IBK Introduction

“I set up IBK because I wanted to create a safe space for disabled people of all ages and their families. I learned from my own family experience that living with impairment in a disabling world is hard. Impairment brings with it challenges, however impairment was simply part of who Kim was. It was disablement that I struggled with. It seemed so unfair that my son was denied access to nurseries, schools and community activities when all he wanted was to join in with other children.”
Dr Pippa Murray, founder of IBK Initiatives

Pippa Murray talking about setting up IBK
Dr Pippa Murray, founder of IBK

IBK services are developed on the premise that we are all experts in our own lives and that any support we need works best when it is tailored to our individual needs and personality. All our services have been developed as the result of requests from disabled people and their families. Over the years we have developed personalised support for Direct Payments, education, leisure and employment.

The starting point for all the support we offer is that we listen to you, find out what you want and need, and then work with you to make the support fit into your life.

young people feeding chickens
Work experience: feeding the chickens!

Although IBK was formally founded in 2004, it’s roots go back to 1994 when a group of parents from Sheffield (including Pippa), ran a parent led conference about the inclusion of disabled children and their families in all areas of life. As part of that conference, a small group of parents told their stories. Thanks to a small grant from Barrow Cadbury’s, these stories were published.

 

“Our disabled children are often not accepted as the individuals they are. They are often denied their human rights. We want all our children to belong in their local communities and to have ordinary lives.”

Let Our Children be – A collection of stories