We Deserve Better Than This!

We Stand With Young Disabled People – A Message from Coventry Youth Activists

The government’s plans to change disability benefits will hurt young disabled people.

At Coventry Youth Activists, we believe young disabled people should have the power to shape the systems that affect our lives. We care deeply about building a fairer, more accessible society led by young disabled people.

We’ve been hearing growing concerns about proposed changes to disability benefits. These plans could make it much harder for young people aged 18–21 to get the support they need to live independently, take care of their health, or be part of their communities.

Right now, we’re watching these changes closely and holding space for each other.

We’re standing in solidarity with all the young disabled people and allies who feel anxious, angry, or uncertain about what this could mean for their futures.

Here’s what the proposed changes could mean:

• Fewer young disabled people may qualify for financial support like PIP.
  

• More pressure to look for work even without the right access or support.
  

• Less money to live on while trying to study, stay well, or be part of the community.
  

These reforms ignore the real barriers young disabled people face every day. They risk pushing even more of us into poverty, isolation, and stress.

At the same time, we’re seeing a rise in online disability hate. News articles and social media posts filled with misinformation are fuelling harmful stereotypes and increasing hostility towards disabled people. This kind of rhetoric not only spreads stigma – it also puts real people at risk. We need more understanding and solidarity, not blame and division.

We don’t think this is okay.

We know these conversations can feel overwhelming — especially when things feel uncertain. Right now, we’re not sure what action we’ll take, but we’re listening, learning, and taking care of each other. We believe young disabled people must be meaningfully involved in any decisions that affect our lives and futures.

To our peers and allies:

• Your voice matters too. If this affects you, your friends, or your family – speak up.

• Share your story. Start a conversation. Demand better.

• We believe in support, not cuts. We believe in community, not isolation.

• We believe young disabled people must be heard.

If you’re feeling anxious or want to learn more, here are some organisations that might help:

🔗 Disability Rights UK – https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org
 🔗 Citizens Advice – https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk
 🔗 Turn2Us – https://www.turn2us.org.uk
 🔗 Z2K (fighting welfare injustice) – https://www.z2k.org

We’ll continue to speak up, share helpful information, and stand together in solidarity.

Photo credit: Disabled And Here / Gritchelle Fallesgon
Mural artist: Lliam Werproc | Model: Andre

Caption:
Andre, a Deaf Black disabled man, holds a sign reading “NOTHING about us without US” – a powerful reminder that disabled people must be at the heart of decisions that affect our lives. This photo is part of the Disabled And Here collection, which celebrates disabled BIPOC communities with dignity and pride.

About Disabled And Here:
Disabled And Here is a stock image series that celebrates disabled Black, Indigenous, and people of color just being their full, brilliant selves. It’s created by a disability-led team and offers free, inclusive images that challenge stereotypes and show real-life diversity. Check it out at https://affecttheverb.com/disabledandhere/