The Leaders' List gives people with learning disabilities and/or autism an opportunity to be recognised, celebrated, and represented in mainstream media.

Dimensions, the UK’s largest not-for-profit that supports people with learning disabilities and autism, has announced the winners of its Annual Learning Disability and Autism Leaders’ List. Held in partnership with Learning Disability England [1] and the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group [2] , 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.

Berkshire local Hannah Butcher was recognised for her achievements in the ‘Work and Education’ category, one of the four categories in this year’s awards. The award comes in recognition of her work to raise awareness for autism within the business world. As Managing Director at a marketing agency, Hannah not only supports those with autism in her own company to achieve professional success, but also offers insight and advice across talks, conferences, and her own podcast series. Having herself faced challenges as a result of businesses being ill-adapted to her autism, Hannah is now committed to making the professional sphere a more inclusive place where everyone has the chance to thrive.

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 Hannah’s 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.

“There is no point having success unless you elevate others along theway.” - Hannah

Hannah was chosen by an expert panel of judges, all of whom are previous Leaders themselves. She takes her 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 Hannah.”

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 Radio2 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 Hannah and all the winners.”