Disability Power 100: Co-Founder Amelia Honoured in National Awards
We are thrilled to share some exciting news about our co-founder, Amelia, who has recently been recognised as one of the 100 most influential disabled individuals in the UK! This incredible honour highlights her remarkable contributions as a disability changemaker and a leader in her field. The awards were a result of public nominations, judged by a distinguished panel of 25 disabled champions, including notable figures like international business leader Dr. Shani Dhanda and Chief Executive of Paralympics GB, David Clark.
Amelia placed an impressive fourth overall in the visual arts, fashion, and design category. Her recognition stems from her significant impact, innovation, and influence in reshaping perceptions and stereotypes surrounding disability.
Amelia's journey is nothing short of inspiring. At just 19 years old, she experienced a life-changing quadbike accident while on holiday with friends. During her recovery time, she discovered that traditional NHS walking aids were causing her additional injuries, including back pain and blisters on her hands. "When I had my accident I had little to no experience or understanding of disability, I was 19 and went from no idea to adjusting to it and learning often the hard way, the reality it brings." Fuelled by her experiences, Amelia and her mother Clare launched Cool Crutches & Walking Sticks, a company dedicated to creating stylish and practical walking aids for people living with disabilities. Their innovative designs feature moulded handles, shock absorption, and quiet operation, ensuring users can navigate with ease and confidence.
In addition to her entrepreneurial success, Amelia is passionate about raising awareness of the challenges faced by disabled individuals, particularly those in the business world. "From very early on I was struck by the barriers, stigmas & assumptions disability brings and felt almost instantly compelled to help change them". She has actively supported the Lilac Review—a government-led initiative aimed at making the UK the best place for disabled entrepreneurs. Her commitment to this cause was evident when she was invited to celebrate the launch of the Lilac Review at 10 Downing Street.
Amelia's advocacy efforts extend beyond Cool Crutches and she's also been nominated for several prestigious awards, including the Stelios Awards for Disabled Entrepreneurs, where she secured second place. "Entrepreneurship and disability are a perfect match and helping more of our community be able to run their own businesses or find work with people who understand this, has fast become my passion & mission."
Reflecting on her selection for the Disability Power 100, Amelia expressed: "Today’s news makes me SO proud to be recognised for the work I’ve done to date but MOST importantly the work I will continue to do to inspire the next generation of disabled leaders."
You can read more of Amelia's thoughts on her LinkedIn or Instagram.
The Disability Power 100, run by the national charity Shaw Trust, aims to elevate the profile of disabled talent while tackling the disability employment gap. Alona De Havilland, Head of Disability Power 100, emphasises the importance of celebrating ambition and achievement, as well as challenging societal perceptions of disability. She stated, “We all need role models. People who are pioneers and changemakers… The Disability Power 100 celebrates disabled role models with the same determination, expertise, and ambition in all sectors from architecture to construction; finance to healthcare; transport to music.”
We couldn’t be prouder of Amelia and her ongoing efforts to inspire change and empower others. To view the full list of the 2024 finalists, visit www.disabilitypower100.com. Join us in celebrating Amelia’s achievements and the incredible work being done to pave the way for future generations of disabled leaders!
If you've enjoyed reading about our co-founders recognition within the community, the following two blogs are about other awards she has been nominated for this year:
