindness makes me a unique photographer. My eyesight is just 5% remaining, a tiny central circle of tunnel vision, but I still see things others don’t”. At the bottom of the graphic it reads: “Disability. Together we can do better. #AskDontAssume”](https://askdontassume.campaign.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/168/2023/10/9.png)
![Dark grey portrait graphic with the HM Government logo and “Developed in partnership with disabled people” at the top. A quote from Will reads: “People assume I want help, but I just want to be independent”. At the bottom of the graphic it reads: “Disability. Together we can do better. #AskDontAssume”](https://askdontassume.campaign.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/168/2023/10/6.png)
![Dark grey portrait graphic with the HM Government logo and “Developed in partnership with disabled people” at the top. A quote from Melanie reads: “My needs can change day to day. It helps me to know the offer of help is still there, even if I’ve said no before”. At the bottom of the graphic it reads: “Disability. Together we can do better. #AskDontAssume”](https://askdontassume.campaign.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/168/2023/10/4.png)
![Dark grey portrait graphic with the HM Government logo and “Developed in partnership with disabled people” at the top. A quote from Chloe reads: “Disability isn’t something to pity. There is nothing 'wrong' with me and there are so many interesting things about me beyond what you first see”. At the bottom of the graphic it reads: “Disability. Together we can do better. #AskDontAssume”](https://askdontassume.campaign.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/168/2023/10/10.png)
![Dark grey portrait graphic with the HM Government logo and “Developed in partnership with disabled people” at the top. A quote from Justin reads: “I am simply myself - a person who is thoughtful, considerate, and kind-hearted. Contrary to popular belief, my interpersonal skills are not lacking”. At the bottom of the graphic it reads: “Disability. Together we can do better. #AskDontAssume”](https://askdontassume.campaign.gov.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/168/2023/10/8.png)