Chris McCausland hails how disabled people 'really are capable of so much more'
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Strictly Come Dancing winner Chris McCausland hailed the Scope Awards as proving that the disabled community 'really are capable of so much more than others might think so.'
Chris, 47, a winner on the dancing show last year, scooped the gong for Celebrity Role Model at the awards last night.
The comedian said: 'It really is an honour to get to represent those of us with a disability on some of the biggest shows on the telly, and to get to show everybody else out there that we really are capable of so much more than others might think so.'
The blind comedian from Liverpool is currently on a UK tour and beat other celebrities, including campaigner Sophie Morgan and musician Jordan Stephens, to the award.
Chris lost his sight gradually due to a genetic condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa and said last night, 'there really are no limits to what we can do' and joked in his acceptance speech: 'Although I do have somebody else do the driving on this tour, because there have to be some.'
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The awards at the Kia Oval were hosted by Hollywood actor Adam Pearson, and the winners were a group of attitude-changing individuals trying to create an equal future for disabled people.
Among them were Inkfire – the UK's first all disabled graphic design agency set up by husband and wife Imali and Cameron Chislett – won the inclusive workplace award.
Trailo – an app that aims to help disabled students with presentation anxiety won the accessible product of the year, and Reverse the Ban York – a group of campaigners who fought for years to lift the permanent ban on blue badge holders parking in York city centre- won the community group award.
Accessible Product – Tailo by Estendio –
Celebrity Role Model – Chris McCausland
Community Group – Reverse the Ban York
Journalist – Frances Ryan Frances
Inclusive Workplace – Inkfire –
Social Media Influencer – Tumi Sotire
Media Moment – The Assembly –
Purple Pioneer – Steph Blanco
Marketing Campaign – Crohn's and Colitis UK
The Purple Pioneer award – that honours an individual who has advanced disability equality in their local community – was taken home by Stephanie-Roxanne Blanco.
Stephanie is a trustee and vice-chair of FND Dimensions, and aims to develop a network of support groups for people diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorders.
MORE: 'My life is a ticking time bomb – I worry about running out of days to make change' 'My life is a ticking time bomb – I worry about running out of days to make change'
MORE: 'I was deaf first then Black - now I tell my story on the stage'
MORE: 'It's a dark time to be disabled in the UK right now'
She champions disability equality across her work and her research, and her TEDx talk about hidden disabilities has changed attitudes.
Shani Dhanda, head judge of this year's awards, said they are a 'true celebration of disability equality champions.'
She added: 'Each of the nominees is making a huge difference to improve disabled people's lives, remove barriers and transform attitudes.
Metro is also the official media partner of 2025 Scope Awards that took place tonight.
The ceremony celebrated the work disabled people and organisations are doing to bring about important change.
Hosted by the BAFTA-nominated actor Adam Pearson, unsung heroes, amazing achievements and the incredible accolades of the disabled community were all honoured at the Kia Oval.
There are 38 nominees for the nine Scope Awards: Accessible Product, Celebrity Role Model, Community Group, Inclusive Workplace, Journalist, Marketing Campaign, Media Moment, Purple Pioneer and Social Media Influencer.
'Our winners demonstrate the tireless work being done to end disability inequality in so many aspects of society – from local community groups to national television stars and social media sensations. More Trending
'It's an especially challenging time to be a disabled person in the UK.
'That makes it more important than ever for our community to come together. To recognise and celebrate those who are striving for an equal future where disabled people can thrive and be authentically themselves.'
Lyn Warren, Chief HR Officer at Evri, a sponsor of the awards said: 'It's so inspiring to be in a room full of gamechangers and I am committed to making Evri an amazing place to work for all, where accessibility and opportunity go hand in hand.'
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
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