Huddersfield student named one of 100 most influential disabled people in UK
University of Huddersfield student Edward Maxfield has been honoured for his long-running campaigning work to make rail travel better for people with disabilities.
The 100 finalists were selected by an independent judging panel from more than 1,500 public nominations.
Previous winners of the Disability Power 100, organised by the Shaw Trust, have included comedian, presenter and fellow Huddersfield resident Alex Brooker, as well as BBC disability journalist Nikki Fox.
The top 10 in the Disability Power 100 list 2023 was announced on Wednesday 8 November from The Drum, Wembley, with alumna and Honorary Doctor of the University of Huddersfield comedian Rosie Jones winning in the Entertainment category.
Rosie provided her own personal message: "Congratulations to Edward for being recognised for his work on making rail travel better. From one (old) Huddersfield student to another, it's amazing to see someone who's making the world a better and more accessible place."
Edward, pictured above on campaigning business in London, has been named in the community advocate category, following five years of championing young people with a disability and accessibility on the railways.
Currently studying for his LLB (Hons) Law, he chose to study at Huddersfield for its excellent reputation in supporting students with disabilities.
Find out more about Law degrees available at the
University of Huddersfield
Edward is part of the Scope Young Members Assembly and works with East Midlands Railway and Great British Railways Transition Team on their access and inclusion-specific boards.
This work has included looking at improving accessibility at stations and on trains, and most recently looking at a consultation to close ticket offices, which has since been scrapped.
Starting out with disability advocacy through opportunities at leading charity Whizz-Kidz, he has gone on to become a role model in disability advocacy.
He has pushed forward on issues affecting young wheelchair users such as education, equipment provision, and access to education, as well as public transport.
Equity and inclusion
Edward said: “It is a tremendous honour for my work to be recognised in the Disability Power 100 list. As a young disabled person life can sometimes be isolating, my advocacy has really helped me connect with my community and make much needed change. I’ve seen the community work towards some incredible goals in the name of equity and inclusion.”
All about creating change, the Disability Power 100 celebrates ambition and achievement, and plays a role in changing society by recognising the strengths and talents of people with disabilities who are pioneers, changemakers and influencers.
Full details of this year’s finalists, including Edward, can be found on the Disability Power website.