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About

What started as a simple idea in 2018, to make the world more inclusive and understanding, quickly blossomed into Eric Knows.

At first, it was just a vision: to create something that recognised the strengths, creativity, and potential of autistic, disabled, and neurodivergent people.

From the beginning, Eric Knows worked to make information, opportunities, and learning more accessible. The team believed that inclusion shouldn’t be complicated, it should be built into everything we do.

Today, Eric Knows offers inclusive training, creative opportunities, work experience, and personalised support to help people build confidence, develop skills, and move towards employment and independent opportunities. We also provide AQA Unit Award Scheme certificates, recognising achievements and celebrating progress in a meaningful and accessible way.

Through community projects, digital learning, accessibility support, and partnerships with organisations across the North East, Eric Knows continues to champion inclusion and create opportunities where everyone can thrive.

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You might be wondering – Who is Eric?

Eric isn’t just a name – he’s our koala mascot and the heart of our story.

Koalas are calm, thoughtful, and steady – they take their time, find comfort in safe spaces, and thrive in supportive environments. Just like the people we work with, Eric represents patience, understanding, and the power of moving at your own pace.

Eric reminds us that everyone’s journey is unique. Some paths take longer, some twist and turn – and that’s okay. What matters is having the right support, the right environment, and the confidence to keep climbing.

Wherever you see Eric, you’ll find a message of kindness, inclusion, and empowerment. He’s a symbol of our belief that the world is better when we create space for every person – and every koala – to feel safe, valued, and understood.

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#NoOneLeftBehind

Here’s the crux of it; we’ve always believed that if the world was designed with everyone in mind — people who use wheelchairs, people with mobility or vision impairments, autistic people, and those with different needs — then many of the barriers and challenges people face simply wouldn’t exist.

It’s not a person’s condition that limits their ability. It’s the environment around them.

That’s why we’re passionate about learning more and creating real change. We’re teaming up with Durham University to carry out research exploring the experiences and perspectives of people with different needs when accessing community resources.

Right now, there’s still a gap between “mainstream” services and “specialist” support — and there shouldn’t be.

So let’s close the gap.

Inclusion shouldn’t feel complicated or mysterious. It starts with conversations, understanding, and making accessibility part of everyday life — so everyone feels seen, valued, and included.

Because nobody should be left behind.

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How We Help

Eric Knows shines a spotlight on the people and places that make life easier, kinder, and more inclusive for everyone.

Sometimes it’s the small things that make the biggest difference. A café that understands sensory needs. A venue with accessible toilets and changing facilities. Staff who take the time to listen, support, and treat people with dignity. A business that thinks about accessibility before someone even has to ask.

We celebrate organisations, charities, businesses, attractions, and community spaces that go beyond the bare minimum and genuinely care about inclusion, accessibility, and wellbeing.

Whether it’s autism-friendly environments, wheelchair accessibility, neurodivergent understanding, family-friendly spaces, or thoughtful customer support, Eric helps people discover places where they can feel welcome, safe, and included.

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Social Responsibility

A huge part of Eric Knows, and something that genuinely excites us, is helping organisations become more inclusive, accessible, and understanding.

We provide friendly, supportive training and discussion sessions for staff, managers, CEOs, venues, and businesses who want to better support disabled, autistic, and neurodivergent people. Our training explores real-life accessibility and inclusion, helping people understand the needs and experiences of individuals with a wide range of disabilities and differences, including wheelchair users, autistic people, those with visual impairments, acquired brain injuries, sensory needs, and more.

We believe inclusion starts with conversation, understanding, and a willingness to learn. No question is too small, and we’re always happy to help people build confidence, awareness, and practical knowledge.

There’s so much more we could tell you, but your brew is probably going cold by now.

So welcome, search, contribute, and share the love…
(and eucalyptus leaves, koalas love them).

So welcome, search, contribute, share the love, (…..and eucalyptus leaves, koalas love them).

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