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Congratulations to Dr Shani Dhanda!

04/12/2023
Honorary Graduate Shani Dhanda seated looking at the camera

Big congratulations go out to Dr Shani Dhanda who has been named the most influential person in the Disability Power 100 list for 2023 which recognises and celebrates people across the disabled community!

The Shaw Trust Foundation (MUST) list recognises and celebrates people within the disabled community over a wide range of categories who are working to improve the representation and quality of life of those living with disabilities.

Shani recently accepted an Honorary Award from the University for her tireless work in cultivating inclusivity and accessibility – especially for disabled people. 

As a graduate in Event Management from the University's Business School, Shani is a prominent Disability Inclusion and Accessibility Specialist, Social Entrepreneur, and Broadcaster, she is one of the most influential disabled individuals and a recognised disability inclusion thought leader.  Honoured as BBC's 100 Women Laureate of 2020, she is dedicated to empowering businesses and brands to foster inclusivity and accessibility, especially for disabled individuals.  

A regular on TV’s Loose Women and Rip Off Britain, she founded the Asian Disability Network which works to reduce the heightened stigma that exists within Asian communities around disability.

Shani said: “I am deeply honoured to have received an honorary doctorate from the University of Wolverhampton, which has not only played a pivotal role in shaping my educational journey but has also significantly contributed to my personal growth, professional accomplishments, and lifelong learning. The University's vision of Inclusion, Innovation, and Impact aligns closely with my values. This recognition reinforces our shared vision of education as a powerful agent of change, working towards a world that is truly inclusive and accessible for everybody." 

Sara Allen from Shaw Trust, the charity which curated the Disability Power 100 believes the list is more important than ever: “Our mission is to help people into good work. The sort of work we all want to do, but we know that if you are disabled you have fewer opportunities for good work – whether that is because workplaces are inaccessible, no flexibility in the hours or shift patterns, or simply because there is a complex online application form.

"A fifth of the UK’s population has a disability or impairment, however, there is very little recognition of successful and influential disabled people. Disabled people are more likely to be unemployed, and the gap is widening, and until we change the public perception of disability, to recognise strong, successful, influential people who are leaders in their field, this gap will continue.”

Entrepreneur and activist Shani Dhanda is on a mission to make the world more accessible for disabled people. She was born with a condition called Osteogenesis Imperfecta, more commonly known as Brittle Bone Disease, meaning her bones can break very easily. 

Due to her condition she is also 3ft 10in in height which presents many challenges on a day to day basis. 

After graduation, graduates become members of the Alumni Association and are encouraged to keep in touch, to take advantage of a wide range of benefits and support on offer, including a discount for postgraduate study. 

Anyone interested in studying courses in the University's Business School should check out the website or book a place for one of our Undergraduate or Postgraduate Open Days. 

For more information please contact the Corporate Communications Team.

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