Hello. My name is Paul Ntulila, and I’m thrilled to be the Community Engagement Coordinator at Disability Sheffield. My goal is to create a strong, thriving community of disabled people in Sheffield who can work with us to influence policies and decisions or even just meet up for a coffee and a chat. I find my job very rewarding, as I love meeting and helping people, building bridges, and empowering people to overcome challenges.
Apart from work, I keep myself busy. I recently travelled to the United Nations Office in Geneva, Switzerland to advocate for disabled people’s rights, with a delegation from Disabled People Against Cuts ( DPAC ) made up of 25 disabled delegates from across the UK from a variety of sectors, including three Deaf delegates. We were there to attend a hearing of the UN Committee on the Rights of People with Disabilities, which had called the UK Government to answer questions on the “grave and systematic” negative impact of its policies (e.g. austerity and benefit cuts) on disabled people in the UK. It was an amazing experience!
This was my second visit to the UN. I also accompanied DPAC in August, when the UK Government was originally supposed to attend, but they didn’t send any representatives. This time, it was just junior officials from the Cabinet Office, DWP, DHSC and representatives from the devolved administrations in Scotland, Wales & Northern Ireland. Despite the upsetting subject matter, I was proud and honoured to be there. The head of our delegation asked me to summarise our delegation’s observations from the point of view of Deaf and disabled people in England in BSL.
Apart from work, travelling is a great passion of mine, and I can’t wait to explore more of the world. When I’m not travelling, I love reading, cooking, and learning more about my African heritage. Above all, I love spending time with friends.
If you would like to get in touch with me and find out more about my work please contact paul.ntulila@disabilitysheffield.org.uk. You can also complete our Sign Up Form so that we can build a more interactive community of disabled people that can bring about change. I hope to meet you soon!
