Rashmi Becker, PhD researcher at the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Cambridge has been shortlisted as a finalist for the National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards in the Making a Difference Category.
Rashmi Becker has been shortlisted as a finalist in the Making a Difference Category of the National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards which will take place at the ICC in Birmingham on 14th July 2016. Eight people have been shortlisted in this category.
Rashmi has been recognised for her efforts to improve public awareness and influence stakeholders in understanding what a 'good life' means for someone with a learning disability and autism. Rashmi conceived and helped to create a major photo book and national exhibition over the course of two years, which captures the images and stories of people with disabilities as they go about their every day lives but also celebrate milestones in their life - from catching a bus for the first time, to getting married. Rashmi was keen to challenge the repeated negative stereotypical images and narratives around disability and encourage better practice by focus on what works rather than what has gone wrong. The project has resulted in widespread positive media coverage, including a 7-page feature in the Guardian, a BBC radio discussion and lots of specialist articles and features. Rashmi has also been invited to speak about the project at Waterstones in Piccadilly, give a lecture to BA and MA students in Social Care at Coventry University and participate in talks and discussions with people with learning disabilities, autism, their families and supporters at the National Autistic Society and The Autism Show - which is attended by 4,000 people. This project inspired Rashmi to apply for and secure funding from the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR) Collaborations for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care (CLAHRC) East of England, to undertake PhD research examining the role of the frontline support worker in improving quality of life for people with a learning disability.
The National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards are a celebration of excellence across the learning disability and autism sector. The purpose of the awards is to promote best practice and pay tribute to those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work. There are a total of twenty one awards categories available for nomination, representing all areas of the sector. From frontline staff such as support workers and managers, to people who have made an impact in other ways through training, breaking down barriers and housing.