A disability inclusion advocate from Congleton has been named as one of the world's top 100 women driving meaningful change.

Dr Deborah Lawson has been included in the She Inspires Impact Leaders List 2026.

Unlike many awards or rankings, the list is not nomination-based or open to public entry. Instead, it is carefully curated to reflect women whose leadership is defined by measurable change.

Dr Lawson's inclusion reflects more than two decades of sustained work advancing accessibility, dignity and inclusion across the UK.

She said: "To be recognised alongside so many remarkable women creating meaningful change is something I genuinely didn't expect, and I'm truly honoured.

"My driving purpose has always been to help build a world where disabled people and their families can live with dignity, access, fairness and belonging, so to have that work recognised in this way is deeply humbling."

Dr Deborah Lawson has been included in the She Inspires Impact Leaders List 2026 (Credit: Supplied)

As a nationally recognised disability inclusion consultant and one of the UK's most influential disabled changemakers, Dr Lawson has worked across healthcare, education, retail and public policy, advising senior leaders, contributing to policy development and helping organisations embed inclusion into the design of environments, services and systems from the outset.

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Drawing on both professional expertise and lived experience as a disabled woman and powered wheelchair user, she brings a critical perspective on how environments, services and systems are experienced in practice, challenging assumptions and exposing often overlooked barriers.

Her work has received national recognition, including praise from the Prime Minister for her significant contribution to advancing disability inclusion.

Alongside her consultancy work, she is also a best-selling children's author, using storytelling to help normalise difference and build empathy from an early age.

She also serves as chair of Congleton Town Council's Equal Access Advisory Group, supporting local efforts to improve accessibility and inclusion within the community, reflecting her commitment to driving change at both national and grassroots levels.