Disabled Power Network (DPN) was founded by Tobi Green Adenowo, a Black Disabled woman whose lived experience shaped the creation of the organisation. Growing up in the UK foster care system and moving through 18 different foster homes, Tobi navigated racism, instability and working-class challenges from an early age. Her journey into leadership began with redefining what representation in the arts could look like, becoming the first student to change the national GCSE Dance curriculum so that wheelchair choreography, also known as “Set Study,” was recognised across the UK and used as a reference point to assess students in wheelchairs. This achievement became the seed for what would eventually grow into DPN — a movement built from lived experience, culture and community.
DPN centres Disabled people, particularly those who are Black, Brown and Indigenous (Indigenous includes Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and global Indigenous peoples in the UK), and those from global majority backgrounds, whose stories are often absent in disability spaces. The organisation works to challenge stigma, cultural taboos and misrepresentation, while creating environments where identity, creativity and community pride are celebrated. DPN has recently moved into We Are 336 in Brixton, allowing the network to expand programmes, build partnerships and establish a permanent base within a hub of disability-led organisations.
A core part of DPN’s work involves storytelling, media and documentation. Film, photography, social media and digital archiving are used to record the lives and leadership of Disabled people, preserve Black Disabled history and produce educational content for the wider public. Through digital channels — including YouTube, TikTok and Instagram — DPN explores long-term development as a disability-focused media organisation. Storytelling is treated not only as art, but as advocacy, visibility and cultural education.
DPN also addresses gaps in national data. There is currently no precise, up-to-date figure for how many Black, Brown or Indigenous Disabled people live in the UK. Limited research suggests that around 2% of disabled adults are Black and around 5% are Asian, but these estimates lack depth, detail and accuracy. DPN aims to lead new research to properly document these communities and uncover their experiences. This commitment extends to emergency planning: government guidance provides only basic blackout advice and asks Disabled people to sign up for the Priority Services Register, but it does not explain what will happen to people who rely on ventilators, hoists, powerchairs, insulin refrigeration or communication devices during an extended power outage. DPN will work to fill these gaps through national research, community surveys and policy recommendations.
As part of its mission, DPN promotes bridges between communities. The organisation offers space for honest conversations about racism, ableism and cultural taboos surrounding disability, while encouraging white Disabled allies to use their resources to uplift those who are most underrepresented. It also works with non-Disabled allies, cultural leaders and Black-owned businesses to improve representation and address long-standing inequalities in the charity sector. People are encouraged to wear their cultural clothing proudly, celebrate their heritage and raise awareness both on and off social media.
Looking ahead, DPN plans to establish a permanent creative hub centred on Disabled Black and Brown culture, with an inclusive cinema, music space and community programmes. The long-term goal is to create employment, leadership pathways and a legacy that uplifts future generations.
DPN maintains a strong online presence on TikTok at @disabledpowernetwork and Instagram at disabledpowernetwork/reels
