Dr Miro Griffiths Dr Miro Griffiths is a Disability Studies scholar, based in the School of Sociology and Social Policy, at the University of Leeds. His research is associated – primarily – with understanding disabled people’s experiences of resistance, activism, social movement participation, and advocacy. His contribution to existing bodies of literature has progressed ideas and theories about power, resistance practices, and disabled people’s pursuit for liberation. Dr Griffiths is, also, prominent within social policy…

John Evans OBE John Evans is the best known and respected for  Disability Rights and Diversity. He works as a Consultant, Trainer and Researcher in the UK, Specializing in Independent Living and Disability Rights. He was one of the first persons to set up an Independent Living scheme in the UK and has been actively engaged with the Independent Living Movement of both the UK and Europe since their beginnings. He commissioned the first piece…

Lynne Elwell Lynne is the national Co Ordinator for partners in policymaking UK, which she brought over from the USA in 1996. Lynne is a core part of the international inclusion movement. She wrote “rights of passage” handbook which is a collection of good information and inspiration which has been gifted to people and parents all over the world If you want to book Lynne contact us HERE

Kate Sibthorp Kate is mum to Maddy, a young woman who is learning disabled and autistic. Maddy lives with her parents and Kate manages her direct payments, employing a team of Personal Assistants to support Maddy to live a good life, connected to her local community through volunteering. Kate worked in local government (public sector housing and learning and development) before retiring early to support Maddy and to do more work in co-production with a…

Tricia Nicoll Tricia has an uncompromising belief in the power of inclusion and the potential of people and their ability to take greater control of their lives. She works directly with organisations, people and families, facilitate co-production, design and deliver events and workshops and provide bespoke training. Tricia is a convenor of #SocialCare Future and a trustee for Keyring. If you want to book Tricia contact us HERE

Steve McGuiness Steve is an Autism consultant and trainer covering subjects of autism, asperger syndrome, autism and asperger awareness training, sensory interation difficulties from a personal perspective. Challenging Behaviour or as he prefers to term Behaviour that Challenges. Advocacy Training. Key note and Conference speaker. As a person on the autism spectrum himself he offers up a first person perspective sessions, with a difference. Steve has worked with many Local Authorities delivering first person perspective…

Dr Clenton Farquharsen CBE Clenton is an Associated Director of the Think Local Act Personal Partnership, a cross-sector leadership partnership focused on driving forward work with personalisation, community-based health and social care. Their unique strength is bringing together people who use services and family carers with central and local government, major providers from the private, third and voluntary sector and other key groups. Clenton is named in Disability News Services’ List of influential disabled people….

Dr Anna Severwright OBE Anna is one of the convenors of Social Care Future, a diverse social movement looking to bring positive change to social care. She lives with multiple long-term conditions and disability, bringing her personal experience of receiving both health and social care to her roles. She strongly believes that care should be personalised, focused on what matters to a person, to enable them to live the life they want. Anna also champions…