Deaf awards nominee: '˜If I can do it, so can you!'

A passionate campaigner for the deaf has been shortlisted for a national diversity award.
Asif Iqbal MBE, from Hemel HempsteadAsif Iqbal MBE, from Hemel Hempstead
Asif Iqbal MBE, from Hemel Hempstead

Asif Iqbal MBE, 40, from Hemel Hempstead, has been shortlisted for the Positive Role Model Award for Race, Faith and Religion at this year’s National Diversity Awards.

Mr Iqbal, who lives with wife Sabina, said: “I am extremely honoured to be recognised for my passion and voluntary work, working closely with local diversity communities to make them life difference and to bring together the communities and respect their faith values.”

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Since the age of 15 Mr Iqbal, who is deaf himself, has dedicated his time to 
supporting many charities, as well as being a public appointment ambassador for DWP, helping to improve the process of recruitment for deaf and disabled people.

The dad-of-three joined the board of the Runnymede Trust Advisory Group to support black minority and ethnic communities.

He was also a former Public Appointment Ambassador for the Cabinet Office and Government Equalities Office, part of the Disabled Persons Transport Advisory Committee and former board member of RADAR (now renamed as Disability Right UK).

He has also sat on British Council’s Disability Advisory Panel, been a member of the London 2012 Deaf Community Outreach Team for the Olympics and Paralympics.

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Mr Iqbal, who is dad to Samaira, 10, Areeb, 8 and six-year-old Rubi, said: “I hope this will inspire you all to achieve their dreams and break through the glass ceiling. I want to share the message that if I can do it, you can do it too.”

Charities and role models from across the UK will gather at Liverpool’s Anglican Cathedral for the awards ceremony on September 16.