A VOLUNTEER from Taunton has been named one of the most influential disabled people in the UK for his “knowledge in all things digital”.

James Reid, a volunteer with the Taunton-based Game Changer project, was included in the Shaw Trust Power 100 list, which “recognises the most influential disabled people in the UK and celebrates their ambition and achievements”.

Mr Reid was nominated in the “Digital and Tech” category for his incredible work helping people use everything from music creation, gaming, and eye-operated software to helping people who visit Game Changer get the most from visiting the project and just helping them enjoy learning new skills.

He said: “It was an absolute honour to be recognised among such inspiring and talented individuals.

“Will remain a major achievement in my book of life and hope that I have an opportunity to cross paths with all the amazing people I had the pleasure to meet and network with and who had been nominated in this year's Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 2023.”

The Disability Power 100 celebrates ambition and achievement and plays a role in changing society by recognising the strengths and talents of disabled people who are pioneers, changemakers, and influencers.

Alex Roland, Game Changer founder, said: “We are thrilled to announce that James Reid, volunteer with the Taunton-based Game Changer project has won a place in the recent Shaw Trust “Power 100” list of the most influential disabled people in the UK 2023 a hugely important accolade which reflects James hard work, skills, and knowledge in all things digital.

The winners were announced at a gala event held on November 8 at the “The Drum” Wembley.

Game Changer is a weekly video gaming/social session for neurodiverse adults that is held in Taunton Library every Monday 1pm to 4pm.

Mr Roland added: “We at Game Changer are incredibly proud of James and his amazing achievement getting into the ‘Digital and Tech’ category for the top ten most influential disabled people working in that field.

“We are hugely honoured to be able to have James working with us, his level of tech knowledge and his skills in the digital arena are mind-blowing and we are thrilled he has achieved this amazing feat.

“His enthusiasm for helping people learn is infectious. Well done, James.”