BRIL logo

Bristol Reclaiming Independent Living

Welcome

BRIL is a Bristol based community group run by and for Disabled people, neurodivergent people, people living with chronic illness and people who experience mental distress.

Our aims

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Equality and inclusion

To campaign for equality and inclusion for all Disabled people.

Flag Icon that says 'Independent Living'

Independent Living

To promote the principle of ‘Independent Living’ for all.

holding hands icon

Peer-support

To provide peer-support to disabled people in Bristol.

Equality and inclusion

The social model of disability

The social model of disability is a way of thinking about disability that focuses on how barriers in society disable people, not our impairments. It was developed by disabled people.We believe that the route to equality and inclusion is by recognising that disabled people are first and foremost people. No less or more important than anyone else. We should not be excluded from equal participation in society. Our impairments, neurodivergence, illness and mental health should not reduce our right to dignity, respect, choice and control in our lives.It is important to note that the social model of disibility does not undermine the individual experience of living with pain or distress. It simply says that if the physical, emotional and institutional barriers in society were removed, we could face life from an equal starting point to non-disabled people.We campaign to remove the barriers.

What is Independent Living?

We agree with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Disabled People definition of Independent Living.

3 people sitting at a table in a cafe drinking coffee. they are smiling and laughing.

Community

The right to live in the community
Being free from segregation and isolation.This includes accessible public spaces, transport and housing.

a wheelchair user is in a shop looking at a selection of trainers

Choice and control

Having choice and control over our lives, on an equal basis to other people.This includes having accessible information.

a man with a walking stick is standing next to and pointing towards a flower bed. a woman next to him is smiling and holding some flowers ready to plant where he wants them.

Support

Having access to support and personal assistance that meets our needs.This includes Direct Payments, social care and the NHS.

The importance of
peer-support

A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.

  • Sharing experiences

  • Recognising and respecting our differences

  • Being connected to others

  • Having choice and control

  • Showing solidarity

A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.
A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.

Become a BRIL member

Whether you want to take action or stay informed, BRIL offers a membership that suits your needs. Together, we can achieve real change in Bristol and beyond!Contact [email protected]

Contact us via email: [email protected]

© Bristol Reclaiming Indpendent Living. All rights reserved.

A slightly overhead perspective of two disabled Black people holding hands while sitting across from each other at a cafe.