The most influential disabled people in the UK have been announced this year in the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100. The list, topped by well-known campaigner and businesswoman, Dr Shani Dhanda, a regular on Loose Women and Rip Off Britain, features people from across 10 sectors who are changing perception and working to break the stigma around disability to create a more accessible and inclusive world for all. This year, alongside the 100 individuals named, there are organisations recognised for their work and innovative campaigns.
The 100 finalists were selected by an independent judging panel chaired by Andrew Miller MBE from more than 1,500 public nominations. Speaking about the winners Andrew commented: “I am delighted that the 2023 Disability Power 100 recognises such a diversity of talent from across every sector of society. Choosing the 100 was a tough call for our judging team with so many outstanding contributions made by nominees. Very often this work takes place behind the scenes in engineering, education and technology which makes this public recognition all the more meaningful. It’s also great to see increasingly authentic, high profile disabled representation in the arts, fashion, politics, sport and entertainment. The Disability Power 100 not only recognises difference, perseverance and hard work, the list also celebrates the positive benefits that diversity and greater equality bring. Congratulations to all our 2023 influencers and thank you for your valuable endeavours that make UK society fairer and better.”
Top 10
This year’s top ten, all won their individual categories, and alongside Shani is fashion designer, Victoria Jenkins, comedian Rosie Jones, academic Professor Jason Arday and Scottish politician Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP. In addition, the work of Disabled Students UK (DSUK) has been recognised and Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme’s Guinness World Record-setting Longest Lanyard campaign.
Sara Allen from Shaw Trust, the national charity that has curated and produced the Disability Power 100 since 2018, commented about why the list is more important than ever, saying: “The Disability Power 100 is all about creating change, it celebrates ambition and achievement, and plays a role in changing society by recognising the strengths and talents of disabled people who are pioneers, changemakers and influencers.”
In addition, organisations are recognised in the Best Campaign and Changemaker organisation categories. There are two special recognition categories; Judges Choice and Rising Star.
Top 10 winners
- Business and Finance
Dr Shani Dhanda - Visual Arts, Fashion and Design
Victoria Jenkins - Entertainment, Television, Radio, Theatre, Online
Rosie Jones - Education
Professor Jason Arday - Politics and Law
Pam Duncan-Glancy MSP - Science and Engineering
Amy Francis-Smith RIBA - Sport
John McFall FRCS (Ortho) - Media and Publishing
Celestine Fraser - Digital and Technology
Simon Sansome - Community Advocate
Martin Hibbert
Changemaking Organisation
Disabled Students UK (DSUK)
Best Campaign
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Scheme
Judges Choice
Ruth Madeley
Rising Star
Ava Jolliffe
