We’re not the problem: Daniel Lee Harvey on the fight for disability justice

A fight born of necessity

"This isn't a hobby," says Daniel Lee Harvey. "This has become something I have to do."

As a disability activist, educator and campaigner, Daniel has challenged inaccessible systems across Ipswich and beyond. From co-leading Suffolk’s biggest mutual aid group during the pandemic to informing national campaigns, his advocacy spans both grassroots care and policy influence.

"I just wish we didn’t have to constantly raise issues before something changes. It’s exhausting. Why can’t people learn and adjust without disabled people having to flag every barrier?"

Challenging assumptions

Daniel wants the public to move beyond narrow ideas of what disability looks like.

"There’s still this idea that disability only involves physical mobility issues. That leaves out people with chronic pain, neurodivergence, mental health conditions and visual/hearing impairments."

Even the classic wheelchair icon, he says, fails to reflect the full spectrum of experience. But he believes dialogue is the way forward.

"I’ve always tried to stay approachable, even when I’m almost at the end of my tether. If someone wants to understand more, I’ll talk."

Welfare reform and a growing fear

Recent announcements around cuts to disability benefits have sparked deep concern.

"The Personal Independence Payment, or PIP, isn’t disposable income. It’s not a luxury. It’s a lifeline," he says. "The current rates don’t match the rising cost of living. Cutting them will push more disabled people into poverty."

Daniel warns the system already struggles to meet basic needs. Any further erosion, he says, will be devastating.

"Safety and security are essential, but the government seems to have ignored that. Instead, they are pushing people into work environments that are not accessible and take months to provide even simple adjustments."

He fears growing stigma will make people less willing to disclose their health conditions at work.

"There’s too much focus on productivity, on whether you are worth something financially. It’s immoral."

Turning lived experience into policy

Daniel has turned personal experience into national impact, contributing to campaigns, strategy and accessibility work with multiple charities. He hopes to expand this work in the future, with potential involvement in policy-focused projects with Scope.

He hopes to take part in a parliamentary event later this year to support wider awareness of planned changes to disability benefits.

"Campaigning helps us share information and create pressure. Charities and activists can help turn fear into action," he informed me.

Building community in crisis

During the pandemic, Daniel was isolating, teaching and supporting students remotely whilst supporting his nan with his grandad’s care needs. "It wasn’t great," he says. "I felt like I was going crazy as the days turned into multiple weeks."

To focus his energy, he co-founded the Ipswich Anti-Loo Roll Brigade, a grassroots mutual aid group that quickly became one of Suffolk’s largest.

Within three days, 3,000 people had joined. It now has more than 10,000 members and has supported everything from food delivery to housing referrals.

"There was this necessity. People needed a place to connect, to share knowledge, to reach out. It became colossal."

The group worked with NHS teams, emergency housing providers, charities, food banks and a growing volunteer network to support people in crisis. 

"We would get messages asking for essential supplies, emergency furniture or help finding accommodation. Because we had the knowledge and resources available, we were able to step in quickly." 

Turning trampoline barriers into policy change

Daniel saw a post from a mum whose non-verbal, neurodivergent son had been refused access to trampolining because he would not wear a T-shirt. It was a sensory issue.

The story went viral. Daniel reached out.

"She had already raised awareness online. I wanted to support her to get a result."

They met with the regional manager and CEO of the national leisure chain. The outcome involved change across all ten UK sites.

"They agreed every staff member would receive training on SEN provision, autism and ADHD. I was connected to a CIC who could deliver that in Ipswich, and we created digital recordings for the other sites."

The boy returned to trampolining.

"He could jump again without being challenged. That win meant everything."

Redefining representation in the media

"Mainstream outlets focus on politicians or stories about disability fraud. It’s frustrating. Statistically, fraud is under one percent."

He says local platforms can do better and that Ipswich.co.uk is already part of that shift.

"You give space for disabled people to speak authentically, without having to dilute it. The formatting, the layout, the subheadings. It makes content more accessible. That matters."

He also wants media to include access information in listings for community events and venues.

"If you are advertising a shop, venue or meet-up, tell us what to expect. Quiet times, layout, travel options. That helps people know if they can be part of the space."

A message to allies

"Your support is invaluable to us," Daniel says. "As a carer, friend, family member or ally, you can raise the voices of disabled individuals by making sure they remain visible. Even in rooms they are not in."

He wants people to advocate in everyday situations and keep listening.

"Help address accessibility concerns if you ever come across them, no matter how small. Continue having open conversations and being there to listen and understand our experiences."

Autonomy, he says, is key.

"I think the need for autonomy is sometimes forgotten within the disability framework. Speak up when you hear dangerous assumptions."

His advice is simple.

"You do not have to start from scratch. Charities like Scope and Mind already have templates to help you write to your MP. Use them. Help get us into the rooms where decisions are being made."

A vision for Ipswich

Daniel wants inclusion to start young. "It starts with education. That is how we build a culture of inclusion."

He says representation must be real, not tokenistic.

"I do not enjoy seeing disability being portrayed as something negative, or as 'inspiration porn'," he says, using the term often applied to portrayals that frame disabled people as heroic just for existing. "Normalising disability representation would change this dynamic completely."

He believes councils should collaborate with local disabled people from the start.

"We should not have to wait until an incident happens for change to happen. It should be continuous, and communication should always be open."

It all comes back to belonging.

"A sense of belonging plays a big part in our wellbeing. Let us do our all to ensure there are no preventatives which alter and change that process into one which involves stigma and isolation."

A political reckoning

Daniel is clear on where he stands when it comes to welfare reform.

"I would love to see a response from Jack Abbott. I have not seen anything from him on social media so far."

Daniel has been through the benefits system himself and knows how hard it is to get support.

"You often need a team of professionals behind you, and your evidence has to match their reports word for word. This may be made even more difficult if more and more professionals monetise the way they can support you by charging you to write a supporting letter."

He is frustrated by Labour’s direction under Keir Starmer.

"This Labour leadership has forgotten what democracy means at times. Keir Starmer has a history of kicking out MPs who are considered to be troublemakers within the party because they strongly oppose some of his ideas."

"I’m not aligned with any party. I’ve found more power and influence working independently."

He now wants the government to redirect its energy.

"My question is why Labour is not focusing its efforts on those who continue to play cat and mouse within our tax system. DWP’s powers would be better served chasing down the bank accounts of money launderers and tax dodgers instead of this witch-hunt."

And his message to the country?

"Disabled people will continue to speak up even when we are tired from the fight. We will not simply bow our heads and accept these changes lightly."