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How it started

Disabled by Society was founded in 2024 by Celia Chartres-Aris and Jamie Shields, two Disabled friends with a shared mission, to change how people view, think about, and learn about Disability, transforming Disability exclusion into inclusion. They knew that together, they could make a meaningful difference. They were already recognised leaders in their field, it only felt natural to combine their experience and expertise.

The Unlearning Ableism Podcast

Together, they created the Unlearning Ableism podcast, a space to make the uncomfortable comfortable by exploring ableism and internalised ableism with guests. As the podcast grew, so did requests for training, consulting, and speaking. What began as a collaboration between friends with a shared vision, quickly expanded into something much large. A brand, a platform, and a movement for change.

Disabled by Society

On 18 October 2024, Disabled by Society was officially launched. Not as a side project or personal venture, but as a Disabled led organisation. Combining Celia’s law and policy expertise with Jamie’s DEI and recruitment expertise we knew that together we could not only help break down barriers, but eradicate them.

Celia and Jamie standing side by side in a black-and-white photograph. Celia, on the left wears a dark corduroy suit with a white shirt, and Jamie on the right is dressed in a light-colored blazer over a white shirt. The backdrop is plain, emphasizing their outfits.

What We Do

Our solutions are tailored to your needs; supporting you to create inclusive products, services, environments, processes, policies, and culture. Helping to attract, retain, and engage Disabled candidates, clients, customers, and service users.

We create award-winning solutions

Make the uncomfortable, comfortable.

Remove the fear of Disability.

Centre lived experience.

Change how people learn, think about, and view Disability.

We meet you where you are and guide you to where you need to be.

Our award-winning team

Celia, a white female with long blonde hair wearing a blue corduroy blazer over a white t-shirt, resting her chin on her hand against a solid light pink background.

Celia Chartres-Aris

She/ Her
Government Special Advisor, Founder & Investor, Campaigner & Lobbyist, Researcher, Policy & Legal Expert

Jamie, a white male wearing a light blue blazer over a white shirt, set against a solid light blue background.

Jamie Shields

He/ Him
Registered Blind AuDHD Rhino, Speaker, Trainer & Consultant; Content Creator & Disability Advocate

Are you ready to 
transform exclusion to inclusion?

Book your free consultation today.

Book Free Consultation

What Our Clients Say

By challenging views on ableism, the Unlearning Ableism duo are paving the way for society to get comfortable with the uncomfortable.

Jemma Redden
Evenbreak

This was one of the best talks we have done.

Elaine Caroll
Google

The folks without disabilities in the room found it enlightening, and those who live with disabilities found it moving and relatable.

Amanda Bennett
Vision Support Barrow & District

I think that may have been one of the best and most useful sessions that I have ever attended in the nearly 20 years that I have been teaching.

Anonymous
Heart of Yorkshire

We received so much positive feedback – people already taking concrete steps to make their work more accessible and disability-inclusive.

Elham Youssefian
International Refugee Assistance Project

I knew as soon as we first spoke that we needed you for the day. The session also gave the confidence to participants who spoke up so we’re seeing such a positive impact already.

Rosie Fermin
Heart of Yorkshire