New Disability Lived Experience Group Gives Mid and East Antrim Residents a Voice
2 October 2026
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New Disability Lived Experience Group Gives Mid and East Antrim Residents a Voice
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A new Mid and East Antrim Disability Lived Experience Group has held its first meeting, giving local people with lived experience of disability a direct role in helping shape Council services, facilities, policies and projects.
The 12-member group will identify accessibility barriers, suggest improvements and help ensure disabled people’s experiences are considered when decisions are made.
New Group Aims to Improve Accessibility Across Mid and East Antrim
The new Mid and East Antrim Disability Lived Experience Group has held its inaugural meeting, bringing together residents who will help influence how Council services are designed and delivered.
The first meeting took place on 29 September at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council headquarters.
Twelve residents with lived experience of disability attended alongside Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Alderman Thomas Gordon and Councillor Aaron Skinner.
Councillor Skinner originally proposed the creation of the group through a Notice of Motion.
Members were recruited during the summer and will now use their own experiences and knowledge to help identify barriers faced by disabled people across the borough.
Readers can find more Mid and East Antrim news on Northern Ireland Online.
What Will the Disability Lived Experience Group Do?
The Disability Lived Experience Group will examine accessibility and inclusion across Mid and East Antrim.
Its work will include:
Identifying barriers affecting disabled residents
Reviewing Council services, facilities and infrastructure
Providing feedback on policies and projects
Highlighting opportunities to improve accessibility
Sharing members’ lived experiences with Council representatives
Helping ensure disabled residents are considered during decision-making
The group will also consider accessibility as part of estate and facility development across the borough.
Key Facts
- The group has 12 volunteer members.
- Members all have lived experience of disability.
- The first meeting was held on 29 September 2026.
- The group will advise on accessibility, services, facilities, policies and projects.
- Members will bring their experiences directly into Council decision-making.
Mayor Welcomes Mid and East Antrim Disability Lived Experience Group
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Alderman Thomas Gordon welcomed the formation of the group and said members’ personal knowledge could benefit the wider borough.
He said:
“It is a privilege to meet our Disability Lived Experience Group and hear how their personal knowledge can benefit the Mid and East Antrim area.”
The Mayor said the Council remained committed to improving its services and building partnerships with people and organisations representing those with disabilities.
He added:
“I look forward to hearing more from this group in the months ahead as we work together to create a thriving and inclusive borough.”
Giving Disabled Residents a Direct Voice
Councillor Aaron Skinner, Chairman of the Disability Lived Experience Group, said the group would provide disabled residents with a meaningful role in decisions that affect their lives.
He said:
“Councillors have a duty to listen to all residents, but too often the voices of people with disabilities are overlooked.”
Councillor Skinner said he brought the motion to Council to ensure people with disabilities have a meaningful seat at the table.
He added:
“I brought my motion to Council to ensure people with disabilities have a meaningful seat at the table and a real say in decisions that affect them.”
He said this could include parents of children with special educational needs and people who may require additional support when accessing Council services.
Councillor Skinner added:
“Through the DLEG, we will empower people with lived experience to shape policies and advocate for what is needed.”
Group Begins Work Across the Borough
The Disability Lived Experience Group will now begin working with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to identify practical improvements.
Its members will be able to raise accessibility issues and contribute their experiences while services, projects and policies are being considered.
The Council says the aim is to make its services more accessible, inclusive and responsive to residents’ needs.
More information about equality, diversity and inclusion services is available from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.
More Local News From Northern Ireland Online
Northern Ireland Online covers community news, Council developments, events and local issues from across Mid and East Antrim and throughout Northern Ireland.
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- Visit Northern Ireland Online
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