University of Huddersfield student Edward Maxfield has been honoured for his campaigning work to make rail travel better for people with disabilities.
The top 10 in the Disability Power 100 list 2023 and all-important number one spot will be announced on Wednesday November 8 from The Drum, Wembley.
Previous winners of the Disability Power 100, organised by the Shaw Trust, have included comedian, presenter and fellow Huddersfield resident Alex Brooker, as well as BBC disability journalist Nikki Fox.
The 100 finalists were selected by an independent judging panel from more than 1,500 public nominations.
Edward, pictured below on campaigning business in London, has been named in the community advocate category, following five years of championing young disabled people and accessibility on the railways.
Currently studying for a Masters degree in Law and Practice, he chose to study at Huddersfield for its excellent reputation in supporting disabled students.
Edward is part of the Scope Young Members Assembly and works with East Midlands Railway and Great British Railways Transition Team on their access and inclusion-specific boards.
This work has included looking at improving accessibility at stations and on trains, and most recently looking at a consultation to close ticket offices, which has since been scrapped.
Starting out with disability advocacy through opportunities at leading charity Whizz-Kidz, he has gone on to become a role model in disability advocacy.
He has pushed forward on issues affecting young wheelchair users such as education, equipment provision and access to education, as well as public transport.
Edward said: “It is a tremendous honour for my work to be recognised in the Disability Power 100 list. As a young disabled person life can sometimes be isolating.
“My advocacy has really helped me connect with my community and make much needed change. I’ve seen the community work towards some incredible goals in the name of equity and inclusion.”
All about creating change, the Disability Power 100 celebrates ambition and achievement, and plays a role in changing society by recognising the strengths and talents of disabled people who are pioneers, changemakers and influencers.
Full details of this year’s finalists, including Edward, can be found on the Disability Power website.
