Emma Partlow named finalist in Disability Power 100 list

Emma Partlow, Director of Consumer Engagement and Policy at Transreport, has been recognised as one of the most influential disabled people in the UK as a finalist in the 2024 Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 list.

The Disability Power 100 list, judged by a panel including Paralympics GB Chief Executive David Clark, acknowledges individuals making significant contributions towards a more inclusive society. Emma Partlow was selected in the Transport, Retail, Service and Hospitality category from nearly 800 nominations for her work in making travel more accessible.

Emma Partlow is noted for her leadership at Transreport, where she blends industry expertise with personal experience to propel strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing accessible travel. The company's Passenger Assistance technology, also a finalist in the 2023 Apple Design Awards, supports greater independence for disabled travellers.

Emma Partlow remarked, "It is an honour to be recognised in the Disability Power 100 among such esteemed peers. While nobody enters the accessibility space with the goal of receiving awards or accolades, recognition of dismantling global barriers and creating tangible impact is incredibly humbling; with inclusion itself the real reward."

"Reflecting on the importance of celebrating Disabled people each year within the Power 100 makes me remember why celebrating identities is important," she said.

"At age fourteen, a consultant listed all the ways my life would change in a dramatic and negative way, which I now understand to be a medicalised approach to Disability. There was little focus on how my Disabled identity could be empowering, and a catalyst for driving social change."

Emma expressed her gratitude to the Shaw Trust and the Disability Power 100 judges, stating, "The Power 100, to me, represents the antithesis of this experience and understanding of Disability. I want to thank the Shaw Trust and the Disability Power 100 judges for this recognition."

The awards are judged by 25 leaders, including influential figures such as Coronation Street actor Cherylee Houston. Alona De Havilland, Head of Disability Power 100, explains, "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."

This accolade coincides with Transreport's recent accomplishments, which include winning the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Award at the 2024 Railway Industry Association RISE Awards. The company's Passenger Assistance technology continues to redefine standards in accessible travel on a global scale.

Dr Shani Dhanda, international business leader and 2023's most influential Disabled person, highlighted the impact of the technology, saying, "Passenger Assistance is revolutionary in the way it has enabled disabled passengers to travel with more confidence, spontaneity and independence. This technology helps the transport sector to provide support tailored to disabled people's individual needs, in a dignified and efficient way, meaning we can focus on enjoying our journey."

Jay Shen, Founder and CEO of Transreport, praised Emma Partlow's contribution, stating, "Emma is a crucial part of our team at Transreport, and her influence and expertise can be found pocketed in every area our business. Both within Transreport and working closely with our partners and colleagues across global travel and tourism, she ensures that accessibility and inclusion are not merely a compliance exercise, but an ongoing consideration integrated into every aspect of an organisation. An ethos she shares with everyone across the company. Collaborating with global communities to elevate consumer engagement, Emma reduces stigma and barriers through challenging the stereotypes surrounding Disability."

"She deserves to be recognised as part of the Disability Power 100, and we could not be prouder."