Hidden Disability Personality of the Year - Finalists

Sponsored by University of Manchester

Simran Bamrah

On finding out she was a finalist Simran told us..............

"I’m truly honoured to be recognised as a finalist. Being seen and valued for who I am - not despite my hidden disability but including it, means more than words can say."

We asked Simran for a little more information about her...............

I am a passionate advocate for inclusion and accessibility, using my lived experience with hidden disabilities to raise awareness and drive change. Through my work and storytelling, I empowers others to embrace their differences and challenge societal barriers. I am especially committed to increasing authentic representation and breaking the stigma around disability within South Asian communities, helping to create more compassionate and understanding spaces for all.

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Terri Louise Brown

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Simon Houghton

On being confirmed as a finalist Simon told us...........

"I'm honoured to be announced as a finalist in Hidden Disability Personalty of the Year category. Every finalist has worked tirelessly to raise the awareness - highlighting the challenges, trials, tribulations - of those with a disability or condition you cannot see, and I'm flattered to be announced among such amazing individuals."

We asked Simon for some more information about how he helps people...........

Simon launched WeSupportDeafAwareness during COVID to educate others about living with hearing loss. Over 425,000 people now have access to the campaign and online training.

More recently, he launched Unseen Aware, a behaviour change programme that creates Unseen Disability Allies - giving them the confidence and empathy to engage with others who have a hidden disability or condition, and in the process creating a truly inclusive experience for all.

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Ciara Lawrence

After becoming a finalist, we asked Ciara to tell us more about what she does.....

I work for the UK Leading learning disability charity Mencap in the Communications, Advocacy and Activism Directorate Team as Engagement Lead and has worked for Mencap for 24 years. I have had lots of different jobs in the organisation over that time.  These include working in Mencap’s employment service, in Mencap’s Reception Facilities Team, Mencap’s Campaigns and activism Team, Mencap’s fundraising events team and their Celebrity Media PR team. 

I am a Get Lippy Campaign Ambassador for the Gynaecological cancer awareness charity Eve Appeal and a volunteer ambassador for gynae cancer awareness charity Grace Women. I'm also a volunteer patron for inclusive dance charity Dance Syndrome and a volunteer patron for Include.org

I'm passionate about challenging society’s negative views and perceptions and attitudes about people with a learning disability. I do this through my podcast series Ciara’s Pink Sparkle Podcast on Spotify that I started during the Covid pandemic in 2021.

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Zoe-Jane Littlewood

We asked Zoe-Jane how it feels to be a finalist and she told us .........................

“Being named a finalist is such an honour – it’s incredibly rewarding to know that my work is making a difference. It’s a real motivation to keep pushing forward.”

Zoe-Jane told us how she helps other people................

I openly share my honest and real experiences of life as a mixed-heritage woman with dyslexia. Through storytelling and educational posts, I aim to support and empower others navigating similar journeys. One of my proudest moments was delivering a TEDx Talk on dyslexia – it was an amazing opportunity to bring the conversation to a wider stage.

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Roxanne Murray