After a year and a half as a Trustee at RiDC, Sandra begins her new role as Chair of Trustees this month.
Here, she shares what motivates her.
"I am honoured to accept the role of Chair at the Research Institute for Disabled Consumers (RIDC). Stepping into this position, I am acutely aware of the significant impact our organisation has on the lives of people with disabilities. My own journey toward fostering a more inclusive and accessible world began nearly a decade ago in the transport technology sector. I quickly realised that despite our technological capabilities, a lack of awareness and urgency often hindered progress toward true inclusiveness."
"My personal experience with disability has also made me keenly aware of the everyday barriers we face.
"I firmly believe in the Social Model of Disability, which asserts that the obstacles disabled people encounter stem from physical, cultural, and social environments, not the disability itself. RIDC, with its qualified researchers and diverse panel of 4,000 disabled and elderly consumers, is uniquely positioned to help identify and overcome these barriers.
"The RIDC has already accomplished significant work, positively impacting how organisations operate in a more inclusive manner across the UK. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing Chair Dr. Phil Friend (OBE) for his exceptional leadership. Phil’s dedication and tireless efforts have notably strengthened our organisation, ensuring the voices of disabled consumers are heard and valued. His legacy of advocacy and strategic vision will continue to inspire us as we move forward.
"I look forward to building on this strong foundation and collaborating with our talented staff, exceptional CEO, and dedicated trustees to achieve new milestones in accessibility and inclusion."
