I had the privilege of knowing Rosalie personally during my time at Action on Disability, a Disabled People’s Organisation, where I served as CEO for 13 years. Rosalie was not just a board member and later Vice Chair—she was a guiding light, a steadfast ally, and someone I could always turn to for advice and encouragement.
The Silent Fighter
Rosalie had a quiet strength about her. She wasn’t one for grandstanding or dominating the conversation, but her presence was always felt. She was thoughtful, measured, and deliberate in her advocacy—a "silent fighter" for disability rights. It was this quiet determination that made her such an effective leader. She could dismantle opposition with logic, build bridges with empathy, and inspire action with her unwavering belief in justice and equality.
Her role at Action on Disability was pivotal. Rosalie understood the unique challenges faced by Disabled people because she lived them. She used her position on the board not only to champion the organisation’s mission but also to ensure that the voices of Disabled people were at the heart of every decision. As Vice Chair, she held us all to the highest standards, always pushing for greater inclusion, accessibility, and ambition.
A Mentor and Ally
On a personal level, Rosalie was my mentor. In the early years of my leadership at Action on Disability, I often found myself navigating uncharted waters. I could always count on Rosalie to listen patiently and offer her wisdom when challenges arose. She had a way of reframing problems that made them seem less daunting, encouraging me to trust my instincts while learning from my mistakes.
Rosalie’s mentorship wasn’t just professional; it was deeply personal. She understood the pressures of leading a Disabled People’s Organisation, particularly as a Disabled person myself. She made space for vulnerability, for the moments when the weight of responsibility felt overwhelming. Her support was a lifeline during those times.
A Legacy of Advocacy
Beyond her work with Action on Disability, Rosalie’s contributions to disability rights were profound. As a life peer in the House of Lords, she used her platform to champion accessible housing, social care, and equality. Her advocacy was rooted in her lived experience and deep connection to the Disabled community.
Rosalie had a vision for a world where Disabled people were not just included but celebrated—where accessibility was a given, and discrimination was a thing of the past. While we still have a long way to go to achieve that vision, it is one that she helped shape, and it’s now up to all of us to carry her work forward.
A Personal Goodbye
Rosalie was more than a colleague or mentor to me; she was a friend. I will miss her quiet encouragement, sharp insights, and belief in the power of collective action. Most of all, I will miss the person who always made time for me, treated me with kindness and respect, and never wavered in her commitment to making the world a better place for Disabled people.
Rest in power, Rosalie. You may be gone, but your spirit, your work, and your legacy will continue to inspire us all.
- Kamran Mallick
Find out more about Rosalie's life and work