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Our Story
It is incredible how one small idea can grow into something truly special. Don't Call Me Special was launched from the passion and dedication of Joshua Reeves. Drawing on his own experience as a wheelchair user, Joshua began visiting primary schools to help children understand discrimination and that disabled people are the same as everyone else.
Don’t Call Me Special was founded by Joshua Reeves BEM in 2015, firstly as a
campaign to educate children and young adults on the rights of disabled people and
the social model of disability, the campaign has needed a new direction to flourish as
a constituted group to expand the impact of disability awareness
Joshua has taken the campaign globally with the ‘Commonwealth Youth Council’ to address the marginalisation of people with disabilities in the Commonwealth’s 52 countries. Visiting Antigua, Joshua taught young children and adults about disability rights and awareness and his work was commended by the Antiguan High Commissioner, Her Excellency Karen-Mae Hill.
Don't Call Me Special is rooted in the belief that we all have an inherent responsibility to make a meaningful difference across our community. With a variety of active projects, we harness our skills and resources to successfully achieve our goals.
Since our founding in 2015, we have been proud to witness how our campaigns and activities have benefitted the disabled community and beyond.
Vision
Commitment, transparency, equality. These three values have stood at the centre of the Don't Call Me Special mission since our founding in 2015. We wholeheartedly commit to the work we do with passion and dedication, transparently sharing it with the community and inviting others to take part. On top of this, we challenge ourselves to think creatively, applying a creative and exclusive approach to all that we do. This mission drives the continued success of Don't Call Me Special.
Meet Our Team
Our dedicated team at Don't Call Me Special is committed to advocating for disability rights and promoting inclusivity.
Joshua Reeves
Chair
Joshua is the founder of Don’t Call Me Special. Living with a disability, Joshua leads innovative campaigns grounded in the social model, always pushing for true equality and inclusion. Nationally recognised with a British Empire Medal, he’s sat on government panels, co-produced influential reports, and led major awareness campaigns. Joshua’s passion lies in empowering disabled people, breaking down barriers, and building a culture where everyone is valued. He continues to mentor, educate, and inspire others to challenge stereotypes and fight for disabled rights... believing community and bold storytelling can change society for the better.
Emma Burke
Vice Chair
Emma is a passionate advocate for disability rights and equality. With a strong background in public affairs, Emma has worked with leading charities such as Leonard Cheshire and the Stroke Association to improve support and opportunities for disabled people. She has contributed to national policy, represented disabled voices in forums with the Welsh Government, and helped shape manifestos for a more inclusive society. Emma believes in empowering individuals and communities to speak up for change, and she brings both energy and expertise to her role. Her commitment is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves equal opportunities, respect, and a voice in society. Emma continues to drive forward the mission of Don’t Call Me Special by championing accessibility, breaking down barriers, and inspiring others to create positive change.
Kat Watkins
Trustee
Kat Watkins is a dedicated disability rights advocate and trustee of Don’t Call Me Special. She brings a wealth of experience from her role as Access to Politics Project Officer at Disability Wales, where she champions the inclusive political participation of Deaf and Disabled people across Wales.
Previously, Kat served as the UNCRDP Development Officer at Disability Wales, educating young people about the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Her commitment to advocacy is deeply personal; living with osteogenesis imperfecta, she has first-hand experience of the systemic barriers faced by disabled individuals.