The Impact of The Purple Light Up: Recognising the Contribution Disabled Make to the Economy and within the Workplace

December 3rd was the UN International Day of Persons with Disabilities and also the day of the Purple Light Up which is an initiative powered by Purple Space, the world’s only networking and professional development hub for disabled employees, network and resource group leaders and allies from all sectors and trades.

In only it's second year I'm proud to be a global Ambassador for something that means so much to me, the key being the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contribution of disabled people.The headline activities are the lighting up of buildings purple, but the stronger message for me is the internal activities in organisations from disabled networks and the opportunities to engage and educate throughout the day. To that end, the University of South Wales hosted an exceptional event talking around all aspects of disability. The contribution of Rob, a senior lecturer and Stephen, a current student absolutely epitomised what is at the heart of the Purple Light Up. Huge thanks to Clare and Chris for all their efforts in pulling it together. I was also delighted that our local school also embraced the day, with the children wearing purple and thank you for all the staff and Mt Atter, the schools Head. I have to say talking at a school assembly to 5 and 6 year olds was one of my tougher audiences

What then followed was an exceptional and unprecedented amount of support around the initiative within South Wales. I have to say a huge thank you to Mark from the Business Development department in Cardiff. Cardiff Council have been fantastic with their support, not only lighting up Cardiff City Hall but also the keep in Cardiff Castle. As well as that they arranged access to the castle for a live broadcast for the ITV Wales news, a huge thanks has to go to Louise from ITV for supporting that.

The University of South Wales hadn't stopped at just holding the event with all their campuses lighting up along with...

Go Compare....

The Welsh Government.....

Our friends at Educ8......

The Wales Millennium Centre....

And the Wales National Assembly Senedd.....

I also have to recognise all the other organisations that held activities including Admiral and the DVLA.

A huge thank you goes to everyone that took part and supported the event. A special mention has to go to Front Door Communications who made everything possible and have just been superb.

What an exceptional year its been and all I can say is....Just wait until next year