About me
am Susan Scott-Parker and am often described as an ‘internationally recognised thought leader, driving disability equality by mobilising the power of business as valued stakeholders and potential allies of people with disabilities. Throughout my career I have challenged assumptions about disability and about the private sector and championed the potential of responsible business to adapt respectfully to human realities – all while learning directly from and with disabled people.
Leading business disability international (BDI), I foster the conversations with business that are essential, if we are to enable the business transformations that also benefit people with disabilities. Through Scott-Parker International, I founded the volunteer led "Disability Ethical? AI" campaign and mentor a fascinating network of ‘social and business’ innovators.
I have the privilege of supporting a diverse range of organisations/initiatives, including:
• G3ICT
• GIZ, Germany’s International Development Agency
• ILO Global Business and Disability Network
• Purple Space and the PurpleLightUp (now Positively Purple) movement
• G3ICT
• Valuable 500
I am especially proud of my role as Strategist and Content Architect for the ILO Global Business Disability Network's unique Self-Assessment tool, helping businesses in every jurisdiction to define and deliver best practice as they benchmark their disability performance against the universal principles that shape the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ILO Labour Standards.
I pioneered the world's first Business Disability Network now BDF (UK) and continue to support the global growth of national networks. I coined the concept and language of 'Disability Confidence,' some 20 years ago, to start a new conversation with business - a message that has resonated worldwide. I am an Ambassador for Zero Project, Face Equality International and Three Talents Bridge Academies. I represent ‘business’ on the GLAD Steering Group.
As a Canadian who has long called London home, I was honoured to receive the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Millennium Honours List. I hold an Honorary Doctorate from Bradford University. And am particularly chuffed that the Canadian University Women’s Assoc. has established the Scott-Parker Scholarship fund to assist women undergraduates with disabilities at Carleton University, my alma mater.
