Member Article

Durham Social Enterprise shortlisted for Excellence in Diversity Awards

Durham based Social Enterprise has been Shortlisted for two Excellence in Diversity Awards 2015

Colin Dean from Special iApps has been shortlisted for the 2015 Diversity Champion Award for Education and Special iApps is on the shortlist for the 2015 Best Diversity Resource Award.

J.P Morgan are just one of the brands supporting a sky fall of inclusive talent – Diversity Champions, inclusive employers and pioneering campaigns from all aspects of diversity have been shortlisted for this year’s ceremony.

An overwhelming amount of nominations were received paying tribute to inspirational individuals and diverse companies nationwide that have showcased their incredible achievements to the equality agenda

In 2011, Colin and Beverley Dean founded Special iApps, a social enterprise, to develop apps for disabled children. The idea for their first groundbreaking app arose when their son William was awarded an iPad. They felt that the apps available were not accessible to children like their own son who has Down syndrome, complex needs and poor fine motor skills. This was the start of a pioneering journey. Colin writes and designs their education apps, which are being used by disabled children and adults around the world. Special iApps launched with Special Words shortly followed by Special Stories both proved to be extremely successful and popular. Both apps provide a clear uncluttered user interface. There are no distractions, no advertising and no analytics. Today, Special iApps provide 11 exceptional apps tailored to a wide range of disabilities, helping to teach children and adults in 22 languages in over 100 countries.

The Midland Hotel, Manchester will play host to the prestigious black-tie event on May 14th 2015, to honour the outstanding achievements of inspirational individuals and diverse companies nationwide.

Business journalist & broadcaster Steph McGovern will take to the stage to host the evening, stating “I am delighted to be hosting the Excellence in Diversity Awards to celebrate the great work of organisations and people who are leading the way in making our country a great and inclusive place to work”

The exclusive awards ceremony will applaud the extraordinary contributions of those that have gone above and beyond their corporate social responsibility, tackling issues internally and externally to influence change in the field of diversity & inclusion.

Baroness Campbell of Surbiton, who has continuously campaigned for disability rights most notably against the legalisation of assisted suicide, said, “If we do not champion people’s diversity in Britain, whether that be in employment, education or full access to public life, then we cannot call ourselves progressive, inclusive and successful human beings. I cannot think of anyone who would want that, but sometimes we need role models to help show us the way.

These awards will help society to understand and learn what it means to genuinely include all diverse people in our communities. To be part of that process is very important to me“.

The event is definitely one to mark down on your calendar and provides recognition for excellence regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, faith, religion and culture.

PwC, CIPD and Action for Children are amongst those supporting the campaign to reward organisations that operate across all aspects of diversity.

A panel of judges including Andy woodfield - PwC, Miranda Wayland - ITV, and Dianah Worman OBE gathered to finalise the widely anticipated shortlist.

Winners will be announced at The Midland Hotel Manchester on May 14th 2015.

To view a full list of nominees please visit www.excellenceindiversity.co.uk/2015-shortlist

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Special iApps C.I.C. .