Goldsmiths, University of London

11/21/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/21/2024 08:35

Academic named one of UK’s most influential disabled people

Dr Carmen Yau has been included in the Disability Power 100 which is compiled by national charity Shaw Trust.

Dr Yau was nominated for her work challenging the perceptions of disability that has inspired and empowered others.

Dr Yau's research has heightened awareness of violence against disabled women as well as exploring the impact of health inequality. Her work has made efforts to ensure independent living is a reality for disabled people, along with highlighting the needs of caregivers with disabilities.

Recently Dr Yau's work on accessible tourism revealed a lack of recognition by airline companies of the rights and needs of disabled people. Dr Yau advocates for the right to flight for disabled people and has worked with airline companies in south Asia to guarantee that disabled people can travel by air with dignity and independence.

The Disability Power 100 recognises and celebrates disability changemakers who are leaders in their field. The awards are publicly nominated and judged by a panel of 25 disabled champions including international business leader Dr Shani Dhanda, Chief Executive of Paralympics GB, David Clark and Coronation Street actor Cheryle Houston.

Speaking after the announcement of her inclusion, Dr Yau said:

I am very thankful to the Disability Power 100 for this emotional and significant moment. I fled from Hong Kong to London three years ago. This is the first time I feel included and recognized as a Hong Konger in the UK and a disabled academic whose intersectionality brings radical change for all.

Dr Carmen Yau

Head of Disability Power 100, Alona De Havilland, says: "The Disability Power 100 is all about creating change, it celebrates ambition and achievement, and plays a role in challenging society's perceptions of disability by recognising the strengths, contributions and successes of 100 disabled individuals each year."

Dr Yau, from Hong Kong, was the only disability advocate to represent Hong Kong China at the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD) in Geneva. In 2021, she was nominated for UN Women's Rise and Raise Other Award in acknowledgement of her achievements supporting and inspiring women and girls.

Now based in London, Dr Yau's research focuses on the intersectionality of disabled women, interpersonal violences, health inequality, the disability pay gap, gender, sexuality and relationship diversity (GSRD). Dr Yau's expertise has contributed to increasing accessibility for disabled people in public transportation, museums and historic sites, and tourism.