If you ask me…

Who has had the biggest influence on you?
Intellectually, Mike Oliver, when I read about the social model of
disability in Social Work and Disabled People, and saw myself
positively as a disabled person for the first time. Emotionally, my
wife Julie.

Which health or social care professional has been most use
to you?
The neurologist my wife met by chance on a training course. He
referred our son Evan to a specialist who diagnosed him as having
autistic spectrum disorder.

If you ran care services in your area what would you do
differently?
Put users far more in control of service provision, make sure local
grassroots groups were a vital part in community care planning and
policy formation, and really listen to user feedback on
services.

Name one thing that would make your life better?

A comprehensive, properly resourced Civil Rights Act for disabled
people.

What three words best describe you?
I’m told I can be creative, constructive and can see the bigger
picture.

Has any government policy ever benefited you
personally?
Not yet. I’m hopeful the Direct Payments Act, the Carers Act and
the Disability Discrimination Act will do sooner rather than later.

When were you last angry?
To quote Alan Bleasdale: “Don’t get angry, get even.”

Who do you most admire?
Jacqui Christy-James, a Welsh disabled woman and indefatigable
campaigner.

How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who had a go – in both senses of the phrase.