This is our first e-bulletin since the incredibly sad news of the passing away of Laura Welti. As all our past and present members will know, BDEF will never be able to thank Laura enough for what she gave to our organisation. We can say with total certainty that BDEF would not have got the reputation for being a positive force for effective change without Laura’s 20 years of leadership. Laura was the driving heartbeat of BDEF.
Many members said exactly this at the Annual General Meeting in June when Laura received the Rowan Jade award. Members also spoke of Laura’s personal support and kindness which saw many members through very difficult times.
Laura’s impact though was not just with BDEF. We have copied two tributes below from the Bristol Climate and Nature Partnership and from the West of England Centre for Inclusive Living (WECIL). Both of these talk glowingly about Laura’s tireless work in bringing about change for Disabled people not just locally but nationally as well. Other people in the city BDEF have heard from have commented that Laura’s contribution to moving Disability Equality forward in this city cannot be measured. It is infinite in its depth and reach.
Laura is a massive loss not just to Disability Equality, but to the struggle for liberation and freedom for all groups who experience discrimination and disadvantage. Laura was personally involved in many of these struggles. Laura will be almost impossible to replace in terms of what she gave to BDEF and everyone else. BDEF is incredibly privileged to have had Laura as a employee and leader. We salute her for who she was and what she did. Rest in peace Laura Welti from your friends and comrades who will miss you deeply.
“Remembering Laura Welti: a “juggernaut of disability activism” (from Bristol Climate and Nature Partnership)
We are deeply saddened to share the news that Laura Welti, a campaigner for the rights and equality of Disabled people in Bristol and beyond, has passed away after a period of serious illness.
Her indelible mark on Bristol as a disability campaigner has been reflected by WECIL – and we wish to add the Partnership’s recognition and celebration of Laura’s critical contributions to and advocacy for the inclusion of Disabled people in the climate and nature conversation in Bristol and beyond.
We had the pleasure of working closely with Laura when in 2020 Bristol Disability Equality Forum, an organisation which she managed for two decades, joined our National Lottery-Funded Community Climate Action (CCA) Project as part of the original cohort of six community partners.
Laura was passionate, knowledgeable, positive, constructive and a blast to know and work with. She contributed substantially to the foundations of the CCA Project – bringing insight and experience to the project on issues of social justice, the social model of disability, and inclusivity and accessibility across all forms of communication and engagement.
Bristol Disability Equality Forum went on to co-produce what is thought to be the world’s first Disabled-person led Community Climate Action plan ‘The Future must be Green and Accessible’. This work continues today as part of the project’s Climate and Disability programme.
Emma Geen, Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership’s Climate and Disability Associate, said, “Laura was a juggernaut of disability activism. She spearheaded disability and climate work in the UK when few other people were talking about the two in the same conversation. Her vision has spread ripples through the country and further afield. Yet she always matched her activist’s drive, stoicism and strategic mind with a wicked sense of humour and a kind heart. She will be much missed.”
Laura’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide the work of the Community Climate Action Project and all who knew her for years to come. Bristol Climate & Nature Partnership extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.”
“Remembering Laura Welti: A Champion for Disability Equality in Bristol (WECIL)
It is with deep sadness that we learn of the passing of Laura Welti, a passionate and dedicated disability campaigner whose work has left an indelible mark on Bristol and beyond. Laura passed away this week after a long battle with ill health, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering commitment to the rights and equality of Disabled people.
Laura’s journey into disability activism began during the lead-up to the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995. Having lived with a hidden impairment since her late teens, she later acquired multiple impairments and conditions, which further shaped her understanding and dedication to the disability rights movement. Her experience fueled her determination to advocate for the rights of Disabled people, and she became a prominent figure in Bristol’s disability community.
Her career in disability equality included a short spell working at WECIL, however, it was at the Bristol Disability Equality Forum (BDEF) where Laura made her most significant impact. Starting as a Development Worker and eventually becoming the Manager, Laura devoted over two decades to advancing the cause of disability equality in the city. Under her leadership, BDEF grew into a formidable force, advocating on a wide range of issues affecting Disabled people.
Laura was not only a campaigner but also a mentor, a leader, and a friend to many in the disability community. Her work extended beyond BDEF, as she served on various Boards and Committees, and was an active Disability Equality Commissioner for the City of Bristol. Her tireless efforts earned her the Rowen Jade Award at the BDEF AGM last year, a fitting recognition of her immense contribution to the disability rights movement.
Her dedication to championing equality issues and her willingness to speak truth to power were hallmarks of her activism. Laura’s work was deeply personal, and she was known for her warmth, her fierce advocacy, and her unwavering belief in the importance of equality for all Disabled people.
“Tribute to Laura from Stand Against Racism & Inequality (SARI)”
“I was so sad to hear that Laura passed way. I am writing on behalf of all at SARI – including many who have worked for us in the past – to pay our tribute to Laura. I find it hard to imagine that Laura has actually gone and that I won’t bump into her at a meeting challenging and championing on behalf of disabled people. Laura was a fierce and fearsome critical friend, advocate and changemaker. You are right that Bristol and, in particular, disability equality in Bristol, would not be the same without Laura’s input. Laura supported me and SARI on many occasions when we asked her to share expertise and ideas – particularly at collaborative training events. Laura attended and contributed to many of our own events too over the years – especially since we started Bristol Hate Crime & Discrimination Services and had the duty to do more to keep disabled people safe and to support disabled people when they faced disability hate crime. Laura helped to influence and shape Bristol Hate Crime & Discrimination services – letting us know where, when and how we needed to do more.
Personally, I always felt privileged to have Laura’s respect and support when I needed her. I know she was someone who could lead and be part of uncomfortable conversations and she would tell you how it was. I guess we have this in common and recognised this in each other.
Bristol will not be the same without Laura, but she has left a great legacy, and I am reassured that there are other great people who will continue where she left off and bring their own changemaking and challenge to the table – I count both of you as people who can help do this. We certainly still have such a long way to go and sadly, we have gone backwards in some ways due to the limitation of resources.
I will continue to do what I can – remembering Laura along the way. When I am ever focused on disability equality – including SARI’s own needs and objectives – I can hear her telling me that it’s not good enough. You must do more. I am glad that SARI has just signed up to a partnership with WECIL and to becoming Disability Confident. We have a big journey ahead, but I am glad I can say this as I write to thank Laura for all she has done. Do let me know if, when and how I can support BDEF”( Alex Raikes MBE DL Chief Executive, SAR)
Tribute from Sarah Howard (BDEF Member)
Laura was an absolute stalwart in campaigning for the rights of disabled people. She was extremely knowledgeable and unafraid of challenging authorities.
I first met her socially prior to managing the BDEF and she was always passionate about her work-life. I met her in Eastville Park after she received her prognosis and was hugely impressed by her attitude.