A CAMPAIGNER from Otley has been named as one of the most influential people with a disability in the UK - for the second year running.

Chloe Tear has again been included in the Shaw Trust Disability Power List 100, which is compiled by an independent judging panel chaired by Kate Nash OBE.

The 21 year old made the list in recognition of her extensive and ongoing work to raise awareness of, and change public attitudes towards, disability. Over the past six years Chloe, who has mild cerebral palsy and is registered partially sighted, has:

*Written an award-winning blog about her experiences while studying at Prince Henry’s Grammar School and Leeds Trinity University

*Volunteered with national disability charity Scope and worked for CP Teens

*Written for more than 70 publications and delivered presentations to health professionals plus parents whose children have Cerebral Palsy

*Sat on national panels examining access within higher education and been involved in national campaigns for Scope and RNIB.

Delighted to be included in the Power List 100 once more, she said: “I cannot believe it! To be named one of the most influential disabled people in Britain is a huge title, and to have done this two years in a row is just very surreal.

“Having a disability can make things challenging, yet I am so fortunate to be able to use my experiences to raise awareness and make others feel less alone.”

Alumni Relations Officer at Leeds Trinity University, Brett Arnall, said: “We are delighted to see that Chloe has been named once again in the disability Power List for 2019. She is an inspirational individual who works exceptionally hard to raise awareness of her disabilities to support others.”

In less positive news, new figures show that there has been a rise of just under 12 per cent in disability hate crime in England and Wales. Learning disability charity United Response found there were more than 6,000 reported cases in 2018-19 after submitting Freedom of Information requests to 45 police forces: and West Yorkshire had the largest number, with 818.

Chloe told the Wharfedale & Aireborough Observer: “I think the statistics around the rise in disability hate crime is appalling, but I’m not surprised. As a disabled person, you face negative comments and public attitudes on a daily basis. You almost leave the house and expect someone to comment on your disability.

“I believe this illustrates how much further we have to go to achieve equality for disabled people.” Chloe graduated with a first-class degree in Psychology and Child Development this year and now works for Scope’s online forum. She is also pursuing a freelance writing career.