Portland Charity has been recognised by The Shaw Trust Disability Power 100, which highlights the most influential disabled people and organisations who work to effect change and create a more accessible and inclusive world.

It was named among the final 100 as one of four Changemaking Organisations for its award-winning Maples SMARTHome, which supports people to develop their independence through the innovative use of voice-activated and eye-controlled technology.

Mark Briggs, vice-chair of Portland Charity and director of Nimbus Disability, was also named in the final 100, and a third in the Digital and Technology category for the innovative Access Card.

Nimbus originally created The Access Card, the first accessibility scheme of its type in the world — offering a universal and consistent way of disabled people evidencing and communicating their access requirements to providers, quickly and discreetly.

Mark has been instrumental in the growth of The Access Card, which was recognised with The Queen’s Award for Innovation and is held by hundreds of thousands of people.

“Both Portland Charity and Nimbus Disability are pioneering in their use of digital technology to support people with disabilities to live more fulfilling lives,” he said. “I am deeply honoured that I, Nimbus Disability, and Portland Charity have been recognised in this way.”

Mark Dale, principal and chief executive of Portland Charity, added: “Mark is a remarkable and supportive vice-chair for our charity. With lived experience of disability and a clear passion for influencing change, he ensures Portland has the effective governance and resources to achieve our vision of a lifetime of opportunity for everyone.”

The Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 Annual Awards ceremony was hosted by TV presenter and 2018 Disability Power 100 winner Alex Brooker.