DIMENSIONS, the UK’s largest not-for-profit that supports people with learning disabilities and autism, has announced Warrington local Lewis Barlow, as the winner of its Annual Learning Disability and Autism Leaders’ List.
Held in partnership with Learning Disability England and the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group, the Leaders’ List celebrates the extraordinary stories and achievements of individuals across the UK, encouraging more people with disabilities to be their own spokespeople and show the world what they can do.
Lewis was recognised for his work in the Local Communities category, one of the four categories in this year’s awards. The award comes in recognition of his hard work and dedication to a community garden in Warrington, where he helped to transform a derelict piece of overgrown wasteland into an award-winning garden. From bug hotels and bee houses to bird boxes and butterflies, Lewis has helped to create a beautiful garden that can be enjoyed by the whole community.
Events like the Leaders’ List help to ensure increased representation for people with learning disabilities and/or autism and provide a platform for them to voice their often-unheard ideas and opinions. Recent research by Dimensions revealed that 96% of respondents feel that everyone can learn something from people with learning disabilities and autism. Furthermore, considering 75% think it is easy for people in the wider community to forget about people with learning disabilities and autism, initiatives such as the Leaders’ List are all the more significant.
Highlighting the stories and achievements of people with learning disabilities and autism such as Lewis’ will not only serve to dispel myths and harmful stereotypes but will help inspire others in the community to achieve things they perhaps did not think would be possible for them.
“Lewis is so passionate about the garden and has found a new sense of purpose. He has played a major role in transforming a baren area into what is now a stunning green area that people in the local community want to come and see” – Sarah, Lewis’ Aunt and PA.
Lewis was chosen by an expert panel of judges, all of whom are previous Leaders themselves. Lewis takes his place on the 2022 Leaders’ List along with a select group of individuals who have achieved so much over the past year.
Rachael Dodgson, CEO at Dimensions, said: “Dimensions is proud to present this award to all of this years’ Leaders’. The Leaders’ List is a reminder of the personal strengths and contributions that people with learning disabilities and autistic people make to the local community and society as a whole. I am deeply inspired by all of their achievements and hope you will join me in celebrating Lewis.”
The Voluntary Organisations Disability Group said: “We are proud to support the Leaders List 2022. Celebrating the work and contributions of people with a learning disability and autistic people is so important – we are looking forward to celebrating the 2022 winners. Thank you to our partners who have made this fantastic event happen, and an even bigger thank you to all of those who have entered this year.”
Ken Bruce, BBC Radio 2 DJ and Leaders’ List award ceremony host, said: “I have had the privilege of hosting the Leaders’ List Awards Ceremony for several years, yet the achievements of the Leaders never cease to amaze me! I have been inspired by all the stories and am very proud to be part of an event that rightfully celebrates these achievements. A huge congratulations to Lewis and all the winners.”
