Two AbilityNet experts recognised in Disability Power List
Annie Mannion | 14 Oct 2020Great news! We're delighted to announce that Robin Christopherson MBE, Head of Digital Inclusion at AbilityNet (pictured below), and Adi Latif, Senior Usability and Accessibility Consultant at AbilityNet have been selected as finalists for the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 2020 - a list of 100 of the UK’s most influential people who are disabled or who live with an impairment.
Now in its sixth year, the Power 100 list celebrates achievement, breaks down barriers, and provides much-needed encouragement to young and talented leaders of tomorrow. It allows them to see that aspiration and ambition can be fulfilled regardless of whether they are disabled or live with an impairment.
About being finalists
Speaking about being part of this year's Power 100, Robin says:
“Given the right adjustments and the same opportunities, disabled people can be as powerful as anyone else. Add to that our tenacity and determination that so often seems to arise from impairment, and we can excel in whatever field we choose."
"We can sort our adjustments and our tech, but the opportunities come from others. That’s why initiatives such as this are so important.”
“I’m also delighted that my colleague at AbilityNet, Adi Latif (pictured below), is also a finalist. If ever there was an individual with the power to make people feel passionate about tech and how transformative it can be for those with disabilities or impairments, it’s Adi. He’s also a really, really nice guy so very happy he made it too.”
Adi says of his finalist position:
"I'm surprised and honoured to have received a nomination for the Shaw Trust Power 100. The list demonstrates the great power we all have to benefit society as individuals no matter our life circumstance."
"I feel that there are many others who are much more deserving of a nomination than myself. Nevertheless, I will use this opportunity to raise my expectations of myself, to be inspired by the other people on the list, and be of more value to society!"
About the judging process
The Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 is an annual publication of the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK, and is compiled by an independent judging panel from nominations received by the general public in the categories of:
- Arts
- Fashion and Design
- Business, Finance and IT
- Entertainment
- Politics and Law
- Education, Public and Third Sector
- Digital, Media and Publishing
- Science
- Sport
More than 300 nominations were received for the 100 places.
The full Power 100 List for 2020 will be published on Wednesday 21 October, when the Top 10 will also be announced. Fingers crossed for Adi and Robin!
Join the live announcement
During the event on 21 October, for the first time ever the Shaw Trust will be streaming the Top 10 countdown direct to the public.
By registering to attend, you will have the opportunity to submit questions for the panel discussion led by Baroness Jane Campbell and will be able to take part in an interactive poll on how disabled people can have greater opportunity and a voice to inform future policy.
Register to attend the event >>
Take a look at 2019’s edition of the Disability Power 100.
Further resources
- Keep up to date with our events and accessibility news on the AbilityNet newsletter
- Blog: The Prime Minister - Back to school on digital inclusion
- Find out more about AbilityNet's free live webinars
- Unsure where to start with digital accessibility? Speak to our experts for help
- Training course: Embedding accessibility at every stage of your project - Thursday 5 November
- AbilityNet provides a range of free services to help disabled people and older people. If you can afford it, please donate to help us support older and disabled people through technology