New disability group gives 12 residents a seat at the table in Council decisions
Councillor Aaron Skinner, Chairman of the Mid and East Antrim Disability Lived Experience Group is pictured with the volunteer members and council officers at the inaugural meeting of the group.
Sunday 04 October 2026
Twelve residents with lived experience of disability are to help shape how Mid and East Antrim Borough Council designs its services, facilities, policies and projects.
A direct voice in Council decisions
The new Disability Lived Experience Group (DLEG) held its first meeting at the Council’s headquarters on 29 September, bringing its volunteer members together with Mayor Alderman Thomas Gordon and Councillor Aaron Skinner.
The group is intended to give disabled people a direct opportunity to identify barriers, suggest improvements and ensure their experiences are considered when decisions are being made.
Its work will include examining accessibility and inclusion across the borough, including the development of Council facilities and its wider estate, as well as reviewing policies and projects.
A meaningful seat at the table
Councillor Aaron Skinner, who proposed the creation of the group through a Notice of Motion and is now its chairman, said disabled residents had too often been overlooked.
“Councillors have a duty to listen to all residents, but too often the voices of people with disabilities are overlooked.
“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.
“From parents of children with special educational needs to those who may need further support when accessing Council services, I know they will appreciate being genuinely listened to.
“Through the DLEG, we will empower people with lived experience to shape policies and advocate for what is needed.”
Twelve residents join new group
Members were recruited over the summer and will draw on their own experiences and expertise as the group begins examining where accessibility and inclusion could be improved.
The 12 volunteer members are:
• Katy Little
• Niamh Galwey
• Deena Nimick
• David Crawford
• Mark Young
• Talia McDowell
• Samuel Bell, Whitehead
• Anthony Barclay MBE
• Cinzia Savonitti
• Allison Minford
• Alix Crawford
• Lisa McAuley
Council welcomes lived experience
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Thomas Gordon, 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.
“As a Council, we are committed to enhancing our services and building important partnerships with individuals and organisations who represent people with disabilities.
“I look forward to hearing more from this group in the months ahead as we work together to create a thriving and inclusive borough.”
The group will now begin working with the Council to identify practical changes and opportunities to improve accessibility, inclusion and the experience of disabled people across Mid and East Antrim — giving those with first-hand experience an ongoing opportunity to influence the services and decisions that affect them.
More information on the Council’s equality, diversity and inclusion services is available at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/EDI
