Disability Equals Ability (DEA) was founded on the belief that disability should never be seen as a limitation, but as part of the diversity, strength, and potential that individuals bring to society. We exist to challenge barriers, shift perceptions, and create meaningful opportunities for disabled people to thrive.

This belief is rooted in the lived and professional experience of our Co-Founder and Chair, Juliana. Her journey began in Africa, where financial hardship shaped her early life and exposed the realities of inequality and limited access to opportunity. These experiences instilled a deep commitment to education, social justice, and creating pathways for others.

Juliana went on to study Politics and International Relations at the University of Reading, where she developed a strong interest in global disability rights. Her academic work focused on the implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in Nigeria and Ghana. She later completed a Master’s degree in Social Work, strengthening her commitment to supporting marginalised communities through both advocacy and practice.

Alongside her academic and professional journey, Juliana brings lived experience of disability, including ME/CFS and neurodivergence, such as dyslexia and dyspraxia. As a qualified social worker, she has worked extensively with individuals with learning disabilities, autism, and mental health conditions across both the charity sector and local authorities. Through this work, she gained first-hand insight into the systemic barriers disabled people face, particularly the lack of inclusive, person-centred support.

It was through this combination of lived experience, professional insight, and a clear recognition of gaps within existing systems that Disability Equals Ability was established.

Since its founding, DEA has grown into a community-led organisation focused on empowering disabled individuals and driving inclusive change. Our work centres on delivering accessible programmes, facilitating workshops, and developing resources that support people to navigate health, wellbeing, and social systems with confidence. Through initiatives such as the Health Horizons project, we work collaboratively with communities to co-create solutions that are practical, inclusive, and rooted in lived experience.

DEA is built on the principle that meaningful change happens when those with lived experience are at the centre of decision-making. While our origins are grounded in Juliana’s journey, our work is shaped and delivered by a growing network of volunteers, facilitators, and partners who bring diverse perspectives and expertise.

Today, Disability Equals Ability continues to expand its reach across the UK and Africa, working to challenge inequality, influence systems, and build a future where disabled people are not only included, but empowered to lead.