The Learning Disability and Autism Leaders' List 2019 - Dimensions

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Introducing 2019’s extraordinary Learning Disability and Autism Leaders!

These inspirational people are helping make society better for everyone. The Leaders’ List celebrates their achievements across advocacy, sports, art and entertainment, work and education and in their local communities. Our winners were selected from by a panel of expert judges.

Scroll down to explore our Leaders by category…

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Leaders' List 2019: updates and blogs

We want to honour the memory of these two wonderful nominees who gave us reason to stop and think.

In memory of Oliver McGowan and Michael Ludlam – Dimensions blog

This year the Leaders’ List made us question labels and inclusion. We spoke to experts, including blogger Christian Raphael MBE.

The Leaders List and “profound and multiple learning disabilities”

Special award winners

Lifetime Achievement

Suzie was perhaps the first ever Quality checker and over the years she has encouraged many others to have the confidence to follow in her footsteps.

“Experts by experience”, “Quality Checkers”, “Quality Consultants.”

Rosa, a dignified, brave and resilient little girl, has been working to make the circus more accessible, facing up to many personal challenges along the way.

5 minutes to Showtime…

Explore our winners by category

The 2019 Michael Ludlam Award for Advocacy, policy and the media

Samir and Francesca’s achievements prove that people with profound and multiple learning disabilities can make their own choices, be involved and be dedicated to a cause.

Changing Places (and attitudes)

Learning disability and autism self-advocates are all on the same team and working towards the same goals. Sunderland People First are helping that along.

Advocating for self-advocacy

People with a learning disability die up to 27 years earlier than others, often from preventable things. Here’s what this group is doing to change that.

Talking about death, and making sure people listen

Campaign 4 Change is a force to be reckoned with. Meaningful relationships, the right to have a good time, trans rights, hate crime, accessibility and ditching labels are all in their sights.

Change driven by passion

Tanya’s research found that one in five offenders at Dartmoor prison has traits of autism. She’s also directly supported 40 offenders into employment.

Offenders with autism

Suzie was perhaps the first ever Quality checker and over the years she has encouraged many others to have the confidence to follow in her footsteps.

“Experts by experience”, “Quality Checkers”, “Quality Consultants.”

Stephen strongly believes in the need to overcome the barriers experienced by people with a learning disability to relationships.

Relationships, and sex, matter

Sam was a lead commissioner at the World Down Syndrome Congress in 2018, invited to the Queen’s Garden Party and was included in the BBC’s World’s 100 Most Influential Women.

An ordinary life

If you live with a learning disability in Oxfordshire, the chances are that Paul will be making a difference to your life in some way…

My Oxford Life – and you

Murray had no real form of communication until age 9. Now age 17, he is a strong and active campaigner for assuming competence in non-verbal individuals.

“Non verbal”, not non-intelligent

Modest Carl Shaw, a former Dimensions quality auditor, is now the lead learning disability and autism adviser for STOMP and Ask Listen Do at NHS England.

STOMPing out inequality

Local communities

Their dream of moving into their own home came true. Doreen was jumping around in her wheelchair and Maggie had tears in her eyes.

From an asylum to their own home, meet these two friends

“I will never ever forget the first thing I heard James say in his life was ‘Hello Mum…eye gaze technology has revolutionised our family’s life.”

Stop with the singing, mum!

The Pro-Active Community shared this wonderful video entry for the Learning Disability and Autism Leaders’ List 2019. They entered because they want to reach more people.

We couldn’t put it better ourselves!

Sarah draws on personal experience to help adults living with learning disabilities and autism form friendships and find love.

First dates and new mates

Meet Jessie, the inspirational driving force behind Pulp Friction, a social enterprise that supports people with learning disabilities and/or autism.

Using her public speaking skills and the power of social media, Ellie is helping to transform the lives of young disabled people in Leicestershire.

A communications masterclass!

Ciaran, 26, has autism and is using his passion for movies to provide a welcoming environment at his Autism-Friendly Film Club.

Blockbuster effort from film aficionado

Multi-talented Christopher Porter, 33, has worked tirelessly across North Yorkshire to promote inclusion, including writing articles for his local newsletter.

Headline-worthy volunteering

‘Local hero’ and radio DJ Aston Avery uses his voice to give hope to people in the Essex community. He has raised over £80,000 for various charities.

THIS IS ME: inspiring self-confidence

When bikes were stolen from children with complex learning disabilities and physical disabilities, Aiden raised £2,100 to help.

A fundraising hero

The 2019 Oliver McGowan Award for Sports, arts and entertainment

Rosa, a dignified, brave and resilient little girl, has been working to make the circus more accessible, facing up to many personal challenges along the way.

5 minutes to Showtime…

Whilst his disabilities make many of his goals very challenging, Chris always looks beyond himself and considers how he can help others.

“Running helps me clear my thoughts.”

The Steel Squid Collective’s music has one unique purpose: to help young adults transitioning from full time education into adult services.

“I think you might have an emerging groupie on your hands!”

DanceSyndrome have been celebrated by the Prime Minister and the Queen. Together they’ve danced over the hurdles and around the obstacles. Now it’s time for you to meet them.

Welcome to the DanceSyndrome family

Many years ago Stephen was very anxious and often wasn’t able to leave his own flat. Fast forward to now and he manages various exercise groups to improve physical health and tackle loneliness.

Fitness, friends and finding your place

Shauna’s journey has seen her travelling across the world swimming and appearing on a national soap opera.

Shauna was deemed a health and safety risk at school…

The spirit of Robyn’s Rocket is Inclusive Conscious. This means they are thinking of ways to change, and making those changes, so everyone can feel welcome.

Inclusive Conscious gigs for everybody

Oliver is 16 years old, he attends a special school and he’s a carer for his dad. He was also the youngest person to win a kayaking award.

One young man’s life of kindness and kayaking

One moment in Matt’s life changed the course of his career forever. His first film was made in a group home. His next film was screened by Fatboy Slim to 200,000 people.

His first film was made in a group home. His next was screened by Fatboy Slim…

Liam was the first actor with Down’s Syndrome to land a role in Coronation Street and his inclusion has been praised by people across the country. He’s also an advocate, ambassador and friend to many.

What happens away from Coronation Street

When Andrew first shared his ambitions of being a film critic to his teachers and mentors, they told him to “get a real job”. But he didn’t lose his drive.

My right to be a writer

Work and education

Romana is a severely disabled young woman with very little speech who continues to push those around her change their own lives, and raise their expectations of hers.

Will Romana challenge your stereotypes?

Keep Going……. Don’t Stop! group are overcoming time barriers and producing a whole library of easy read resources available for anyone to use.

Astounding achievements against the clock

Mazey is a Support Worker at a charity for adults with learning disabilities. She is autistic, and has used her life experiences to help others.

A-mazey-ing support helps people step outside their comfort zone

Lesley is a quality consultant. She is passionate about making a difference to the lives of others with disabilities.

Focus on Quality Consultants

As well as working for Northern Ballet and her art, Jemma is passionate about raising awareness of the importance of fair treatment.

Dancing to her own tune

Francesca is a jubilant and inspirational dancer and speaker. In March this year, Francesca eloquently read the poem ‘See my ability’ at the UN in Geneva.

A gifted dancer and inspiration to others

David is an ambassador for autistic people of all ages and works as the Learning Disability and Autism Adviser for the children and young people’s team at NHS England.

Ambassador for autistic people

Craig continues to campaign for change and never fails to impress his colleagues with his dedication and expert knowledge of legislation and human rights.

Fighting for change