The judges for the second Scope Disability Equality Awards were revealed, including TV stars, campaigners, social media influencers and journalists.
The panel includes comedian Lee Ridley (Lost Voice Guy), presenter and actress Samantha Renke, disability activist Dr Shani Dhanda, journalist Jordan Jarrett-Bryan and founder of Models of Diversity, Angel Sinclair.
Dr Shani Dhanda, who will be the head judge, said: “As a dedicated Scope ambassador, I’m honoured to lead our esteemed panel of judges for the Scope Disability Equality Awards 2024.
Our mission for disability equality has never been more vital, especially given recent challenges for disabled people to live with the dignity and respect we deserve.”
She adeed: “These awards spotlight those individuals and organisations making a real impact. I invite you to nominate those who inspire you and join us in recognising and empowering the next generation of advocates.
Together, we can build a world where disability equality is not just a goal but a reality – where every person is valued.”
What is the Scope Disability Equality Awards?
The Scope Disability Equality Awards celebrate the achievements of individuals, groups and organisations who are campaigning for disability equality, challenging attitudes, and bringing about social change. The Awards ceremony will take place at the Kia Oval on Thursday 25 April 2024.
The Awards are still open for entries with nine categories:
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- Inclusive Workplace
- Role Model
- Campaign
- Influencer
- Media Moment
- Journalist
- Purple Pioneer
- Community Group
- Accessible Product
Nominations close on Friday 6th October 2023, so the public still has time to put forward their entries by visiting: www.scopeawards.co.uk.
The shortlist of nominees will be announced in the new year, before the judges take on the challenge of deciding the overall winners.
James Taylor, Scope’s Executive Director of Strategy, Impact and Social Change said: “We are very excited to share the details of the wonderful judges for our second Scope Disability Equality Awards.
There are 16 million disabled people in the UK, but they are not treated equally in society. The Awards will shine a spotlight on the outstanding work being carried out by so many disabled people, allies and organisations.
Our panel of judges includes some of the best representatives of those championing disability equality and helping bring about change across the UK, so they are very well placed to help us find our winners.”
Who are the judges?
The judges for the Scope Disability Equality Awards are:
- Adam Pearson – broadcaster, public speaker and disability rights campaigner
- Angel Sinclair – founder of Models of Diversity
- Anoushé Husain – civil servant, paraclimber, ambassador and Guinness World Record holder
- Bethany Black – comedian and actor
- Charli Clement – activist, writer, speaker and Lived Experience Expert
- Dan Edge – multi-disciplinary performer and activist
- Ekow Otoo – actor, model and spoken word artist
- Isaac Harvey – vlogger, all-round adrenalin junkie and President of Wheels and Wheelchairs
- Jordan Hogg – drama director
- Jordan Jarrett-Bryan – journalist, broadcaster and former wheelchair basketball player
- Lee Ridley – comedian
- Lucy Webster – journalist, author and disability advocate
- Mike Adams OBE – CEO of Purple
- Richie Brave – presenter, broadcaster and writer
- Safaa Charif – content creator and advocate
- Samantha Renke – broadcaster, speaker, writer and disability rights campaigner
- Dr Shani Dhanda – Disability Inclusion & Accessibility Specialist, Social Entrepreneur and broadcaster
- Sophie Butler – influencer
- Sukhjeen Kaur – Founder and CEO of Chronically Brown
- Tom Jamison – editor at Able and media contributor
Full bios are available at the Scope Awards website.