Alumna Jonathan Bryan recognised in Disability Power 100 list

Huge congratulations to former student Jonathan Bryan, who has been included in this year’s Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 list. Jonathan, who is 18, left Westonbirt School Sixth Form in Summer 2024 and is now studying creative writing at Bath Spa University.

Recognised for his work as a disability changemaker, Jonathan is being celebrated as one of the 100 most influential disabled individuals in the UK and a leader in the field of education. National charity, Shaw Trust, runs the Disability Power 100 to raise the profile of disabled talent and challenge the disability employment gap head-on.  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.

Jonathan was recognised for his impact, innovation and influence in changing the perceptions and stereotypes of disability. He founded a charity, Teach Us Too, calling for all children to be taught to read and write regardless of their educational label or disability. When he was seven he was removed from special school to be taught literacy at home, and by the age of nine he was spelling everything he wanted to write and say with his eyes.  Jonathan is non-speaking, and spelling with his eyes gave him the ability to communicate anything he wanted in his own words.

Through his work with Teach Us Too, he talks to students, schools and professionals, breaking down assumptions about pupils with complex needs. The charity also sponsor courses for teachers in special schools, and have just launched Transformational Tales, researching the difference literacy makes for non-speaking young people and recording that in their own words.

Whilst he was at Westonbirt, Jonathan was appointed Head of Equality, Diversity & Inclusion within the Study One leadership team and did much to promote awareness of disabilities.

Speaking about his award Jonathan said: “I am honoured and humbled that the education work I do with Teach Us Too has been recognised in this way. Until all children are taught literacy in special schools I will continue to advocate for them. Particular thanks to the Teach Us Too team for making this work possible and my family and carers for enabling me to fulfil my potential. My faith that Jesus loves me and has a purpose for me just as I am empowers me.”

Find out more about Jonathan at his blog: www.eyecantalk.net and his charity at www.teachustoo.org.uk