Businesses and voluntary organisations which lead the way in championing disabled people have been applauded and rewarded at Breakthrough UK's new 'virtual' National Independent Living Awards.The awards were established to celebrate those who consistently support disabled people to find work, make public places more accessible or provide disabled-friendly homes.

This year the Good Practice in Employing Disabled People Award (SMEs) was given to Microlink, a Hampshire based company providing assistive technology and workplace adjustment solutions for disabled people. The prized accolade was awarded in recognition of the organisation’s commitment to attract, recruit and retain disabled people, a policy which has been in place at Microlink since the company’s inception in 1992.

Chief Executive and Founder of Microlink, Dr Nasser Siabi, commented:

“Microlink practices what it preaches and we are delighted to have won this award.  Our diverse workforce continuously strives to improve the lives of its customers - also a diverse population.

“At Microlink, we pride ourselves on our equal opportunities policy and all applicants who meet the requirements are given a real chance for employment.  Up to 20% of our employees, who work in areas such as the Executive office, Customer Services and Sales have disabilities, which demonstrates our commitment for supporting disabled employees.  Their contribution to Microlink’s success has been invaluable and they are a real asset to the company.

"We are absolutely committed to the principle of equal opportunity in employment and proud to be associated with the Clear Assured initiative.” 

Kate Headley, Development Director at The Clear Company said:

“Microlink is a great example of a business continuously striving to attract and recruit disabled people. Using tools like ClearAssured, the policies and practices they have in place to provide disabled people with a platform to display and utilise their ability are constantly being reviewed and developed. They are a company genuinely committed to creating a truly inclusive environment and we congratulate them wholeheartedly for the recognition they have received by winning this award. Breakthrough UK is also an organisation which uses the ClearAssured process to assess its own recruitment practice, a sign that even the most disability focussed organisations are themselves reviewing practice and policy to ensure inclusion is at the heart of their organisation.”

Of the awards themselves, Breakthrough UK's Deputy Chief Executive Michele Scattergood expressed her delight at the "superb calibre" of the entrants in this year's awards.

Ms Scattergood said:

“These awards lead the way nationally in recognising, applauding and rewarding the work of the winners in supporting independence for disabled people.

“Independence is about making our own decisions concerning how and where we live - and these winners have proved themselves to be at the top of their game on countless different levels."

Each of the winning organisations features in a short film which has been available on Breakthrough UK's website from December 3 - the United Nation's International Day of Disabled People.