Terry Rutherford  Expert by Experience at Inclusion North

I have 2 adult autistic sons and over 26 years of knowledge and experience from courses, campaigns and meetings about autism, disability and learning disability. I have also spent a lot of time helping families with children who had Special Educational Needs as a Parental Supporter and delivered sensory awareness workshops around the country.

In 2002 as part of Autism Awareness Year, I undertook a 2,000 mile tour of England and Wales in 10 days on behalf of Autism in Mind. I collected over 6,000 signatures and letters of support for a Call for Action to improve autism awareness and services, what I collected was mentioned and presented to MPs in the Houses of Parliament. This campaign contributed to increased national attention on autism, including the development of key initiatives such as the Autism Manifesto and Autism Bill.

I joined Inclusion North 2013 as an Advisory Council member. Since then, I have been involved in many consultations, training courses and other projects. I was also a member of the Public Health England IHaL (Improving Health and Lives) advisory board due to my involvement with Inclusion North.

I have been employed in helping to design and deliver Human Rights training as well as working as a Citizenship Leader and Project worker for Inclusion North.

Now that I am no longer directly employed by them, I have returned to my role as a member of the Advisory Council.

I have also worked as an Expert by experience through the Inclusion North C(E)TR Hub since 2016 and attended over 250 C(E)TR reviews.

I Enjoy

I have enjoyed travelling around the UK for many years attending meetings, conferences and training where I’ve met many people who have helped me to help others due to the inspiration they have given me.

In my spare time I enjoy photography, digital editing, restoring old photos and developing disability insight and awareness workshops.

My Skills and Knowledge

I have knowledge and experience of

•       Media and Communications

•       Parental and Family Support

•       Partners in Policy Making

•       The Listening Programme

•       Delivering sensory awareness workshops

•       TSI trained (Training in Systematic Instruction)

•       Acting as an Expert by Experience at Care (Education) and Treatment Reviews where I particularly enjoy working with families to help them address issues they face.

•       I hold a BA in Communication Studies and have a strong interest in sensory processing, advocacy, and inclusive practice.

What is important to me

Using my skills, contacts experience and knowledge to help others to find solutions to their problems.

Family and community values

What people say about me

If I don’t know the answer, then I’ll do my best to find someone who does.

If I can’t help, then I’ll do my best to find someone who can.