About us
Disabled Living is a national charity, established in 1897, that gives impartial information and advice on equipment and services to disabled people, their families, carers and the professionals who support them. Through our four services (Adapt & Live, Bladder & Bowel UK, Kidz to Adultz and Redbank House), we respond quickly to people’s changing needs and help them live more independently.
In this section
Who we are
Disabled Living is a national charity, founded in 1897. Today we run four services, each of which grew out of what people told us they needed.
Adapt & Live helps people stay independent at home. Its helpline provides practical advice on equipment and adaptations, its occupational therapists carry out assessments, and its accredited courses range from Trusted Assessor Level 3 to RoSPA Level 2 Award in Proportionate Handling.
Bladder & Bowel UK addresses problems that are very common but rarely talked about. Specialist nurses and product experts run a free, confidential helpline; the team trains healthcare professionals, runs our national symposia and the Just Can’t Wait card scheme, which helps people access a toilet when they need one. Their message is simple: incontinence isn’t something you just have to live with.
Kidz to Adultz holds free exhibitions around the UK for children and young people with disabilities and additional needs. Families can try out equipment, meet suppliers and talk to professionals, all under one roof. Occupational therapists, physiotherapists, teachers and social workers come along too for free CPD-accredited seminars.
Redbank House in Cheetham Hill, Manchester, has meeting and training rooms for up to 40 people, office space and two fully equipped sensory rooms. Every booking helps fund the rest of the charity’s work.
During 2024/25, we trained 600+ healthcare professionals face-to-face and 2,000+ online, answered 10,500 enquiries for Bladder & Bowel UK, welcomed more than 9,200 visitors to the Kidz to Adultz exhibitions and supported 2,500 people in our sensory rooms.
Together, the four services share one aim: helping people lead independent and full lives.
Our Vision
To support healthier communities and personal independence through vital advice and information, and through innovation.
Our mission
We will listen to what people need and embrace opportunity, to find solutions. We will continually invest in people to make a real difference.
Our values
People first:
Create a safe environment where people feel valued as individuals, meeting their needs through practical support and targeted investment.
Make a difference:
To proactively seek out opportunities, so we can adapt to ever changing circumstances and environments.
Don’t hold back:
Lead from the front by educating and engaging others, communicating with personality and clarity.
Meet the trustees
Our trustees are volunteers who oversee Disabled Living’s work, finances and governance.
Meet the team
Meet the staff who run our four services and support people every day.
Annual reports
Read all of our annual reports since 2009