Testimonials
“Deborah, on behalf of the whole country, I want to thank you for your fantastic work advocating for people living with disabilities. You have helped to make thousands of retail companies and high street stores more inclusive and accessible. You have used your experience in the fashion industry to promote greater awareness of disability, and you are supporting staff working in frontline customer services through your online resources and national training programme. Your service to our country is helping to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Thank you.”
Prime Minister, UK
“Warmest congratulations on the publication of your debut book, Damson’s Friendship Wish. I know how much thought, care and lived experience you bring to everything you do, and this book is such a powerful and beautiful reflection of that. You’ve already made a real and lasting difference through your work as a consultant and advocate, and I’ve seen firsthand the impact you’ve had for families here in our constituency. To now see that same heart and insight captured in a children’s book is moving. I’ve no doubt that Damson’s Friendship Wish will help many young readers feel understood in ways that I know you’ve said you wish you had access to as a young person. Congratulations again on this wonderful achievement. I am incredibly proud to have you in our community.”
Sarah Russell MP – Member of Parliament for Congleton constituency
“Deborah has been a natural advocate all of her life. She has supported 1000s of disabled people and their families to secure their rights and get better lives. On top of her advocacy with individuals, she has also worked tirelessly across society having an impact in accessible fashion. She has made a massive contribution to business, talking about diversity, equality and inclusion. Always inspiring them to take action. Deborah was, in fact, one of the early pioneers for diversity, equity, and inclusion, courageously advocating for greater acceptance since the late ’90s when there was a lot of intolerance and resistance towards anyone raising awareness about creating positive change (which she faced but carried on regardless…). Deborah’s impact has paved the way for countless others to follow her lead. Deborah has faced adversity in her own life, including doing a 5-year degree on her back with a screen suspended above her head (graduating with first-class honours). She also endured months of homelessness after losing her home in a non-fault house fire. This is in addition to being a powered wheelchair user and managing multiple severe and extremely painful disabilities and the daily challenges these bring. Yet Deborah has continued to selflessly dedicate her whole adult life to others, to make the UK a more diverse, equitable and inclusive place for future generations. Deborah is an outstanding role model to thousands of disabled and non-disabled individuals, encouraging them to be allies to disabled people and push for better support and inclusion. Deborah doesn’t just talk about change, she makes change happen. Truly a beacon of hope and inspiration to all those who are facing adversity and limitations in their lives. She conducts herself with the highest professional standards and leaves a positive impact on everyone she meets. Deborah, thank you for all you have done.”
Peter Edwards – Highly Experienced Human Rights Lawyer
“Despite facing significant personal challenges, Deborah has been instrumental in enhancing the accessibility of thousands of buildings and developing comprehensive training programs to foster disability awareness within businesses and organisations. Her work extends beyond physical improvements to embrace a broader mission of societal change, advocating for a more inclusive culture that recognises and values diversity in all of its forms. Deborah’s story is a story of both drive and of resilience. She is creating a more inclusive world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Her positivity, strength and determination is just… wow!”
Nina Hossain – Journalist and Presenter, ITV News
“Deborah’s got a book out… It’s absolutely beautiful, Damson’s Friendship Wish. Her story is incredible… and now she dedicates her time to educating some of the UK’s biggest brands on how to make life for people with disabilities easier. [After hearing about Deborah’s work] You’re amazing, that’s it, you’re just amazing. I’ve written a big exclamation mark, and I’ve underlined it. I mean, you do all of that, and then you’ve got a children’s book out… It’s a heart-warming tale that teaches children about kindness, making true friends and the value of being themselves, which is so important in the world right now with all the news that we keep being fed with. It’s so important that people like you are really making a difference. Thank you very, very much, Deborah. Thank you for everything that you do for so many other people. We really appreciate you, Deborah. Thank you very much indeed.”
Gaby Roslin – TV and radio presenter (excerpt from BBC Radio London interview)
“Deborah Lawson, our ‘Woman of Courage’ truly deserves that title.”
Annabel Tiffin – Journalist and Presenter BBC News
“On behalf of all the women and the men, we thank you for all that you’ve done. And we are so delighted to celebrate all that you’ve achieved… Thank you, also on behalf of all our children and our daughters. It’s people like you that inspire and produce these amazing women, who hopefully will leave their mark in the world. So thank you, Dr Deborah Lawson.”
Jenny Powell – Radio and television presenter
“Deborah’s passion for raising disability awareness and promoting inclusion has made a profound difference to the lives of others. She is a pioneer for the disabled community and is committed to challenging societal misconceptions, that means disabled people still experience discrimination in every area of their life. Thank you, Deborah… for influencing others and for persisting. Over the last two decades, your passion has advanced inclusion and accessibility across the UK to the benefit of hundreds of thousands of others.”
Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Chris Chang – University of Portsmouth
“Deborah has broken barriers and shattered glass ceilings. She is a strong advocate for those with disabilities and an inspiration to us all. Her achievements are remarkable.”
Professor Christian Harrison – Globally renowned scholar and Director of CLE, University of Greater Manchester
“Deborah is a source of inspiration for us all. She is passionate and positive about making life better for everyone, but especially those living with a disability. She has helped thousands of people and businesses across the UK, and we are very fortunate that Deborah is keen to work with the Town Council and other local people with a disability to make improvements across Congleton.”
Congleton Town Council
“I am a fan of yours! I’ve just checked out your website, and WOW, it’s truly inspirational…. “
TV’s Jane McDonald
“We really enjoyed the style & training session. Thank you so much, Deborah.”
Dorothy Perkins
“Our presenter, Dr Deborah Lawson, is a special individual indeed. Since winning this category last year, she has continued to help others selflessly. Only last month, we were contacted by someone who told us how they got in touch with her, and they shared this with us. ‘Something made me reach out to Deborah, and she changed everything. She gave up hundreds of hours advocating for me and advising me and got me the support and services I needed. She listened and never judged me, and I always felt safe to tell her how things were. She made me want to live. I know I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her and what she did for me. She is the kindest, most intelligent, positive and most supportive person I’ve ever known.’ ”
NPW – Europe’s largest celebration of gender equality
“Our incredible ‘Woman Of The Year Award’ recipient, Doctor Deborah Lawson, has dedicated her life to fighting for the rights of disabled people. Despite her challenges, Doctor Lawson is a strong advocate for injustice. Encouraged to make things better for those around her. A very strong and hugely worthy and respected recipient of our ‘Woman Of The Year’ accolade.”
This is Manchester
“Deborah’s transformed accessibility and inclusion across the UK, improving hundreds of thousands of lives. She’s a trailblazer, an excellent role model and the most courageous woman I’ve ever met.”
Graham P
“Dr Deborah Lawson has improved accessibility in thousands of buildings and venues nationwide, and her training has been used in hundreds of major stores. Her work is nothing short of remarkable.”
Joanne L
“Working with Dr Lawson changed how we approach inclusion at every level. She saw barriers and opportunities that others missed, and helped us create an environment that works better for everyone, not just disabled customers.”
Thomas R
“Dr Deborah Lawson’s systemic impact, across retail, housing, fashion, public policy, local government, children’s literature, and disability awareness, makes her one of the most powerful changemakers in the UK today.”
Paul D
“Dr Deborah Lawson is one of the most important disability trailblazers in the UK. Her work has improved how people access services and feel seen in systems that once excluded them.”
Claire P
“Deborah has made a huge impact across the UK. She never seeks recognition or social media attention, but her work speaks for itself and has transformed how organisations, services, and communities approach inclusion.”
Fatima S
“How Dr Deborah Lawson uses her lived experience to create lasting change for others makes her one of the UK’s most trusted figures in disability inclusion.”
Laura H
“Thank you for all your help. I’d nearly given up because no one was willing to help me. You’ve helped me more than all the other places did together.”
Jill S
“Deborah listened, understood what I was facing, and actually did something about it. It’s rare to meet someone who not only gets it, but also makes real changes happen.”
Sally W
“Thanks to Deborah, I now have access to spaces and services I’d given up on. She made changes that actually improved my day-to-day life.”
Sammi T
“Dear Deborah, we both wanted to express our gratitude for your assistance. We truly appreciate everything you did for us, and we couldn’t have managed without your help. Thank you for your professional, kind, and valuable support.”
Janet W
“Dozens of people with disabilities (including me) went to a major music tour, all thanks to Deborah’s determination to make it happen. Believe me, this lady is one in a million!”
Tony N
“I would like to recommend this amazingly empathic, knowledgeable, kind, caring lady in some of the most private and personal issues, including being the victim of hate crime, where she gave me incredible advice and support. I will always be grateful to know her.”
Sal R
“Deborah’s intelligent, knowledgeable and professional. She can multitask colossal amounts of information, and everything she says has real value.”
Paul B
“I’ve never felt so emotional during a keynote in my life. It was honest, real, courageous and empowering everyone in the room to make change happen. You are such an incredible and inspirational lady. Your talk was grounding, authentic, and you could have heard a pin drop. Everyone was completely invested. Thank you.”
Event attendee reviewer
“Your talk was exceptional. Thank you for your courage and insights. Everyone in the audience was tearing up. I particularly loved how you connected everything to how we can make a difference. You made such an impact on everyone. I’m truly in awe of you and everything you’ve achieved.”
Event attendee reviewer
“Your keynote was the most powerful, emotive and moving talk I’ve ever heard. In the break, everyone was saying the same thing. You are such an inspiration. I can’t stop thinking about the barriers so many people face that I never noticed. You are such a remarkable, brave and authentic woman. Thank you for all that you do and for making a real difference.”
Event attendee reviewer
“Your kindness and support have been such a blessing to our family. Thank you for giving us hope for our daughter’s future. We hope she grows up to be just like you.”
Linda S
“Deborah, your work has seriously been a lifesaver for me. Your resources have made a huge impact, and I’m so grateful.”
Michael L
“Deborah, you are so inspirational to me. You give me so much hope that I, too, can achieve my dreams. I’m so grateful that women like you exist because you light the way for all of us. You are humble and kind and strong women like you are role models not just for women like me, but also for our daughters.”
Parvati K
“Deborah is the bravest and most compassionate person I know. Her commitment and determination to help others with empathy and dignity is commendable.”
Karen B
“Deborah, the fact that you’ve faced so many challenges in your own life and still find time to help others and fight for disabled people is seriously mind-blowing.”
Julia M
“As a senior citizen with mobility issues, I am so grateful for your work and dedication, Deborah. And for your resources, which have helped me.”
Margaret B
“I am greatly impressed by you because you are a motivation for all females. You struggled hard and made a bright future. I have no words to appreciate you enough. Stay blessed always.”
Sadia W
“You’ve faced tremendous challenges in life yet persevered with strength and grace. Your compassion and resilience are amazing. You are an outstanding role model.”
Martin C
“Deborah, I seriously appreciate all the amazing work you’re doing. Thank god for people like you in the world!”
Dave W
“The way you stand up for disabled people and fight for their rights is awe-inspiring. You’re doing amazing work.”
Elizabeth C
“Being affected by a disability myself, I’m so grateful that there are amazing people like you fighting for us.”
Lisa B
“You rock, Deborah! You’re one of the most selfless, supportive and kind people I know. You’re making the world a better, more equal place, and I admire everything you do! You’re one in a million.”
Phil W
“Your strength, determination, resilience, and good humor are unparalleled. Thank you for being an ongoing inspiration and role model.”
Nancy A
Dr Deborah Lawson 