In 1976, the General Assembly proclaimed 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons (IYDP). It called for a plan of action at the national, regional and international levels, with an emphasis on equalization of opportunities, rehabilitation and prevention of disabilities.

The theme of IYDP was "full participation and equality", defined as the right of persons with disabilities to take part fully in the life and development of their societies, enjoy living conditions equal to those of other citizens, and have an equal share in improved conditions resulting from socio-economic development.

Other objectives of the Year included: increasing public awareness; understanding and acceptance of persons who are disabled; and encouraging persons with disabilities to form organizations through which they can express their views and promote action to improve their situation.

A major lesson of the Year was that the image of persons with disabilities depends to an important extent on social attitudes; these were a major barrier to the realization of the goal of full participation and equality in society by persons with disabilities.

This set the tone for huge developments in understanding the needs of disabled people around the world. The disabled people's movement gathered strength and impetus outside the USA. Exeter Council for Independent Living (ExCIL) came into being supported by a grant from the Exeter Health Authority.

1982

The Prince of Wales Advisory Group on Disability establishes the Living Options Working Party, meeting in London every six months. Peter Swain (currently Chair of Trustees), attends and is impressed with how the group works and its management of ideas. This group, comprising key members from all the major disability organisations, is the blue print for Living Options in Devon.

1984

The Ashclyst Centre is opened by Exeter MP John Hannam. The building has undergone a major refurbishment having previously been an isolation unit and a kidney dialysis unit. ExCIL is joined by Exeter Disability Transport Service, Exeter Disability Rights Information Service and Exeter Crossroads Care Attendant Scheme as the first tenants.

The first copy of Devon Link magazine is published by Devon County County Council and circulated free of charge to disabled people around the county. The magazine is a published quarterly by Devon Social Services as a disability-related information resource for people living in Devon who have physical and/or sensory disabilities, their carers and people who are Deaf with sign language.

1985

Living Options Guidelines on Consultation is published by The Prince of Wales Advisory Group on Disability at a launch in London attended by HRH Charles, Prince of Wales.

1986

A regional conference on disability is organised by ExCIL and Exeter Health Authority. 120 delegates attend from across the region and the imagination is fired to the extent that the idea for Living Options in Devon is formulated during the coming months by Peter Swain (Exeter) Peter McDonald (Torbay) and George Plenderleith (Plymouth).

1987

Peter Swain undertakes a two-month study tour of health and social care services for physically disabled people in Denmark, Sweden and Finland. A report is formally launched at the Kings Fund Centre the following year.

1990

Living Options East Devon is established. Two staff, Topsy Murray and Madeleine Howe, job share and the fledgling organisation holds its inaugural meeting in the Annexe of St James School in Exeter. The office base is established at Ashclyst Centre.

A review of wheelchair service provision in Exeter is the first piece of work produced by Living Options. The document is used by Exeter Health Authority in its plan for the assimilation of the service into the NHS.

A trial of lightweight wheelchairs takes place at Exeter Mobility Centre and a report follows on users' experience, which brings about a change in what is offered by the service.

Six part-time Disability Development Officers are appointed by Exeter Health Authority and they quickly become closely linked with Living Options and its work. Only Maureen Richards (Exeter) continued in post after the initial funding period ended in 1992. Jean Thorpe (East Devon) takes over the Disability Services Manager post with Exeter Primary Care Trust.

1991

The review of arthritis patients' services is completed and published - 'A Review of Services for People with Arthritis' - in record time after close collaboration with a senior rheumatologist. This establishes Living Options as a leading player in the service research/evaluation field.

A grant extension of twelve months is agreed with the Nuffield Trust, which regards the project as the most successful in its disability programme.

1992

LOED publishes 'Pathways to Quality Services' which looks at residential, day, domiciliary and respite services in the Exeter and East Devon area. Findings in the report are used extensively in the first Community Care Plan published the following year.

1993

'Is Sensory Impairment a Physical Disability...?' is launched in Exeter by John Bowis MP, Under Secretary of State for Health. This is the second major piece of work delivered by the organisation. It sets the trend for Living Options' ongoing interest in sensory loss and its attendant issues.

The Choice Project is funded short-term by the Nuffield Trust and after only twelve months' activity it is purchased in Exeter and Exmouth by social services. 'Living Options CHOICE Project: An Interim Report' is an internal evaluation of this community enabling service run by Nikki Gardner. In 1995 the service is absorbed into the mainstream community enabling service based at George Street, Exeter and at Danby House, Exmouth.

LOED is awarded three years funding via joint finance

Living Options' work is publicised in an article commissioned for the British Medical Journal - "Countdown to Community Care: Helping disabled people - the users' view". The article is reprinted along with others in the series in a paperback "Countdown to Community Care" (BMJ).

The Department of Health establishes a new reference group to help monitor the implementation of the Community Care Act reforms around the country. The National User & Carer Group appoints twenty-four users and carers from all client categories affected by community care provision. Peter Swain is appointed Chairman. The group continues its influential work until is disbanded by the Labour administration in October 1997. Users and carers have not been afforded the same status since.

1994

Living Options is commissioned by Exeter City Council and East Devon Area Social Services Department to research the value of a dedicated special needs housing bureau within the council. 'Special Needs Housing Bureau: A Feasibility Study' is researched and written by Lisa Baxter. Despite a strong case in favour of the bureau it was not actioned.

A review of care management in East Devon after twelve months is published after service users, care managers and independent agencies are interviewed to obtain a local perspective on the community care reforms of the previous year.

Christine May joins the organisation to provide administration support to Madeleine Howe and Peter Swain.

1995

Additional core funding is received from health & social services to increase Living Option's working area to include North Devon. The organisation's name is changed to Living Options Devon to reflect this new area of operation.

Pathways '95 takes place at Westpoint Exhibition Centre, Exeter. This regional event is a huge success and further exhibitions follow in '96 in Exeter and '98 in Yeovil.

Chris Howard joins the staff team in particular to undertake the major review of rehabilitation services at Mardon House. The report is published the following year.

The Disability Discrimination Act becomes law. This Act, sets out to protect disabled people from discrimination in the following areas:

Employment
access to goods, facilities and services
the management, buying or renting of land or property
education

1996

The Living Options Sensory Project is funded for three years by The Nuffield Trust, Department of Health and North & East Devon Health Authority. It pilots the first sensory user group in Barnstaple and investigates a range of sensory services provision. Sally Bourne is recruited to head up the project team, she is joined shortly afterwards by two additional research staff - Cate Calder and Denise Spooner.

A shadow executive committee of service users under the chairmanship of Margaret Stokes begins the move towards dividing governance and operational responsibility in the organisation.

Chris Howard leaves and Madeleine moves to Buckinghamshire but continues her involvement with the organisation.

Peter Swain is appointed OBE for his work in health and social care development locally and nationally.

1998

Three reports are published by the Sensory Project. 'Registration Help or Hindrance?' looks at the pros and cons of this system used by many blind and partially sighted people; 'What did they say...' considers problems faced by deaf and hard of hearing people in accessing services; a diary record' plots the key stages in setting up the North Devon sensory user group; this is augmented by a video with sign language. These publications are launched at a reception in London hosted by the Nuffield Trust and attended by national figures including Lord Ashley of Stoke. BBC TV record a feature at the launch which is broadcast on national television.

An Exeter University student is employed for six weeks on a graduate placement scheme sponsored by Shell and is charged with designing a new logo for the organisation. He produces the now familiar solar image, which is adopted by the organisation.

Yvonne Pope joins the organisation as part-time Access Coordinator in Exeter.

1999

The new Sensory Project begins, funded by North & East Devon Health Authority and Devon Social Services enabling 5 sensory groups to be set up around the County. Catherine Mistry joins the organisation to run the project as Sensory Development Officer. Nicki Woodrup is appointed as Project Assistant and is succeeded by Kelly Mavro in 2000.

The Review of the implementation of direct payments in Devon is completed and published in collaboration with Devon County Council. The research includes interviews with users of the new system, those who showed an initial interest but did not take up the option and with those who met the qualifying criteria but showed no interest in taking up the opportunity. Local care managers were also canvassed and interviewed in this comprehensive report.

2000

The 10 Anniversary of the organisation is celebrated at a reception in County Hall, Exeter attended by Ben Bradshaw, MP and David Johnstone, Devon's new Director of Social Services.

Living Options becomes a registered Charity.

The Disability Rights Commission (DRC) is established in April 2000 by Act of Parliament to stop discrimination and promote equality of opportunity for disabled people.

2001

Sees the creation of a Disability Equality/Awareness Training Team working in partnership with The Royal Devon & Exeter Healthcare Trust. Trainers are recruited and trained before going 'live' with their first sessions at the RD&E Hospital (Wonford) and Torbay Hospital.

Sally Bourne leaves the organisation. Catherine Mistry succeeds Sally as Director/Chief Officer.

2002

The Disability Access Audit Team is set up under the leadership of Yvonne Pope.

See Hear Centre is opened by Nick Harvey MP

The See Hear Centre Project is established. It is funded for the first three years by a Regional Development Agency Grant, North Devon PCT and in-kind funding from Social Services as well as various small grants. Kate Brown is recruited to manage the new service which is opened by North Devon MP Nick Harvey the following year. In 2005 two further years funding is provided by the Big Lottery Fund. Sue Bennett takes on the Centre management.

The user-led Visual Impairment Research Project is set up and led by Catherine Mistry to evidence gaps and weaknesses in Health and Social Services provision that had been highlighted by many visually impaired people across Devon.

With support and specific training the research was carried out by a team of visually impaired service users, who were also fully involved in the design process and production of both the research and its report: 'An Assessment of Service Provision of Diagnosis for People with Permanent Sight Loss in Devon'. The work is completed in 2004.

Many changes and improvements are made in both the West of England Eye Unit and Devon Sensory Services provision as a direct result of this work, and very valuable working relationships are built which have continued.

Matthew Dodd, another postgraduate placement with the organisation, organises three disability roadshows in Tiverton, Exeter and Honiton. All three events prove popular and are well attended by exhibitors and the public.

2003 - European Year of Persons with Disabilities

2003 is the European Year of People with Disabilities. In this year people with and without disabilities all over Europe will fight for equal rights for disabled people.

One in ten people has a disability. Persons with disabilities are able and willing to contribute to the economic, political and cultural life of their communities, but still face many barriers, which must be eliminated to ensure that persons with disabilities, their families and communities can participate to their fullest potential in all aspects of life and in society."

(Source: EYPD 2003 and UN Department of Public Information)

Living Options receives a grant to look at the feasibility of an advocacy service in the county. Promoting Our Voice sets out steps towards self-advocacy services for people with physical disabilities in Devon and is presented as a discussion document to potential funders.

The organisation leaves the Ashclyst Centre having outgrown the offices to rent space at West Grange where the South West MS Therapy Centre has its base.

Catherine Mistry is appointed Chief Executive. Christine May becomes Resources Manager.

The Disability Equality/Awareness Training Project (D.E.A.T.) is set up with two years funding from the Learning and Skills Council, (Equal opportunities for disabled access), for the development of a self-sustaining training & audit service. Vicki Smith is appointed to lead the project and develop the team. Maz Dufall joins the team in September 2004 as Project Assistant. The project commissions a ground-breaking report to consider the learning needs of physically disabled people in Devon. This is published in September 2004 and launched at a major conference in Exeter.

Paul Valentine is appointed to run the Deaf Project in Exeter. Established in May 2003, the project begins working with the Exeter Deaf community to enable, empower and encourage the Deaf community. The project also works with local service providers to improve awareness of Deaf issues. The project's aim is to ensure Deaf people know about local services and feel included in society. In May 2005, as a result of a grant from The Big Lottery Fund, the project extended its scope to include all Deaf people in Devon. Mona Hill becomes Project Assistant.

2004

Living Options becomes a charitable Company Limited by Guarantee. The Outreach Project Exeter, East & North Devon funded by Big Lottery Fund, and a three year health & social services contract gets under way under the leadership of Torie Wood and more latterly by Diane Silcock. For the first time the organisation is awarded a three-year contract by health and social services.

Living Options is contracted to provide training and employment for five correspondents with disabilities to research and write items for the Devon Link which reflect what disabled and Deaf people want to read. Helen Smith who manages the correspondent team is also involved in the design and production of the first large print version of the magazine.

Linus Whitton joins the staff team as Operations & Development Manager.

Christine May leaves after a decade with the organisation.

The Joint Agency Best Value Review of Physical Disability Services and Services for People with Acquired Brain Injury is published and a joint agency partnership board is appointed to oversee the implementation of its recommendations.

Peter Swain is 'highly commended' by the judges of the Beacon Fellowship Award in the leadership category. This national award is in its 2nd year and is promoted and supported by some of industry's biggest names. The following year Peter is shortlisted and finishes runner-up to Sir Bob Geldof.

2005

Diane Silcock is appointed as the North, East , Mid Devon and Exeter Outreach Worker.

Living Options moves into South Devon for the first time. Jane Rolfe is appointed South and West Outreach worker based in the organisation's Totnes office, following a successful grant application for three years' funding to Comic Relief and an extension of the Health and Social Services contract to this area. August sees the appointment of Amanda Woolley as Project Assistant for the South & West project which is followed by the first disability forum meetings in Teignbridge and South Hams. Following the success of these inaugural meetings and to go someway to address the size and rurality issues within South Hams, a third forum for the South West in Tavistock is set up.

South and West Devon Local Implementation Group (LIG) is set up following the recommendations made in the Best Value Review. The remit of the Best Value Review is extended to cover sensory disability.

Madeleine Howe,Topsy Murray,Peter Swain,
Jean Thorpe and Sylvia Vearncombe at Living Options' 15th Anniversary

Living Options publishes its first Strategic Plan at a launch held at the Loop Centre in Exeter, which also marks the 15th Anniversary of the organisation.

Projects were able to showcase their work to an invited audience of service users and partners from other organisations around the county.

Devon County Council host the Sign Vision conference at County Hall. The conference brings Deaf and non-Deaf people and organisations together to talk about access issues in: education, arts and leisure, education and employment, police and safety. This is the beginning of the Devon BSL Charter. In February 2006, the Sign Up to Sign conference launches the charter pledges at County Hall. Living Options is one of the major sponsors of this initiative. To build on this progress the Sign Vision II conference is scheduled for Saturday, 1 July 2006.

The DEAT training and audit teams operate as a self-sustaining commercial enterprise and change their name to D4.

Sally Sparham, Ruth Rockey and Rosie Dawson join the organisation as Resources Manager, Finance Manager and Administrator respectively.

Living Options leads a Visual Impairment Research Project investigating service user needs and available provision in Torbay and South Devon, with funding from the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB). The project leads to the setting up of a multi-agency steering group developing extensive improvements for local visually impaired people.

The 'Sign Language Interpreter Services Research' is commissioned by the Living Options interpreter Services group (a partnership of local statutory and voluntary organisations) to establish core issues affecting Deaf people using British Sign Language in the community.

Deaf researcher, David Jackson, begins work in August 2005, interviewing 68 members of the Deaf community (either one-to-one or in focus groups). In March 2006 David submits his initial findings and is currently completing a final report. This will be presented to the group on 28th April. It is hoped to be able to make the report widely available at the Sign Vision II conference on 1st July.

Prof Ian Bruce, Peter Swain and Catherine Mistry at the Guildhall, London

Catherine Mistry graduates from the City University with a Diploma in Voluntary Sector Management with distinction. The ceremony takes place at Guildhall, London.

2006

Dr Emma Treby joins Living Options with funding from the Government's Change Up programme, developing the infrastructure of the UK voluntary sector. Living Options employs Emma to work with partner organisations to lead groundbreaking work in the area of diversity across Devon.

Paul Valentine launches his deaf awareness and basic sign language training sessions and appears on Spotlight SW news to talk about the importance of everyday communication with the deaf community. This six-week course teaches basic signs for daily communication. It is an introductory course meant to be followed by British Sign Language, level 1. The half-day deaf awareness workshop focuses on issues and opportunities in the Deaf Community and introduces Deaf culture. The full day workshop includes basic signs in the afternoon session.

Living Options moves towards getting its users more involved in the governance of the organisation by canvassing opinion, convening workshops, setting up project support groups and an advisory group comprising users.

A telephone conferencing group is set up in South and West Devon marking the beginning of a new method of consulting with service users.

A new organisation newsletter, produced by service users, is launched during the Spring.

Rosemary Rive-Roberts joins the staff team to run the North Devon Outreach Project. Rosemary has been a member of the North Devon group and has a profound hearing loss. Rachael O'Callaghan is appointed as Project Assistant to D4 and Outreach projects. Jan Hill joins the SeeHear Centre staff as Project Assistant.

Free bus passes become available to disabled people from April.