John Van Dongen

I became spinal cord injured at the age of 8 following tuberculosis.  I worked for 30 years in computing, finishing as a Motability Manager.  My main disability interest is with mobility issues, and I was leader in the campaigns that led to the mobility component of DLA,during which time I held all voluntary offices at the Disabled Drivers Association.  I have served on the Governing Council since 1999, and was a member of SIA's Building Design Committee, which oversaw the construction of SIA House. 

I represent SIA on the Joint Committee on Mobillity for Disabled People (JCMD), and am a strong supporter of SIA's 'Ageing Well' project because, as life expectancy of SCI people increases, there is a great need to ensure that our additional needs are met with dignity.  SIA can ensure that this happens, and as a Trustee I aim to support the organisation in achieving this and other goals.