The Virtual Disabled People's Movement is a national network of genuinely Disabled People-owned organisations. Every member has a share, a vote, and a voice that nobody can take away.
The Disabled People's Movement established the principles of independent living. It named the barriers, built the organisations, and won the rights. But those gains are being eroded, and the organisations that were built to defend them have, in many cases, drifted from the principles that created them.
The VDPM is a structural response. Using blockchain technology to make the guarantee of democratic control unbreakable, not aspirational. Using digital currency to reward participation. Using a Kitemark to identify genuine Disabled People-led organisations and expose those that have adopted movement language without genuine commitment.
We are starting with the Independent Living Challenge in Brighton and Hove. Every person who completes it becomes a founding member of something that has never existed before.
Every vote is recorded on a blockchain that no board, no funder and no government can alter or override. One member, one vote. Structurally guaranteed, not just promised.
Every member has a share in their local organisation and in the national movement. You are a part-owner, not a service user. Not a beneficiary. An owner.
Members earn Criptos, the VDPM's own digital currency, for completing the Independent Living Challenge, referring others, and contributing to the movement.
A publicly verifiable standard distinguishing organisations with genuine structural commitment to the social model from those that have borrowed the language without the substance.
The Independent Living Challenge generates data about barriers across all 12 pillars of independent living, creating a national picture rooted in the real experiences of Disabled People.
A founding commitment that as the VDPM generates income, a defined percentage goes to direct action organisations chosen democratically by members.
The Brighton and Hove Virtual Disabled People's Organisation is the first organisation in the VDPM network. Every person who completes the Independent Living Challenge and registers becomes a founding member with a share, a vote and 14 Criptos.
The model being built in Brighton and Hove will be replicated across the UK. Each local organisation will have its own identity, its own landmark, and its own colours, forming a colourful mosaic of locally rooted, nationally connected Disabled People-owned organisations.
Take the Brighton challengeEach satellite organisation has its own identity rooted in its place. Together they form one powerful national movement.
Each local DPO chooses its own landmark by democratic vote of its founding members.
Take the Independent Living Challenge. Name the barriers. Claim your Criptos. Join the movement that belongs to you.