Haseeb Ahmad, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Lead at Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust was announced as one of the most influential people with a disability in the UK.
The Shaw Trust Disability Power List 100 is an annual publication of the 100 most influential disabled people in the UK. The Disability Power List 100 is compiled by an independent judging panel, chaired by Kate Nash OBE. Kate is the world’s leading authority in ‘Networkology’ – the science behind the growth of workplace networks and resource groups. In 2007 she was awarded an OBE for services to disabled people. In 2013 she was appointed Ambassador to Disability Rights UK.
Haseeb, who was nominated by a friend, said: “I thought nothing of it until I got an email in August informing me that I had made the top 100 most influential disabled people in the UK. I was completely shocked. I know that the process is extremely competitive and the judging is carried out by an independent panel.” Haseeb was honoured at a reception at the House of Lords on Tuesday 8 October.
Haseeb lost his sight from the age of 10 years old due to an eye condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa. He was diagnosed with the eye disease and registered blind at 17 years old.
Haseeb has written about his personal journey, and challenges he has faced throughout life in his book: “From blind Man to Ironman”. The book is aimed at inspiring and motivating every one of all ages and backgrounds. It is about overcoming blindness, refusing to give up, discovering his beautiful Guide Dogs, picking up a dead bird on a tandem ride and setting the world record for the fastest Blind Ironman.
Haseeb fronts the Trust’s equality, diversity and inclusion agenda, which ensures that our services are inclusive, and that they meet the diverse needs of our local population and workforce. It aims to create fair and equal access to goods, services, facilities and employment opportunities for all, and is about reducing disadvantage experienced by some groups in comparison to others. LPT is committed to creating a culture where everyone has equal chances to improve their health and welfare in an environment free from any unlawful discrimination, harassment and bullying; and strives to value and respect the diversity of its service users, patients, carers, staff and the public.
The full Shaw Trust Disability Power List 100 can be found here.