Lived Experiences | Aquayemi-Claude Garnett Akinsanya

Meet Aquayemi-Claude Garnett Akinsanya, a 24-year-old creator, living in London. After Aquayemi-Claude's own negative experiences, he started the  "The Claudes SEN Law” Campaign, a petition to reduce inequality in education.

“The Claudes SEN Law” campaign aims to deliver and execute an "Inclusive equal world for Neurodiverse, people with hidden, visible disabilities. It aims to create awareness of how society judges an individual based on their appearance and abilities. Aquayemi wants to change that narrative by uprooting the current system for an inclusive, diverse world with equal opportunities in addressing low efficiency of representation in government and society.

The number of placements given to students with special educational needs (SEN) in London was significantly lower for those aged 16 and over compared to younger pupils, the BBC has found. Data shows that more than 13,000 SEN placements were offered to under-16s between 2019-2021. However, only 2,508 placements were given to 16-25-year-olds in the same time period (Reporter and Producer O'Reilly, G. 2021).

Aquayemi-Claude has also been nominated for the Positive Role Model Award for Disability Award. Passionate about working towards a society that is equal and inclusive for people with hidden and visible disabilities, he wanted to do something to raise awareness on the issue and started a clothing brand, Garnetts Clothing. 

He went on to share “ I believe it's time to change the narrative for open minded diverse and inclusive which does discriminate, as we can be educated by one to grow as successful innovation of Business with purpose in Black empowerment and Change on a whole, as we have a legacy to leave.”

Read more about his story here.