Newcastle Disability Forum (NDF) was formed in 1998 and exists to work with and on behalf of disabled and elderly people and their carers in Newcastle upon Tyne and its surrounding area and to provide information and support to organisations which represent and/or work with them. NDF aims to support and empower disabled people to fulfill their aspirations, maintain their independence and live the life they choose. NDF holds regular meetings to enable members and other interested parties to exchange information and experience and to raise issues of concern and explore solutions in an encouraging environment, thus enabling them to continue contributing to society and to gain an increased feeling of self worth. The Forum’s Access Group meets regularly with representatives of the City Council and other organisations to share their lived experiences of access issues regarding information, the built environment, local facilities and services. The Forum delivers Disability Awareness Training to the City’s taxi drivers and to other groups. The Forum uses donations and grants to enable it to provide training and courses allowing continued independence in, for example, keeping safe and healthy at home and use of information technology.