Shelley Cowan
Nominee Profile
Location: Ireland Wood
Known as “The Purple Lady,” Shelley Cowan is a disabled female entrepreneur, accessibility advocate, and community leader committed to inclusion, empathy, and lived experience. After spending 4,380 days (12 years) confined to bed, paralysed, blind, and tube-fed, and another 10 years as a wheelchair user, Shelley transformed her challenges into action. She’s made a real difference, helping countless others along the way, and continues to lead with passion, speaking up for inclusion and creating lasting change for disabled communities.
Shelley is the founder of JustUs, a not-for-profit organisation providing safe, inclusive, and accessible social and educational environments for adults with disabilities, their carers, and families. What began as a local support network has grown into a lifeline for many across County Fermanagh and beyond, addressing isolation and building confidence for those often left behind.
An advocate for accessible travel, Shelley believes everyone has the right to travel. She campaigns for ‘Accommodation for All’ and extended her advocacy into innovation with Travel Ease, an app that connects users to verified, inclusive accommodation and destinations, empowering everyone regardless of ability to travel confidently.
Shelley is also the founder of Access Avenue, driving real change across all sectors to ensure accessibility is a fundamental aspect, not an afterthought. She’s a respected voice in national and international conversations about disability access.
Serving as the first Purple Tuesday national Ambassador for Northern Ireland and as an advisor to the Accessible Hospitality Alliance, Shelley works to challenge perceptions and break down barriers for people with disabilities.
Shelley graduated with First Class Honours in international business from Ulster University, completing her degree using voice assistive technology, proof that disability is no barrier to success. Through her work, Shelley reshapes society’s understanding of disability and creates opportunities for others. Recognising her with this award would amplify her voice and support her mission for a more inclusive sustainable future for all.
Shelley is the founder of JustUs, a not-for-profit organisation providing safe, inclusive, and accessible social and educational environments for adults with disabilities, their carers, and families. What began as a local support network has grown into a lifeline for many across County Fermanagh and beyond, addressing isolation and building confidence for those often left behind.
An advocate for accessible travel, Shelley believes everyone has the right to travel. She campaigns for ‘Accommodation for All’ and extended her advocacy into innovation with Travel Ease, an app that connects users to verified, inclusive accommodation and destinations, empowering everyone regardless of ability to travel confidently.
Shelley is also the founder of Access Avenue, driving real change across all sectors to ensure accessibility is a fundamental aspect, not an afterthought. She’s a respected voice in national and international conversations about disability access.
Serving as the first Purple Tuesday national Ambassador for Northern Ireland and as an advisor to the Accessible Hospitality Alliance, Shelley works to challenge perceptions and break down barriers for people with disabilities.
Shelley graduated with First Class Honours in international business from Ulster University, completing her degree using voice assistive technology, proof that disability is no barrier to success. Through her work, Shelley reshapes society’s understanding of disability and creates opportunities for others. Recognising her with this award would amplify her voice and support her mission for a more inclusive sustainable future for all.