Disability activist and author nominated for national award

A disability advocate and children’s author from Pentwynmawr has been nominated for a national arts award.

Gavin Clifton, 43, has Cerebral Palsy and a severe speech impairment, and uses Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technology to support his speech.

He is one of four people shortlisted for the Arts Award at the AAC Awards 2025, which are organised by the Communications Matters charity.

The awards celebrate the achievements of AAC users, professionals and supporters.

“I’m honoured to be shortlisted for this award,” Gavin said. “I’ve spent my life finding ways to be heard in a world that often misunderstands people like me.

 “My ACC, and now AI-Voice, has become my outlet, my independence, and another way of showing that disability does not mean inability.”

“It has opened doors to opportunities in storytelling, disability advocacy, and inspirational speaking that I have never been able to pursue before. With more education, understanding and patience, interactions using AAC and AI-Voice can make communication more inclusive for everyone.”

Gavin, who goes by the pseudonym ‘The Disabled Writer’, has published two children’s books celebrating disability acceptance and being “unapologetically yourself”.

The former Pentwynmawr Primary and Newbridge Comprehensive School pupil has also published an autobiography, ‘Cerebral Palsy & Me’, which was recently released as an audiobook using AI-Voice software.

Gavin continued: “Writing has always been my way of showing that difference is something to be celebrated, and I’m proud to be part of a community that champions creativity, inclusion, and representation.”

“I hope my nomination shows others, especially young people with disabilities, that their voice matters, their stories matter, and their creativity deserves to be celebrated.”

He added: “Although there is still a long way to go, I’ll never give up advocating for a more accessible and inclusive society for all.”

The ward winners will be announced at a ceremony, held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds on Monday September 8.