Please do vote for me, it’s very much appreciated. My nomination is about bringing disability and its histories into the public domain and teaching the topic in positive ways in both schools, colleges, and to the public. It’s also about the challenges I’ve overcome in having cerebral palsy and what I’ve achieved as a person, and as a historian to date.
Here’s some of the wonderful comments I’ve had, when people have voted for me…
‘She wrote a book that makes people realise that there are disabled people throughout history, living fulfilling lives.‘
‘Phillipa’s knowledge of disability in history is amazing and she is helping to tell the story of disability through the ages.‘
‘Phillipa is a great role model because she proves that disability will not hold you back. She is also very graceful in her response to people who criticize her for her disability.‘
‘Phillipa is a refreshing presence on social media, advocating for disability through her historical work and fiction writing. I am not a historian and have little experience of disability, but through Phillipa’s work, I have learned a great deal about disability, not only in history but in contemporary society. Phillipa has opened my eyes to the unseen in history and the sadly often ignored in contemporary society. Phillipa would be a very worthy winner of this award as she is the epitome of a positive role model for disability through her work and her life.‘
‘Philipa is an inspiration. Bringing out the stories of disabled people in the past is super important to achieve a rounded, complete knowledge of the whole population.‘
‘She’s an inspirational activist and writer for disability inclusion. Her books and scholarly contributions have raised the profile of disability access and inclusion quite profoundly.‘
‘She’s a positive role model for those with disabilities.‘
‘Phillipa is passionate about her mission of building awareness around disability in its various forms as well as the historical aspects of the same. I have learned so much from her.‘
‘Amazing absolute inspiration for all. Total proof that disability does not stop you from achieving anything you want to when you put your mind to it.’
‘Phillipa Vincent-Connolly is such an inspiration for me. She is constantly striving to teach others what is possible despite having a disability. Her research into how people with disabilities are treated in history is phenomenal.‘
‘Fabulous author.’
‘Phillipa is a constant inspiration, using her platform to both share her love of history and to advocate for disabled people!‘
‘Phillipa gives a contemporary voice to disabled people of the past. She is dedicating her research to voicing disability in the Tudors, not only with her PhD but also with her symposium presentation.‘
‘So much courage and determination to always move forwards with her life. Just so determined in everything. I don’t know how she does it. Its inspirational considering her many struggles and past abuse. I look forward to what she’s going to do next with eager anticipation.’
‘Phillipa never gives up in making her voice heard.‘
‘A pioneer and a voice for all those who suffer disabilities and disadvantages.’
‘Phillipa has worked very hard to get to this point in her life. It is clear that she is extremely driven and her passion shines out of her.‘
‘Philipa is doing great work promoting diversity in a historical context.‘
‘Phillipa’s research and writing has inspired many of my students to explore the history of disability.‘
‘I’ve been following Phillipa for quite some time on Twitter and have read her books. She’s an amazing historian and storyteller and writes with detailed and thorough knowledge about the issues and problems faced by disabled people historically which is still being experienced today. Phillipa is a remarkable person that has her own challenges with Cerebral Palsy and is a mother raising a child on her own. I know she’s faced many difficult times but she’s a very determined person and does not give up. I believe she deserves this award and is a positive role model for disability.‘
‘She is an inspiring person and is shining a light on the history of people with disabilities.‘
‘Phillipa is an excellent role model for disability overcoming challenges in life with her own health. Now through her teaching and writing, she both empathises and inspires others.‘
‘Inspiring people to think differently about diverse groups – a talented communicator and ambassador for diverse histories.’
‘She is a positive inspiration to everyone.‘
‘I have got a glimpse of her impressive work on LinkedIn. She will be a wonderful ambassador.‘
‘Phillipa’s commitment to inclusion and diversity is inspirational. She is both tenacious and empathetic. Her insight into the needs, feelings and aspirations of individuals and groups is demonstrated by her ideas and projects to make these happen.‘
‘Phillipa is a single mother of two boys despite having cerebral palsy she is an inspiration to others training as a teacher, she’s an author & historian, whenever she gets a set back she’s straight back on her feet thinking positively, in her previous life she had her own business in the beauty industry as a nail technician. Phillipa is a positive role model in so many ways and is always thinking of ways to be an ambassador for disability whether in the workplace or in everyday life. Phillipa is very caring always thinking of ways to help others, she produces history podcasts & has given interviews on the radio about her books her latest being “Disability & the Tudors” she has a real passion for Tudor history. She truly deserves this award she works so passionately & positively in everything she does.’
‘Phillipa champions inclusion in a variety of ways and challenges traditional stereotypes of people with disabilities. Her academic achievements to date, including her current PhD studies, alongside her literary contributions to disability history, emphasise the ‘ability’ aspect to ‘dis’ability. She is truly an outstanding positive role model for disability and deserves recognition for her contribution to changing attitudes and promoting inclusive values.‘
‘I have learned so much from Phillipa, and she has a beautiful spirit.‘
‘A positive and inspirational role model.‘
‘Phillipa has given me insight on the challenges disabled people deal with on a daily basis. Although she is disabled herself, Phillipa has not let her disabilities stop her from reaching her goals in life. She is has inspired me to be better in life. She is someone I look up to. I appreciate the history talks we have together as well.‘
‘Phillipa’s scholarship into disability history is groundbreaking. She supports the social model of disability and is a role model to other disabled people.‘
‘I really enjoy her work, and she is a leading person in her field.’
‘She stands up for the 25% of the world’s population that is disabled, well worthy of a meaningful recognition I say.’
‘Phillipa is opening up conversations about disability awareness through a historical perspective, in an engaging and thoughtful way, providing a role-model for disabled people in today’s world.‘
‘Inspiring the History community to ensure disability history is embedded in their curricula.’
‘Phillipa’s strength of character in causing her success is inspiring. She has helped me so much with her positive attitude and great advice. She overcomes ridicule, hardship, bullying and negative comments with love, ease and compassion for herself and others. She is a champion for disability acceptance and shines a light on the history of disability injustice by writing books and doing talks on the subject. She deserves every accolade for what she is providing to humanity.‘
‘As a person with a disability myself and a love of history, it’s been so meaningful to me to read Phillip’s work. Books like hers on the Tudors and disability (as well as her awareness-raising on Twitter) have built my confidence and self-identity. She truly is inspiring with her honesty and openness about disability and deserves recognition and praise for her hard work.‘
‘Phillipa is so inspiring and has so many ideas and historical interests. Her work is so engaging and amazing and full of cold hard facts but brings the periods to life.‘
‘Phillipa is a great scholar and inspiring author.‘
‘Phillipa volunteered and interviewed for a documentary on disability and the Tudors which has since enabled us to move forward with a groundbreaking period drama that will change the media’s perception and single track mind about what people with disabilities truly are. Her time and insight were given selflessly and her advice was invaluable.‘
‘I have been privileged to know Phil as a kind and helpful role model since I was 9. She is utterly inspirational and has been all her life. She’s never used her disability as a crutch more like a springboard to prove she could do anything she chose to (but her way of course). She’s always been quick to support others with a variety of disabilities including me when I discovered I had Aspergers at 47. Her books and her historical research are now opening people’s eyes as to how attitudes to disability have varied through the ages while being a jolly good read. She really deserves this recognition and I sincerely hope she gets it.‘
‘I admire someone who sets goals and pulls out all the stops to achieve them!‘
‘A very inspiring individual and a great author.‘
‘Quite simply Phillipa is a force of nature… such incredible drive, perseverance and resilience – multitalented and multidisciplinary, dedicated and diligent, she has a deep passion every project she develops. She’s a true inspiration and anyone who spends any time with her can’t help but be motivated to do more, and be better.‘
‘Phillipa is a massively positive role model. She always has a number of irons in the fire and whatever knocks she gets, she always gets straight back up and persists with huge determination to achieve her goals. Seriously impressive.‘
‘She is amazing, hard-working, super kind and indeed very intelligent!‘
‘Eye-opening to what it was like for disabled people in the Tudor times, horrific times. Such an inspiration that in modern times anything is possible.‘
‘A really interesting and new view of Tudor history – fills a gap many had probably not even thought about.‘
‘Phillipa is an inspiration to many and such a forward-thinking person who is passionate about sharing her knowledge and experience with others.‘
‘She’s a great role model and advocates for people with disabilities.’
‘Excellent author and social media commentator who represents many individuals who feel they have no representation either in History or in today’s society. Thank you Phillipa.‘
‘Perseverance and such an example to us all.‘
‘As I lover of history, I appreciate Phillipa’s research into her writing. When I heard about Disability and the Tudors, it made me really think about how people with disabilities were perceived and treated throughout history. She is a hard-working advocate for the disabled and having a disability herself, Phillipa is able truly to understand the barriers that are in place today and in the past and work towards them coming down in the future.‘
‘Phillipa is an outstanding passionate advocate for raising awareness of past and current disabilities and giving a voice to those silenced by their disabilities or the society we live in. She is a perfect candidate for the Positive Role Model Award for Disability, given her lobbying work, her passion and motivation, and her own experience of disability which gives her a unique insight into the journey of disability.‘
‘Phillipa is a huge inspiration and works tirelessly to share the thoroughly hidden experiences of people with disabilities, across the full breadth of history. This award would be thoroughly deserved.‘
‘Phillipa’s excellent public engagement work, and enthusiasm for conveying public history to all.‘
‘Very pleased to be voting for Phillipa for her work bringing much-needed attention and discussion around disability and its history to education settings.‘
‘Phillipa has by both her working tirelessly not only to extend her educational qualifications but by advancing our knowledge of how the disabled have been treated in the past shown how a disability is not a barrier to being an important contributor to society.‘
‘Disabled histories ought to be told and having a disabled historian promoted as a positive role model for people is a great step towards that.‘
‘Phillipa makes understanding disability history interesting, and she shows how important it is, even to modern audiences. This issue will not go away, because there will always be disabled people in the world, and they have a right to live and thrive in the world as much as able-bodied people do.‘
‘She is brilliant!! I love her books, and the fact that she has brought historical disabilities to the forefront so we can read what it was like during the Tudor Times for people with disabilities!!‘
‘Her amazing talk at a History Teach Meet has inspired me to add more disability history into our KS3 curriculum.‘
‘Phillipa is actively working for positive visibility of people throughout history via her work.‘
‘How far she has helped to understand disability throughout history which will have a clear impact within classrooms.’
‘Absolutely inspiring woman who never ever gives up.’
‘She is an inspiration to many for what you can overcome if you set your mind to it.‘
‘I’ve learned a lot from Philippa’s writing – I love history and she’s inspired me.‘
‘An amazing lady who does so much for so many and never let’s her disability get in her way.’
‘An inspirational role model on a mission to bring more disabled role models into history teaching.‘
‘Phillipa is leading the field in the inclusion of disability within the history curriculum. She spoke so eloquently at a recent event on why disability deserves a place not only in the history curriculum but also in the curriculum.‘
‘Phillipa’s research is and will transform the way we teach history, including the voices of disabled people.‘
‘I believe that Phillipa Vincent-Connolly is a fantastic role model for Disability as she doesn’t let her disability stop her from doing the things she loves the most. Teaching is one of the things she loves the most and she most certainly hasn’t let closed doors stop her either.’
‘Her research is superb and look forward to learning more! She’s a credit to the entire field.’
‘Philippa has written one of my favourite books.’
‘Wonderful self-starting highly motivated and qualified woman. A wonderment for someone without a disability. She is beyond that. Top-notch. Lovely brainiac.’
‘Phillipa is an advocate for the disabled community and is passionate in all that she talks and writes about.‘
‘She is everything you would hope she is and then some 😉‘
‘Phillipa’s determination to raise awareness of how notable people have overcome disability in history and today, against her own background of cerebral palsy, is an inspiration to all.‘
‘Phillipa’s work on the underrepresented subject of disability in history has inspired me as an undergraduate student. Not only has she opened up a door to the past, but her work also sheds light on modern attitudes towards disability. It is such a necessary field of study and her contribution is rich and vital.‘
‘Phillipa Vincent-Connolly stands for the equality of persons living with a disability. She is a model for those with unfulfilled hopes and dreams, encouraging, others, by example, to live their best lives. She campaigns privately and publicly to reveal the needs of those with different abilities and to help ensure that the necessary societal framework is available for others to connect with their goals.‘
‘She makes astonishing contributions to the depiction of disabled people in history – and actively supports the disabled community at Manchester Met and via social media. Brilliant woman and deserving of recognition!‘
‘Phillipa is a tireless and passionate advocate who has worked extremely hard to bring to shine a light on disability history, publishing her first book last December. She has worked hard to gain a place as a PhD candidate who is fighting to add greater representation of disabled people through history to the national curriculum. She is a single parent who has battled adversity with compassion and bravery, she always has time to sit by your side and offer you advice despite everything she had been through. She is a wonderful person who is truly an inspiration.‘
‘Phillipa is an excellent role model for disability.’
‘Advocates positively for disabled people, women & teachers. Supports others in their studies while studying herself. Most of all when she gets knocked back she comes out fighting!‘
‘Phillipa is an amazing writer and creative force. I find her totally inspiring as a person and as a unique voice telling stories around disability throughout history. She is bringing those people’s stories to life in very human ways.‘
‘I’ve known Phillipa for a number of years now and despite many challenges of her own she is always looking at inspiring other people with physical challenges to inspire them to stay focused on their goals and not be deterred by opinions others may have or by their own self limiting beliefs.‘
‘Phillipa Vincent-Connolly’s work on the history of disability is vital. People with disabilities are all too often written out of the record; their lives, challenges, triumphs and influence are hidden from public view. These are occluded histories which need to be reclaimed, and Vincent-Connolly does this magnificently in her book ‘Disability and the Tudors’. It is a book which challenges our expectations of the treatment, and level of influence, of those with disabilities in a pivotal period of English history, without sacrificing the nuance and complexity of this important subject. This should be required reading in schools, as it encourages a broader, more diverse and inclusive approach to history and learning. I know that Vincent-Connolly is a tireless campaigner for disability rights and equality, with a significant presence in the publishing field and across social media. She has overcome huge obstacles to become a popular historian and novelist, who has just signed a contract with a trade press for a series of novels featuring a strong female lead protagonist and is currently pursuing a PhD. She is an inspirational role model for those facing health and mobility challenges, demonstrating that with determination and hard work it is possible to achieve great things. She is also an important figurehead for women, whose creative and historical projects intersect with issues of gender equality. Vincent-Connolly’s work is, therefore, field-defining and a force for good in the world. I cannot praise her enough. She is fully deserving of this award and will continue to be a much-valued ambassador for disability communities, equality activists and for women. She is a guiding light and an inspiration!!‘
‘I like her research. Much needed.‘
‘Excellent person bashing down disability stereotypes and bringing them to the forefront of people’s minds.’
‘An excellent role model.’
‘She’s doing a good positive thing for disability. And writing what it was like back in Tudor times which is never talked about. Highlighting the difference between then and now is stark.’
‘Phillipa is an amazing person all around with such a positive vibe glowing from her which helps very much to draw attention away from any of what others would consider a disability. To me, disabilities are subjective to public opinion, therefore despite what one might see as a physical shortcoming, Phillipa is more than “able” to bring light to a room and knowledge from her vast studies in a clear, concise way!‘
‘Phillipa has brought awareness of disability and disabled figures in history to the fore, she is making us see the previously unseen and overlooked people of the past, and she is doing so while also living with a disability AND doing her regular job of teaching. She is an inspiration – a dedicated and very intelligent woman. The world needs more ‘Phillipas’ in it .‘
‘Phillipa’s tireless work and marvellous writing deserve recognition, not just for the awareness she brings with her writing, but for the inspiration she brings with it.‘
‘In her book in Disability and the Tudors Phillipa has presented an under-discussed and hidden history of vital importance to understanding the role of disabled people in the past. In doing so she reflects on our own attitudes and the attitudes and obstacles which continue to disable people today.’
‘As someone who is disabled, I’m so proud to know her and her work. She has inspired me to look past my disability and strive for better.‘
‘No matter how many times this lady gets knocked down she never gives up just tries another way. She is strong and will help anyone. Her drive and passion drive others to improve themselves and to push harder.‘
‘I have known Phillipa a very long time. In the face of adversity, she manages to find the strength to drive on with her goals and is so productive. Sadly I recall a number of occasions, particularly where employers are concerned where prejudice has limited some opportunities for Phillipa. When these have occurred she has mustered her strength and determination to produce some fantastic and unique insights into the medieval world and has captured the imagination of many with her insightful books. I hope Phillipa is successful in this competition as she is a very special role model for all of us.‘
‘Seeing disability in history is accepting that disability is normal.’
‘An outstanding individual that deserves recognition.‘
