Rosie Jones has declared that television 'needs to do better' for disabled representation, as she was honored for her groundbreaking sitcom about disabled lives. The 35-year-old comedian with cerebral palsy was named celebrity role model at the Scope Awards last night for her work amplifying disabled voices.
Rosie Jones Calls for Change
The Taskmaster contestant was the creative force behind the show Pushers, which follows a woman with cerebral palsy forced to deal drugs after her disability benefits are cut. Jones stated: 'When I was growing up, disability representation did not exist. The very little representation we did get depicted us as being victims and vulnerable people. This is our lived experience. We are getting there, but we need to do better. We need to represent the 24% of the UK who have a disability.'
Her activism, which also includes launching The Rosie Jones Foundation last year, was celebrated alongside other attitude-changing individuals at the Kia Oval in a ceremony hosted by TV presenter Ade Adepitan.
Full List of Scope Awards Winners 2026
- Celebrity Role Model – Rosie Jones
- Media Moment – Code of Silence
- Social Media Influencer – Tobi Green Adenowo
- Purple Pioneer – Yasmin Darling
- Local Service – Circus Starr
- Colleague Network – Hull Truck Theatre
- Community Group – CRIPtic Arts
- Workplace Champion – Kevin Hubbard
- Customer Inclusion – Anatome Education CIC
Other Trailblazing Winners
Tobi Green Adenowo, winner of the Social Media Influencer Prize, changed the National Curriculum for GCSE Dance to ensure fair marking for disabled dance students and founded the Disabled Power Network to uplift Black disabled people. Tobi said: 'People who grew up in the foster care system are not given opportunities like this. So this is for little Tobi. I want to encourage everybody to remember that disability can come at any time. It is okay if your body changes. It is a beautiful thing. Dance it away and enjoy.'
Yasmin Darling, a disabled mother making education accessible for disabled young people unable to attend traditional schools, won the Purple Pioneer award. She said the recognition could help secure funding 'to keep doing what I'm doing. We take account of fatigue, communication styles, accessibility and have a big focus on autonomy and fun.'
Scope Awards Spotlight Progress
The Scope Awards highlighted the work of disabled people and organizations driving important progress. Throughout the event, Scope aimed to share stories, amplify disabled voices, and build a movement for change. Metro is proud to be the official media partner of the disability charity's awards for the second consecutive year.
The ceremony also praised inspirational work within communities and workplaces. Circus Starr won the Local Service prize for inclusive circus shows that dim lights, lower volume, and offer sign language interpretation. CRIPtic Arts, supporting disabled people in the creative industry, won the Community Group category.
Host Ade Adepitan concluded the evening by reflecting on the talent lost due to barriers for disabled people. He added: 'Where we are is fragile. We have to take the message beyond this room. We have to spread it all over the country and tell people, "disabled people are coming and you can't stop us."'
Judges and Sponsors Speak
Shani Dhanda, Scope Awards 2026 Head Judge and Scope Ambassador, said: 'The Scope Awards are a celebration of ambition, impact and the everyday work that moves disability equality forward. The strength of this year's nominees made judging no easy task. The individuals and organisations recognised this year are breaking down barriers and helping to build a society where disabled people are included at every level. Disabled people are still too often faced with barriers and negative attitudes that underestimate our potential. That's why we're working together to build a movement of change and showcase outstanding disability equality champions. Congratulations to all our 2026 winners and nominees who are helping shape a fairer future where disabled people can thrive, lead and be authentically themselves.'
Jonathan Bennett, Director of Marketing at headline sponsor Evri, said: 'Raising funds to support Scope's vital work is at the heart of our partnership, and we're proud to have raised more than £188,000 to date. That support is helping fund critical services, including thousands of calls to Scope's helpline, providing guidance and reassurance when people need it most. Knowing the difference this funding makes continues to drive our teams to do more. We're delighted to be the headline sponsor of the Scope Awards for a second year, celebrating individuals and organisations driving real change. Scope's ambition to create a more equal future aligns closely with our commitment to increasing accessibility both within our business and for the customers we deliver to. We're proud to support the campaigners and role models breaking down barriers and improving lives.'
