The real impact of...

The real impact of DDPO-led services: what I learned at Inclusion Barnet

Journalism student, Michael O’Connell, shines a light on the difference DDPO-run services make to the local community

When I started my work experience placement at Inclusion Barnet, I already had an idea of what a Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation (DDPO) was and how it linked to their mission to create more inclusive services and communities.

As my placement progressed, I saw more clearly why DDPOs matter. The lived expertise of the staff and volunteers shapes how they design and run community services that work for everyone. And two brilliant examples of this are the local libraries run by Inclusion Barnet.

As a journalism student, I wanted to find out how Inclusion Barnet’s mission translates into everyday community life, so I spoke with Nick Black, Libraries Manager for New Barnet and South Friern libraries for the past nine years.

When I asked how his libraries might differ from a ‘typical’ library, his answer was revealing: they shouldn’t. A new visitor will see the same books, shelves and desks — the difference is who is working there.

Inclusion Barnet actively recruits volunteers from many backgrounds, including Disabled people and those with long-term conditions.

Practical ways the libraries improve access

The libraries improve access in a number of practical ways.

In December, Nick launched permanent dyslexia-friendly book displays in both libraries. The team placed the books prominently at the front, and Nick says they “fly off the shelves”, with visitors expressing how easy they are to find. The libraries also have large-print and audio-book sections.

Staff and volunteers use their expertise to rethink things like counter height, noise levels and layout. They feel real ownership of their work, and that shows in the atmosphere.

By normalising differences rather than hiding them, Inclusion Barnet makes sure visitors can “see themselves reflected behind the counter.”

A community anchor

With the cost of living rising – and hitting Disabled people particularly hard – libraries have become essential community anchors where everyone can feel safe, welcome and connected. Nick describes them as a “secular church,” open to everyone, where you don’t need to spend anything to simply be.

Both libraries are part of Barnet’s Warm Spaces initiative, offering a free, welcoming place to sit, connect and have a hot drink. Resources like carbon monoxide meters and slow cookers can be borrowed for free. And activities — from Rhyme Time to writing groups — help bring people together.

The challenges Disabled people face often overlap with those faced by refugees and asylum seekers. And Inclusion Barnet’s lived-experience approach makes its libraries more welcoming to people who may feel excluded elsewhere.

Soon, the team will launch a Conversation Café to support people learning English, helping newcomers build confidence and community.

How volunteers enrich the service

When I asked Nick about his proudest achievement in nine years, he immediately pointed to the hundreds of volunteers he has supported.

He celebrated both the work they do and the impact that DDPOs like Inclusion Barnet can have as employers: “We’re a really good springboard for people’s confidence.” One volunteer arrived feeling very unconfident after years out of work; they now manage a local charity shop.

Inclusion Barnet flexes roles to meet volunteers’ needs, so most come in for half-day shifts. “They’re here because they want to be”, Nick says — creating a friendly, affirming atmosphere where everyone belongs.

The bigger picture: What DDPO-run services can do for society

Seeing Nick’s enthusiasm showed me the broader potential of DDPO-run services.

The New Barnet and South Friern libraries demonstrate how Disabled people’s insight creates services that are more welcoming and accessible from the outset.

But the majority of government contracts go to the major disability charities, none of which are led by Disabled people. In statistics, that means 97.3% of disability funding bypasses organisations run by and for Disabled people.

When services are shaped by people with lived experience – people who understand what genuine accessibility and community support looks like and embed empathy, flexibility and thoughtful design – the whole community benefits.

If Inclusion Barnet can transform two small libraries, imagine what more DDPO-run services could do for society.