Remembering Laura Welti: a “juggernaut of disability activism”

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.