For the second year in a row, Able Magazine Editor, Tom Jamison, has been included in the Shaw Trust’s list of the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK.
This year’s influencers list was launched in a virtual ceremony; the theme of which is to underline the importance of every nominee’s work during the past year in bringing disability issues to light and in keeping the talent and value of disabled people in our society, in the spotlight.
As Editor of Able Magazine, Tom has given many disabled people, particularly young people, an opportunity to express their views through the publication, which is a rare thing in the competitive field of journalism.
Over the years the list has been used to encourage businesses, employers and other organisations to reflect on opportunities available for disabled people – and plays a vital role in providing much needed encouragement to the young and talented leaders of tomorrow, allowing them to see that aspiration and ambition can be fulfilled regardless of disability or impairment.
Tom has been Editor of the UK’s favourite disability lifestyle publication, Able Magazine, for the past seven years. This year has been challenging for disabled people but Tom has been keen to use the magazine to provide analysis and information regarding the ongoing pandemic, as well as a positive voice that disabled readers can trust.
Tom’s role isn’t limited to Able Magazine and he generously shares his experience and knowledge wherever it might be useful. Tom is widely known and trusted in disability circles, with friends involved in every aspect of the disability community. He’s worked specifically with disability organisations and events as well as other non-disability organisations, encouraging them to see disability as a necessary part of a diverse portfolio of interests.
With 10 years’ experience in the disability ‘industry’ Tom is often in demand as an expert/judge on various panels and awards. He’s worked with the Creative Diversity Network Awards, is a panellist, moderator and advisor with Naidex, a Remap Awards judge, a newly selected National Diversity Awards judge and has written articles that have been used by NHS healthcare professionals in discussing issues relating to disability.
Tom has lived experience of disability having received a late diagnosis of cystic fibrosis in his 30s.
As an Editor, he takes his responsibilities very seriously. From selecting subject matter, through to the tone and language of the publication, Able Magazine is engineered to provide a positive design for disabled people aiming to lead an active and independent lifestyle.
Tom Jamison said: “I’m thrilled to be included for the second year in a row – I’d like to think that it can’t be a fluke!
When I write or edit anything for Able I try to imagine the answers and solutions that other disabled people are looking for and signpost accordingly. Ideally, I like to relate success and a feeling of ‘I could do that…’ in my work. If I’m influencing people to make positive decisions that challenge the stereotypes and labels often lazily attributed to living with disability, then I’m somewhere close to where I want to take Able Magazine.”
This year, in broad recognition of her work during the pandemic, Nicki Fox was elected as number one on the list. She said: “I know what a difficult time this has been (for disabled people) – and I feel that responsibility”.
The entire list can be viewed at: www.disabilitypower100.com
