Dorset disability rights campaigner gets MBE
A Dorset disability rights advocate has been recognised in the King’s Honours for her long-standing work supporting disabled people and ensuring their voices are heard at the highest levels of government.
Sammy Everard, from Bournemouth, has been awarded an MBE for services to people with disabilities, following more than 25 years of advocacy, campaigning and leadership in disability rights.
Ms Everard has extensive experience supporting disabled people, particularly around self-employment and access to opportunities.
In 2019, she was appointed South West Regional Stakeholder Network Chair by the Minister for Disabled People, a role in which she facilitates dialogue between disabled people across the region and central government.
Through this position, she has worked closely with government departments to ensure lived experiences inform policy decisions, helping to shape discussions on disability inclusion and accessibility.
She is regularly selected by departments for her knowledge, reliability and commitment to representing disabled voices.
Reacting to the honour, Ms Everard said she hoped the recognition would shine a light on the importance of listening to disabled people and continuing to remove barriers to inclusion.
Her award recognises not only her personal dedication, but also the wider disability community she represents, whose experiences she has championed throughout her career.