Rosie Jones rails against TV portraying disabled people as victims at Scope Awards

Rosie Jones’ show changed TV representation for disabled people (Picture: Natasha Hirst Photography)

Actor Rosie Jones has said TV ‘needs to do better’ for disabled representation, as she was hailed 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.

The Taskmaster contestant was the star behind the show Pushers, which follows a woman with cerebral palsy who’s forced to start dealing drugs when her disability benefits are cut.

She said: ‘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.’

Rosie’s activism – which also saw her launch The Rosie Jones Foundation last year – was celebrated alongside a host of other attitude-changing individuals at the Kia Oval last night in a bash hosted by TV presenter Ade Adepitan.

The Scope Awards recognised those making the largest contributions to disabled inclusivity (Picture: Natasha Hirst Photography) Tobi Green Adenowo made history by changing the GCSE dance curriculum at a young age (Picture: Natasha Hirst Photography)

Among them was Tobi Green Adenowo, who won the Social Media Influencer Prize.

The former Britain’s Got Talent changed the National Curriculum for GCSE Dance in high school so that disabled dance students can be marked fairly 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.’

Another trailblazing winner was Yasmin Darling, a disabled mum making education accessible for disabled young people who are unable to attend traditional schools.

She said winning the award for Purple Pioneer could help her to get funding ‘to keep doing what I’m doing’.

Yasmin Darling hopes the Purple Pioneer award will help win her more funding
(Picture: Natasha Hirst Photography)

‘We take account of fatigue, communication styles, accessibility and have a big focus on autonomy and fun.’

The Scope Awards shone a spotlight on the work that disabled people and organisations are doing to bring about important progress.

Throughout the event, Scope wanted 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 year running.

The ceremony last night also praised the inspirational work many people are doing within their communities and workplaces to support disabled people.

The charity Circus Starr won the Local Service prize for their circus shows which create an inclusive experience for disabled people by dimming lights, lowering volume and offering sign language interpretation.

Ade Adepitan fears that talent is being lost because of barriers to disabled accessibility (Picture: Natasha Hirst Photography)

The group CRIPtic Arts, which support disabled people in the creative industry, triumphed in the Community Group category.

Endinf the night, host Ade said he could not help but think about all the talent we have lost’ because of 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”.’

Shani Dhanda, Scope Awards 2026 Head Judge and Scope Ambassador, had to whittle down the winners from 38 nominees.

She 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.’

Sani returned to the Scope awards as Head Judge (Picture: Natasha Hirst Photography)

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.’

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