This year’s Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 list has been announced and includes University of Southampton’s Associate Professor William E. Donald, Founder of Donald Research & Consulting and Associate Professor of Sustainable Careers and Human Resource Management at Southampton Business School.
The national charity Shaw Trust runs the Disability Power 100 to raise the profile of disabled talent and challenge the disability employment gap head-on.
Recognised for his work as a disability changemaker, Will is being celebrated as one of the 100 most influential disabled individuals in the UK and a leader in the field of Education and Research. The awards are publicly nominated and judged by a panel of 25 disabled champions.
Head of Disability Power 100, Alona De Havilland, says: “The Disability Power 100 is all about creating change, it celebrates ambition and achievement, and plays a role in challenging society’s perceptions of disability by recognising the strengths, contributions and successes of 100 disabled individuals each year.”
Will, who is housebound, has been recognised for his impact, innovation and influence in changing the perceptions and stereotypes of disability. Will regularly contributes to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion section of Times Higher Education and the academic journal Disability & Society on various disability issues. Will’s Book ‘Developing Employability Capital in University Students: A Practical Guide’ is due for publication by Routledge in March 2025.
Speaking about the award, Will said: “Awards such as the Disability Power 100 are vital to (a) showcase the amazing work and advocacy that disabled people do, and (b) shine a light on just how far we still need to go as a society in terms of accessibility, inclusivity, and carer funding if we are to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. I am so grateful to Dr Maria Mouratidou (University of Cumbria) for nominating me and to the judges for this prestigious award. Congratulations to everyone who made the Disability Power 100 2024 and to everyone who advocates for meaningful change to break down systemic barriers and drive for inclusion”.
