The Centre for Accessible Environments’ Pathways Academy programme scoops another award, this time winning Innovator of the Year at this year’s Inspiring Change Awards Ceremony.
Pathways is designed to give disabled people the confidence, skills, and support to kickstart a career in inclusive design and access.
The programme is open to disabled people aged 18 and over based in London and is fully funded by the City Bridge Foundation. Since it began in 2020, the programme has trained 55 young disabled people from 22 London boroughs.
The annual Inspiring Change Awards Ceremony and Conference is run by the Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) Programme. It celebrates individuals and organisations within construction and the built environment who are leading the way in making workplaces better for everyone.
The awards took place on Tuesday 15 July at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London. It aims to highlight the practical actions and meaningful progress being made across the sector.
Pathways won its first award at the 2023 Women in Housing Awards for Best Career Development Initiative .
Great teamwork
CAE Associate Consultant and Pathways trainer, Caroline Lewis, said: “I’m incredibly proud that the Pathways programme has received this award. This programme is not just about opening doors; it’s about helping build a more representative and diverse profession.
“Pathways is one of the most meaningful and impactful projects I’ve ever been part of. A huge thank you to everyone who’s contributed to its success so far—this recognition is for all of us.”
CAE’s Head of Business Development, Fara Muneer, said: “Pathways is about more than training – it’s about confidence, opportunity, and ensuring disabled people are at the heart of shaping a more inclusive society. Seeing over 70% of our students move into roles in inclusive design is a great result.”
Pathways student, Alice, said: “Pathways is like a masterclass in inclusivity, in its content and in its practices. I’d really be keen to use what I’ve learnt to make an impact in the mental health sector. There’s not enough attention being given to invisible disabilities and proper signposting at facilities isn’t common.
“I know first-hand how it feels to not want to go somewhere because you feel you’ll encounter some sort of accessibility barrier. The post-pandemic world will need to remove these barriers to let disabled people be included, and I hope I can be a part of making that happen.”
A spokesperson for the FIR Programme said: “The organisations nominated for this award are breaking new ground and setting the standard for innovation, inclusion, and impactful leadership across the construction and built environment sector. Massive congratulations to CAE and Pathways on this amazing achievement.”
The FIR programme is an industry-wide initiative run by the Supply Chain Sustainability School, which offers training to those working in the built environment.
To find out more about Pathways, watch our video. Prospective applicants can find out more about the programme by emailing CAE at pathways@cae.org.uk .
Top image: CAE’s Access Advisor, Asa Hems, and, CAE’s Training Coordinator, Raheem Diaz, middle, accepted the award at the event on behalf of CAE and Pathways on 15 July at the Grand Connaught Rooms in London.