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Remembering Phil; a little man with a big legacy

From the archive, first published Saturday 16th Jun 2007.

THE legacy of a pioneer for Essex disabled people has been marked by the unveiling of a portrait by his family.

The founder of disability rights and campaigning organisation Essex Coalition of Disabled People, Phil Miller, died in March 2005.

The Coalition is run by disabled people, for disabled people, across the range of all impairment (disability) groups. It promotes independent living and the social model of disability.

As chief executive of the organisation one of his goals was the creation of Centre for Inclusive Living at Ivan Peck House, in Chelmsford, which opened just before he died.

Its directors, trustees and staff wanted to remember Phil's passion for the civil rights movement and the contribution he made in improving the lives of disabled people in Essex.

Phil had a personal struggle for equality in Higher Education and an enthusiasm for the empowerment of young disabled people and these two factors were remembered recently at the organisation's ninth annual meeting when Phil's wife Nicki and some of their children, Sian, Sarah and Josh, unveiled a commissioned portrait of him and the Phil Miller Memorial Bursary was officially launched at the Millennium Hall, Great Baddow, Essex.

Nanette Wright, Essex County Council's Head of Service Adult Social Care, was one of the guest speakers and she recalled the passion Phil had for disabled people and that although physically a small man, his influence had been large.

She further recognised the influence Phil had over the council's strategy and that this was still assisting disabled people to live more independently today.

Nanette also explained how Phil had introduced many people to the Social Model of Disability and she said how fitting it was that he should be remembered in a portrait and through the bursary today.

She added: "He was a very special man and the biggest tribute to Phil is his ability to continue to influence others after his death and I was privileged to have known him."

Dr Andy Stevens from Anglia Ruskin University was the other guest speaker and he agreed to officially launch the Phil Miller Memorial Bursary which will provide a disabled student with a maximum amount of £3,000 for the duration of a three year first time degree course of their own choice.

Each student receiving the Bursary will have their names displayed on a plaque at ECDP's CIL under the portrait of Phil Miller.

If you wish to find out more information, eligibility criteria and how to apply for the Bursary telephone 01245 392300 and ask for an application form for the Phil Miller Memorial Bursary' or email bursary@ecdp.org.uk