THE Disability Rights Commission believes that disabled people and those with long-term health conditions can and do make a significant contribution to their families, communities and wider society, by taking part in paid and voluntary work, acting as a school governor and/or participating in local politics.

Our goal is to break down the barriers which stop disabled people playing their part -- for example the low expectations help by many in society of what disabled people can do.

We would like to hear from disabled people about recent positive examples of how you are participating in your local community.

Experiences you'd like to tell us about drawn from your children's education or your work with voluntary organisations.

Or perhaps you'd like to share with us your employment situation or how you take part in your community.

We are also interested in hearing examples where bureaucracy, negative attitudes, restrictions or changes to support have seriously affected your ability to take up an opportunity.

W DINGLI (will.dingli@drc-gb.org), Disability Rights Commission, Third Floor, Fox Court, 14 Grays Inn Road, London WC1X 8HN.