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GRAVELLES SUPPORT
THE CARDIFF AND VALE COALITION OF DISABLED PEOPLE.
As you may or may not know I ( Dr Robert Gravelle ) am a committed campaigner on disability issue, striving to improve the independence of the elderly and disabled in all areas of life from, accessibility to welfare, as such I am proud to associate with many disability organizations thought the UK.
One such organization is the
Cardiff and Vale Coalition of Disabled People (CVCDP).
My involvement with the CVCDP started last year when I was invited to undertake access auditing and the production of extensive access reports for various organizations including the South Wales Fire Brigade and the Community Health Council for Wales, on behalf of the CVCDP.
Since then however, I have been ask to contribute in various areas of the coalitions activities, firstly, being voted in to sit on the executive board and most recently being voted, joint Chair of the CVCDP Access Group.
I am very excited to be part of the CVCPD and the associated Access Group. It is not often that you meet such a group, working within the social model of disability, who have such strength, feeling and commitment in attaining the goals of equality and independence for all disabled people, coupled with ability and focus to carry them out.
Thought my life I have fought against the discrimination that I and others have experienced as disabled people, confronting preconceived ideas of what a disabled person should do, say, how we should behave and where we should or should not. As a disabled person from birth with two artificial legs, no left arm below elbow and two fingers on my right hand, I have had the unique opportunity to fight and improve the rights of disabled people from within large organizations, including, Lloyds TSB, Several Universities and the NHS.
My educational background culminating in a PhD in Human factors analysis and social anthropology, specializing in the field of disability and prosthetics has given me a strong professional background, leading me into many areas including University Lecturing, NHS Research/Consultancy, Industrial Design, Engineering, Architectural Interior Design consultant all focusing on improving access and equality. Most recently I have established my own consultancy and internet based business within the field of disability, Gravelles Mobility & Lifestyle, www.gravelles.co.uk based near Cardiff, providing consultancy, mobility and independence products and advice.
The opportunity to jointly chair the CVCDP Access Group and act on behalf of all disabled/elderly people and represent such a group of passionate and capable individuals as the membership of the CVCPD is a privilege and honor.
Together the voices of disabled people thought not only South Wales but beyond can alter perceptions and improve access in all senses of the term, for all, gaining true independence and equality for all.
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