Our Event Ambassadors

Chandy is a disability and mental health campaigner with a passion for helping people know more about disability rights and how to be an ally for disabled people.

He has a degree in social work and has just finished his MA in human rights. Chandy works with various organisations to help educate students in health, social care, and related professions to understand the social model of disability.

As well as being our advocate, Chandy is heavily involved in the content creation for Social Media.

Andy was born with Cerebral Palsy and was reliant on a wheelchair for mobility until the age of 8.

When he joined the scouts the sight of his friends running around inspired him to try and walk a few feet, Karate training also helped him to improve his balance and co-ordination.

Over the years Andy’s career path has seen him involved in computer software, programming and engineering.

In 2004 he had a change of role to an Employment Advisor for the Shaw Trust, working with ex-drug users to help them back into work.

Andy is hoping to move his physical career to a more virtual and intellectual path that will help him overcome the physical limitations he has developed.

In 2016 his Youtube Channel ‘Talking Really’ took shape, focusing on the disability aspects of life, including travel vlogs.

Hi my Name is Nettie and I am a qualified and registered RSLI (Registered Sign Language interpreter) based in the South East.

My official name is Annette, but I am widely known as Nettie.

From 2008-2022 I had been a Communication Support Worker in the Further Education Sector and an active member and familiar face within the Deaf community.

Then in 2021 I became a freelance interpreter  working in different domains.

I am well-known for organising and launching Deaf events, establishing BSL social gatherings and participating in voluntary work.

Previously I have been  a volunteer for Deaf committees and became a Committee member as the only hearing person.

I am very passionate  on instilling the Deaf community their equal rights and access, encourage empowerment to protect and embed their culture; breaking down the barriers that Deaf people face every day.

So Deafness is embraced cementing their identity, norms and values. I unequivocally support Deaf empowerment and full access to communication.

I am very excited and honoured in becoming Disability Expo official British Sign language interpreter.

My Motto is “I see each day to learn and the opportunity to give in return.”

My name is Amy Butterfield.

My ears are broken but my physical body is not broken. I am a User of British Sign Language and used this beautiful language most of my life.

It is still clear that the Deaf community still has barriers to accessibility of Communication that needs to be broken down and awareness of Deafness is much needed and is invisible to some.

We all need access regardless of disability
I am very passionate on instilling the Deaf community their equal rights and access, encourage empowerment to protect our culture; breaking down the barriers that Deaf people face every day, I embrace my identity as Deaf and proud of my culture. Believing and reinforcing Deaf empowerment and full access to communication.

I live to inspire people and promote disability awareness.

Ashley Archer is the founder of Rise Above Limits (R.A.L) and is living proof that no matter what may stand in your way, success is achievable.

He understands the physical and mental strength needed to overcome challenges as a sportsman, and in life.

As a public speaker Ashley motivates audiences to move beyond their limitations and into their greatness.

Ashley was born with arthrogryposis multiplex congenital, a condition that affects his legs, and means he uses a wheelchair.

Having struggled with self-belief, seeing David Weir win four gold medals at the 2012 Paralympics inspired him to pursue training at Weir’s wheelchair racing club, and led to a professional career as a wheelchair racer as part of the GB Talent Squad.

Rather than limit himself to one discipline, Ashley has also competed in basketball playing for the London Titans and currently plays sledge ice hockey for the Peterborough Phantoms and with the GB Squad.

Ashley has landed coverage in print and broadcast outlets including BBC, ITV, Channel 5 News and Sky News.

He has also modelled as the face of various disability campaigns and has taken on acting roles.

Jurgen has spent more than 18 years in the recruitment and talent acquisition field, working for a wide selection of multinational organisations.

In 2019, he lost his eyesight and became an advocate for his community, as well as becoming an advocate for the importance of disability inclusion in the workplace.

He is also an executive board member of the recruitment industry disability initiative RIDI and an ambassador for the Vision Foundation.

Terri-Louise Brown is a proud mother, visionary Founder and CEO of Talks with M.S., a registered charity providing
support for those affected by Multiple Sclerosis.

Her personal journey with MS began in 2016, when she was diagnosed with Relapsing-Remitting Multiple Sclerosis
following an episode of paralysis from the waist down.

This experience inspired her to create a supportive space for
fellow MS’ers and led to the establishment of Talks with M.S.

Terri-Louise is an engaging speaker who shares her experiences and insights on a range of topics, including
advocacy, the unique challenges faced by being a black woman with a disability, and the intersection of race, gender,
and disability.

She also speaks about the importance of representation within the disability community, particularly the need for
more black and brown voices to be heard.

Despite disability not always being visible, Terri-Louise is committed to
breaking down stereotypes and promoting greater understanding and acceptance

Hi, my name is Kris Foster and I am a male member of the disabled community.

Although I shouldn’t be defined by my disability my life experiences have shaped me into the person who I am.

I have Aarskog syndrome, a genetic disorder related to Down’s Syndrome, and I have cervical spondylosis, a spinal condition that affects my movement. I am also autistic.

I work for a finance and technology company, as an Office Engagement Assistant.

I work within the team who manage the day to day running and management of the offices.

My tasks include setting up meeting rooms in preparation for each working day, ordering of furniture and consumables, and I meet and greet visitors to the company.

I have also been given the opportunity to represent my company at conferences where I spoke about employability for people with disabilities.

Outside of work I am the co-founder of a media platform called ‘Open Book’ where we highlight and celebrate individuals with disabilities.

Our mission has two main aims 1. To allow individuals within the disabled community, to be able to showcase their talents and have their voices heard. 2.

To raise awareness and challenge the perceptions of big brands and large corporations towards creating fairer employment opportunities for all. Our values are: Collaborate, Challenge, Celebrate.

Interests: Fashion, music, poetry, community outreach

Lorraine Stanley is the Founder & CEO of SWAD (Sex With A Difference) SWAD trains social services and health care professionals, in the private and public sectors (Service Providers), about the sexual health needs of people with disabilities. They also support disabled people, partner carers and parent carers regarding sexual expression. She delivers training at a local, regional, national (and international) level.

Lorraine is a nominee for the National Diversity Awards 2023, and was a finalist in the Grassroots Initiative of the Year in the Sexual Health Awards 2022. She sees activism as key in championing the rights of disabled people, whether it’s the right to sexual expression, to have accessible housing, or employment/business opportunities. She raises awareness of the need for Changing Places toilets, and the value to business of the Purple Pound (the spending power of disabled people). Her goal is to make Dorset the number one accessible destination county in the UK.

This year she has launched a “Better Access for Better Access” campaign. The goal is to have at least one hoisting system, and a set of leg supports, on at least one examination couch, in every sexual health clinic and GP surgery in the UK, by 31 December 2024″. Also, Lorraine has published an eBook called Sexual Health Clinics, GP Clinics & Disabled People – A Guide for Better Access”, which is currently available on the SWAD website.