The Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 list has been announced, recognising Celia Chartres-Aris as the most influential disabled person in the UK, as well as the most influential in Law, Politics, and Media. A Royal Holloway alumna (Law LLB, 2015-2018), Celia is a government special advisor, campaigner, and lobbyist dedicated to disability rights.
Celia is a multi-award-winning government special advisor, researcher, and legal expert, working to advance disability equity and human rights. She has been named on The Global Diversity Leaders list and as a Global Future Young Leaders Scholar UK Delegate. Her work has been recognised by organisations such as Forbes, The Financial Times, Metro, and the BBC.
Speaking about the award, Celia said: “My aim in life is to make myself redundant as there shouldn’t be a job where disabled people are having to fight for their fundamental human rights across the world. It is the privilege of a lifetime to have received this incredible accolade, to sit amongst previous winners such as Stephen Hawking and Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson, and a moment I shall never forget. Creating a world where disabled people aren’t just surviving, we are thriving, because we have smashed down the barriers in our paths, is my ultimate aspiration.”
Born with multiple disabilities due to the rare genetic condition Loeys-Dietz Syndrome, Celia lives with multiple organ failure and is unable to eat or drink. She takes pride in her disabled identity and works to break down systemic ableism, discrimination, and stereotypes about disabled people’s abilities and potential.
The Shaw Trust’s Disability Power 100 highlights disabled talent and challenges the disability employment gap. Head of Disability Power 100, Alona De Havilland, states: “The Disability Power 100 is all about creating change, celebrating ambition and achievement, and challenging society’s perceptions of disability by recognising the strengths, contributions, and successes of 100 disabled individuals each year.”
The full list of 2024 finalists can be found at www.disabilitypower100.com.
