Disability Power 100 2021-I Have Been Shortlisted

A few weeks ago I got an email saying that I have been shortlisted for The Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 2021! This is really exciting. I have nominated friends and worthy recipients over the years for the Disability Power 100, I however have not been shortlisted before.

What Is the Disability Power 100?

The Disability power 100 is an annual publication of the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK. It is comprised by the Shaw Trust. A charity that supports disabled people in education, in to work and in developing their career.

The Disability Power 100 is now in its seventh year and has grown from strength to strength. With this year seeing more than 500 nominations.

How Does the Power 100 Work?

Individuals are nominated to be in the list. Generally, nominations open in December and close in about March.

A board of individuals assess and read through the vast array of applications, from disabled people making a difference and contributing to society in a diverse subject area. The list is separated into seven categories: Arts, Fashion and Design; Business, Finance and IT; Entertainment; Media and Publishing; Politics and Law; Public; Education and Third Sector; and Sports.

They then prepare a shortlist of individuals, who are normally notified at the end of June/ July.

The actual list is then revealed in October. During the Power 100 ceremony, in October, the top 10 individuals are revealed with number one being the top spot. 

Those making the top 100 places receive a purple publication, it is a bit like a small book with the 100 most influential disabled people in. Each person has a page with a photo, short biography, social media and website links. So great for connecting and networking.

In previous years the Disability Power 100 ceremony has been held at The House of Lords. This sounds like an incredible event.

In 2020, due to the pandemic the event was conducted via Zoom and as well as individuals on the list other people not on the list were allowed to watch the ceremony.

What Is the Mission Of the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100?

The purpose of The Power 100 is to celebrate achievement, break down barriers and most importantly to inspire the next generation of young people,  that they can still achieve great things with a disbility.

Who Has Been Classed as the Most Influential Disabled Person in Previous Years?

• In 2020 Nikki Fox who works for the BBC topped the list.
• In 2019 Baroness Jane Campbell was number one on the list.
• 2018 saw comedian and The Last Leg presenter Alex Brooker in number one postion.

So fingers crossed for October. I look forward to seeing who else is on the list. Either way I am honoured to be shortlisted and hope I am making a little difference.

Hannah x

You may also be interested in reading: What Is It Like Being One of the Most Influential Disabled People