What is a Disability Advocate and why are you different?
What a Disability Advocate Actually Does (and Why I’m Different)
A disability advocate is someone who stands up for disabled people’s rights, access, and dignity. Advocates challenge unfair systems, support people through complex processes, and ensure their voices are heard when they are often ignored. Advocacy is about empowering individuals to access the support and services they are entitled to, and holding services, councils, and policies accountable.
I have been doing this work for over two decades, informed by both professional training and lived experience. My work includes:
Helping disabled people secure accessible housing and adaptations to live safely and independently.
Supporting people through Personal Independence Payment (PIP) applications and appeals.
Sharing knowledge about Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction (SPD), helping women manage the condition and, in some cases, avoid requiring wheelchairs.
Implementing practical changes, such as securing seating at bus stops so people do not have to sit on the floor.
Studying extensively alongside advocacy, including completing the “No Secrets” safeguarding workbook.
Keeping up-to-date with disability legislation, including the latest edition of the Disability Rights Handbook.
Completing several children’s wellbeing and legislation courses to support children in the care system.
Working within the NHS to support children and adults with learning disabilities.
Writing papers on challenging behaviours and invisible illnesses (dynamic disabilities), which have been implemented into training programmes for carer organisations.
Being published in neurodivergent magazines and having disability-positive artwork featured, raising awareness and representation through creativity.
Attending and speaking at organized and peaceful protests to publicly advocate for disabled rights and accessibility.
Running a support group for pelvic dysfunction, even when bedbound; the group previously had a website, now offline due to funding.
Surviving mistreatment, ableism, and physical and emotional abuse in hospitals, and being a target of misused policies and procedures.
Actively working with women’s and children’s charities, contributing to podcasts, educational materials, and direct support.
Being in the news when employment support was sabotaged, and advocating for fair treatment for those legally using medical cannabis.
Public speaking on disability rights, inclusion, and advocacy, sharing knowledge and lived experience to educate and inspire communities.
Writing a book aimed at helping to eradicate ableism.
I am a fully qualified independent advocate, and my work is unpaid because it is a necessary service, not a source of profit. I take action, persist, and amplify voices that are often ignored. My personal experiences of trauma and systemic barriers strengthen my commitment to fighting for fairness, dignity, and equality for all disabled people.
All disabled voices matter – not just some.
Independent Disability Advocate
Author / Actress / Blogger and more.
Alt text for the image:
A six-panel collage featuring Sarah Wingfield’s professional and advocacy work.
Top left: Portrait of Sarah with red hair, captioned “Sarah Wingfield – Actress | Producer | Camera and Electrical Department,” alongside four film posters and IMDbPro StarMeter score 56,246.
Top right: Digital artwork of a purple-skinned figure with rainbow hair, angel wings, and a top labeled “Women,” glowing against a green background.
Middle left: Pink graphic with text: “My disability is not a limitation – it’s a unique part of who I am, and I honour it.”
Middle right: Illustration of a diverse group of people, some in wheelchairs, with text: “Turn pain and lessons into power and action. Disability Rights.”
Bottom left: Photo of Sarah speaking at a podium labeled “#DisabilityTalks,” captioned “Sarah Wingfield, Independent Disability Advocate.”
Bottom right: Graphic of a pink smartphone with text “Seeking Compassion #accessibility Support is the bare minimum,” with a wheelchair symbol.
All images feature the watermark “© Kawaii Doll Decora.”
#disabilityinclusion #strongertogether #disability #disabilityawareness #disabilitysupport #disabilityrights
