Disabled People’s Champion – Lorraine Gradwell
February 21, 2010 by admin
Filed under Handicap Success
Disabled People’s Champion and Chief Executive of Breakthrough UK Awarded MBE
Lorraine Gradwell, one of Manchester’s most prominent disabled women has been recognised in the Queen’s Honours list. She has been awarded an MBE.
Having been disabled since childhood, Lorraine successfully completed her education at Hollings College, Manchester, and since that time has been a tireless campaigner for disabled people’s rights.
Whilst a single mother of 2, working closely with other disabled people she set up, worked for and led disabled people’s organizations in Greater Manchester and across the North West.
Preparing for a tough battle ahead…
Having been one of the founder members of Greater Manchester Coalition of Disabled People, she then went on to work for Manchester City Council.
From 1995 -97, she worked in partnership with the council to create a unique organisation led & controlled by disabled people which would deliver employment services across the city. The resulting organisation, Breakthrough UK, became an independent Social Enterprise based in Ardwick, Manchester.
Over the last 10 years, Lorraine has been the company Chief Executive. Under her leadership, the organisation has supported and worked with over 5000 disabled people.
Active on the Manchester Board and Trafford Disability Partnership, she is also currently a member of the Disability Employment Advisory Committee at the Department for Work and Pensions.
Success starts to manifest
Jackie Driver, Chair of Breakthrough UK said:
“Lorraine is a unique individual who really has influenced so many people in the way they think about disability equality and the rights of disabled people. She thoroughly deserves this award. In the North West and nationally, she is recognised for her commitment & dedication to changing the way employers and service providers think about how they meet the needs of disabled people so they can live independent lives. However there is still a long way to go, and I am sure Lorraine will continue to be a dynamic force for change.”
Speaking of her honours award, Lorraine Gradwell commented:
“I’m delighted to receive this MBE; I feel it reflects not just my work and efforts but also those of all the disabled people I’ve had the privilege of working with over the last twenty years. The huge advances made by disabled people could not have happened without so many people pulling together and I’ve been really pleased to be recognised for the contribution I’ve made.”
Breakthrough wins Positive Action Award
Breakthrough UK’s excellence as an employer of disabled people was officially recognized in the Positive Action Awards held in Warrington on 12th September 2006.
Sponsored by the North West Development Agency, the annual Positive Action Awards recognize best practice throughout the region. Breakthrough UK’s innovative and practical approach to employment has shown that small businesses can be successful and competitive while meeting the access requirements of disabled staff.
Over 60% of Breakthrough’s staff are disabled people. This is achieved through fair recruitment and inclusive policies and practices.
The picture above shows Breakthrough staff with the Award. From left to right Caroline Beard, Karen Taberner, Lorraine Gradwell and Jane Touil.
Lorraine Gradwell, Breakthrough’s Chief Executive added:
“It is possible to successfully employ disabled people and run a thriving company. Breakthrough UK is a leading example of this and presently employs a workforce of which 60% are disabled people. The key issue is how we ensure that disabled people are not excluded from gaining the skills and experience they need to compete.”
