The Disability Power 100 Awards 2024, hosted by the Shaw Trust, showcased the achievements and influence of disabled individuals across the UK. This event celebrated changemakers who are reshaping society’s perceptions of disability and pushing boundaries in their respective fields.
The ‘Shaw Trust’, a leading UK charity, is dedicated to improving opportunities for disabled and disadvantaged individuals, ensuring equity in education, employment, and community participation. Their annual Disability Power 100 Awards highlight role models, creating a platform to amplify their work and inspire future generations.
The event, supported by prominent sponsors such as Channel 4, Lloyds Banking Group, Nationwide Building Society, and Google, demonstrated the collective effort to champion inclusivity.
“If you can’t see it, you can’t be it,” encapsulates the ethos of the evening, recognising that visibility is key to breaking stereotypes and fostering representation.
Breaking Barriers and Dismantling Stereotypes
Host Fat Timbo, a comedian and influencer, set the tone for the evening by emphasising the importance of representation. “Recognition isn’t just about applause but showcasing talent, resilience, and hard work,” she said, highlighting the broader societal implications of events like these.
Minister of State for Social Security and Disability, Stephen Timms MP echoed this sentiment in his address, underlining the urgency of removing systemic barriers: “Too often, society has missed out on talent and potential because barriers have held disabled people back. Those barriers do not need to exist.”
This theme reverberated across the speeches, with winners and speakers sharing their journeys of overcoming adversity to create lasting impact. From accessible fashion to inclusive design, the evening showcased how breaking barriers enables innovation and progress.
A Policy Perspective: The Government’s Role in Disability Inclusion
The role of government in advancing disability inclusion took centre stage during Stephen Timms MP’s address at the event. Timms acknowledged that the government has a pivotal responsibility in removing barriers and fostering a society where disabled individuals can thrive. He emphasised the need for collaboration: “In government, we are determined to work with and for disabled people, putting their views and voices at the heart of everything we do.”
He didn’t shy away from addressing past shortcomings, particularly systemic issues that have hindered progress stating that “we need to acknowledge that too often,
society has missed out on talent and potential because barriers have held disabled people back. Those barriers do not need to exist.”
Timms was candid about the role his own department has played in creating challenges, highlighting the need for immediate reform: “Let’s be frank: some of these barriers have been created by my department. People have been reluctant to try out work or be more active for fear of losing their benefits and ending up worse off. That needs to change, and I am determined that it will.”
Ending on a hopeful note, Timms called for collective action to harness the full potential of disabled individuals across society: “We need the full contribution of disabled people in every part of society. Let’s all work together to make great things happen.”
His speech served as both a reflection on past challenges and a call to action, signalling to attendees to hold the government accountable in creating a more inclusive future.
Celebrating Achievements Across Diverse Fields
The awards recognised individuals and organisations across categories, including business, arts, sports, and advocacy. Each winner exemplified excellence and innovation, challenging societal perceptions of disability:
- Politics, Law, and Media: Celia Chartes-Aris – An internationally recognised advocate who orchestrated the campaign to reinstate the Secretary of State for Disability role.
- Visual Arts, Fashion, and Design: Victoria Jenkins – A trailblazer in adaptive fashion, recognised globally for her innovative designs.
- Business and Finance: Robbie Crow – Advocating for disability inclusion in the workplace and leading the rollout of initiatives at the BBC.
- Transport, Rail, Service, and Hospitality: Josh Wintersgill – Founder of AbleMove, improving accessibility in travel and empowering outdoor exploration with all-terrain wheelchairs.
- Sports, Health, and Wellbeing: Ali Jawad – Founder of Accessercise, the first fitness app tailored for the disability community, and an advocate for inclusivity in sports.
- Science, Technology, Engineering, Property, and Construction: Max Fisher – A deaf-blind scientist championing inclusion in STEM.
- Cross-Sector Advocate: Lee Keogh – A dedicated leader improving accessibility in local businesses and fostering inclusive communities.
- Education and Research: Dr Nick Palfreyman – A researcher focused on documenting sign languages and empowering deaf communities worldwide.
- Performing Arts, Television, and Radio: Marc Brew – An internationally acclaimed disabled choreographer redefining accessibility in dance and theatre.
- Grassroots Community Advocate: Beth Moulam – A champion for augmentative and alternative communication, empowering others to find their voices.
Final Thought: A Call to Action
The Disability Power 100 Awards 2024 reminded attendees that progress in inclusion is not just possible but essential. The evening brought together visionaries and changemakers who are not only breaking barriers but also paving the way for future generations.
As Stephen Timms aptly stated: “Let’s all work together to make great things happen.”
The Disability Power 100 continues to inspire, challenging society to embrace inclusion as a fundamental principle. The stories and achievements celebrated during the evening demonstrated that when barriers fall, greatness rises.
To watch the event, please click here.
To access exclusive interviews from the evening, including insight from the judges and finalists, please visit Chamber UK’s YouTube Channel here.
