Jane Campbell, Baroness Campbell of Surbiton

Official portrait of Baroness Campbell of Surbiton (cropped)

Jane Campbell, Baroness Campbell of Surbiton (born 19 April 1959) is a prominent British disability rights campaigner and a member of the House of Lords. She has been a significant figure in advocating for the rights and inclusion of disabled people in the United Kingdom.

Early Life and Education

Jane Campbell was born with spinal muscular atrophy, a genetic condition that affects the control of muscle movement. Despite her disability, she pursued her education with determination. She attended a mainstream school and later went on to study at the University of Sussex, where she earned a degree in English literature.

Career

Baroness Campbell has had a distinguished career in disability rights advocacy. She has worked with various organizations to promote the rights of disabled people and has been instrumental in shaping disability policy in the UK.

Disability Rights Commission

One of her notable roles was as a Commissioner of the Disability Rights Commission (DRC), an independent body established to eliminate discrimination against disabled people and promote equality of opportunity. During her tenure, she played a key role in the development and implementation of policies aimed at improving the lives of disabled individuals.

House of Lords

In 2007, Jane Campbell was appointed to the House of Lords as a life peer, taking the title Baroness Campbell of Surbiton, of Surbiton in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. In the House of Lords, she has been an active member, contributing to debates and legislation on disability rights, social care, and equality.

Personal Life

Baroness Campbell is married and lives in Surbiton, London. She continues to be an influential voice in the disability rights movement and remains committed to advocating for the rights and inclusion of disabled people.

Recognition and Awards

Throughout her career, Baroness Campbell has received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to disability rights. She was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2000 and later elevated to a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in 2006 for her services to disabled people.

See Also

• Disability rights movement
• House of Lords
• Disability Rights Commission
• Spinal muscular atrophy