The Ipswich Disabled Advice Bureau

The Ipswich Disabled Advice Bureau is a local, independent charity, established in the 1970s as a small drop-in centre, that became a registered charity in 1981 and a not-for-profit company in 1996.  We work to support people with any form of disability, their carers, families and others in related fields, who live in Ipswich and the surrounding area, including Kesgrave, the Shotley peninsular and westwards to Hadleigh. We currently employ four part time staff and we have ten volunteers.

We provide free and confidential advice, information, advocacy and services to individuals with disabilities and we aim to provide advice and information to organisations and agencies serving people with disabilities.  We also work to improve statutory services, educate public opinion and co-operate with similar bodies.

In an average month we deal with over 750 enquiries and cases. The support we offer covers a range of categories including assistance with completing benefit checks including tax credits, housing benefit and council tax, assistance with completing benefit application forms e.g. for Disability Living Allowance, advice on employment issues, special educational needs, representation at appeals, and applications for Blue Badges.  We also offer a wheelchair hire service.

We are a user-led organisation, meaning that over 50% of our Trustees, staff and volunteers have a disability themselves.

Join Us

To support the work of the Ipswich DAB you can become a member.  Subscription is £5 per year for individuals and £10 per year for organisations and companies.  You will receive our newsletter and can vote at our AGM.