Access Granted: A Monthly Roundup of Disabled Wins, Joy, and Progress – APRIL ’25

At Purpl, we believe that every win deserves a spotlight – whether it’s a headline-making moment or a quiet victory behind the scenes. This month, we’re shining a light on the incredible achievements happening across the disabled community, from national breakthroughs to grassroots greatness.

One of the most powerful stories unfolding right now comes from the courtroom. Victoria McCloud, the UK’s first transgender judge and a trailblazer in more ways than one, is taking her fight to the European Court of Human Rights. Her mission is to challenge a recent UK ruling that narrowly defines “sex” in the Equality Act – an interpretation that risks sidelining not just trans people, but many disabled and neurodivergent individuals too. Victoria’s courage is a reminder that representation matters, and that pushing for fairness is never the wrong fight.

Meanwhile, up in Aberdeen, something deliciously hopeful is happening. Retired GP Dr. Denis Durno has been honoured for founding ‘The Bread Maker‘, a bakery that doesn’t just bake bread, it bakes opportunities. The bakery employs adults with learning disabilities, offering meaningful work, stability, and a supportive space to thrive. It’s a slice of what inclusive employment should look like.

And while some wins take the shape of systemic change, others come in the form of sport, sweat, and shared joy. At Stoke Mandeville Stadium- the birthplace of the Paralympics – young athletes from across the UK gathered for the WheelPower National Junior Games. These events aren’t just about medals; they’re about confidence, connection, and showing the world that disabled athletes belong on every pitch, court, and track.

Closer to home, we’re incredibly proud of Jamie Shields and Celia Chartres-Aris, hosts of the Unlearning Ableism podcast, whose honest conversations and sharp insights are helping thousands rethink what disability really means. Jamie and Celia prove that sometimes, all it takes is a mic and a mission to spark change.

And let’s not forget our own trailblazer; Georgina Colman.

Purpl’s founder and CEO was just crowned Disability Smart Leader of the Year 2025 by the Business Disability Forum — and we’re still dehydrated from the happy tears. Read the story here.

From working-class roots to national award-winning powerhouse, Georgina built Purpl from lived experience, frustration, and fire. She didn’t just spot a gap in the market – she tore it open and filled it with access, equity, and real-life savings for disabled people across the UK. Georgina is proof that when disabled people lead, the world gets better for everyone.

The Disability Smart Leader Award isn’t just a win for her — it’s a win for every disabled person who’s been underestimated, underpaid, or overlooked.

And then there are the everyday moments – the ones we see shared in our Facebook group and inbox all the time. Like the member who got their long-overdue PIP award after months of stress and paperwork, or the person who simply made it out of bed and into the world after a hard week. These aren’t “small” wins. They’re real wins, and they deserve celebration.

At Purpl, we’re endlessly inspired by the resilience, creativity, and strength of our community. If you’ve got a win you want to share – big, small, or somewhere in between – tag us on socials or drop us an email. We want to shout about the good stuff. Because progress isn’t just policy – it’s people.

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Sammi is autistic, has ADHD, and lives with POTS. She’s passionate about disability advocacy, accessibility, and creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and understood. With a sharp sense of humour and a deep love for community, she speaks openly about the realities of being neurodivergent across all of her personal platforms, always aiming to challenge stigma, spark conversations, and remind others they’re not alone.

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