Recognised for pioneering accessible fitness spaces and breaking barriers in the yoga industry, McCarthy joins the UK’s most influential disabled changemakers...

This year’s Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 list has been announced and includes Miranda McCarthy and her inclusive fitness organisation Adaptive Yoga LIVE.

Recognised for their work as a disability changemaker Miranda McCarthy is being celebrated as one of the 100 most influential disabled individuals in the UK and a leader in their field. The awards are publicly nominated and judged by a panel of 25 disabled champions including international business leader Dr Shani Dhanda, Chief Executive of Paralympics GB, David Clark and Coronation Street actor Cherylee Houston.

Miranda has been recognised for their impact, innovation and influence in changing the perceptions and stereotypes of disability. Their work has included creating safe, feasible, and inclusive spaces for disabled people to practice yoga. By showcasing different body types and abilities Adaptive Yoga LIVE aims to make the yoga culture and industry more inclusive and dismantle the misconception that yoga is not accessible to everyone. Miranda and her team have worked with government bodies, charities such as SCOPE, companies like AirBnB and Meta, as well as schools and councils to provide access to adaptive yoga so that more Disabled people can experience a greater quality of life.

Speaking about their award Miranda said: “I’m delighted to be recognised in the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 2024 and my peers in the disabled community. Finding ways to stay active was very challenging for me as I have had multiple joint replacement surgeries and I live with chronic pain from over 30 arthritic joints in my body. The day I discovered adaptive yoga and met other disabled yogis was the day that changed my life forever. Doing yoga is just one way to practice self-care. Regular self-care leads to self-compassion, self-acceptance, and self-love. In a world that discriminates against you self-love is essential, because it allows you to reclaim your worth, regardless of external judgement. It provides the strength to resist negativity and to seek out spaces where you are valued and celebrated for who you are. I feel honoured to be able to share yoga with as many disabled people as possible as the ultimate toolkit to cultivating self-love.”

National charity, Shaw Trust, runs the Disability Power 100 to raise the profile of disabled talent and challenge the disability employment gap head-on. Head of Disability Power 100, Alona De Havilland, says: “The Disability Power 100 is all about creating change, it celebrates ambition and achievement, and plays a role in challenging society’s perceptions of disability by recognising the strengths, contributions and successes of 100 disabled individuals each year.”

She continues “We all need role models. People who are pioneers and changemakers. This year we witnessed our Team GB Paralympians rightly celebrated for their elite athleticism, sporting prowess and determination to succeed. The Disability Power 100 celebrates disabled roles models with the same determination, expertise and ambition in all sectors from architecture to construction; finance to healthcare; transport to music. It is a rallying cry to future generations of leaders and a call for employers and society to recognise the talents and skills of disabled people.”

The full list of 2024 finalists can be found at www.disabilitypower100.com.

MIRANDA MCCARTHY
miranda@adaptiveyogalive.com
07957375163

Website: Adaptive Yoga LIVE https://adaptiveyogalive.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adaptiveyogalive/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX7Dj2FWIwt-kZyKKRalj1w

IMAGES: Miranda and ADAPTIVE YOGA LIVE https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1HgH1FIc5n85ERsMTucxdyKvvVaViSDmb?usp=drive_link

IMAGES: Disability Power 100
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1oZvXpAZUU6NQ9cL-bkJ19gIFXwX4OISK?usp=sharing

EMBARGO UNTIL 2030 HRS, WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2024