STOCKPORT Paralympian Daniel Pepper has been named on a new list of 'leaders' working hard to help improving understanding and inclusion across the country.
Daniel, who competed in the pool at London 2012, campaigns to encourage young people with intellectual disabilities to get into sports.
He is one of nine people from Greater Manchester who are on the first ever Learning Disability and Autism Leaders' List.
The initiative has been spearheaded by not-for-profit organisation Dimensions in association with Learning Disability England and VODG.
The list celebrates the stories of individuals who are making a real difference in either their local community, at a national level, in sports, art or entertainment or in job and education.
Daniel is an ambassador for the UK Sports Association, an organisation campaigning to encourage young people with intellectual disability to get into sports.
He's supported Rachel, a young girl with a learning disability, who loved swimming, but became disengaged with it. Daniel helped her overcome her anxiety and reconnect with her passion.
Rachel's mum, Sarah Twiddle, who nominated Daniel for the list, said: "Dan has taught us not to limit ourselves or Rachel. He has given us both the strength and conviction to support her in chasing her dreams."
Daniel now aspires to develop a programme to identify and support talented swimmers with intellectual disabilities.
Sarah Clarke, campaigns manager at Dimensions, said: "All of the winners make an important contribution to their community by changing public perceptions around autism and learning disability while at the same time acting as role models and changing our society for the better.
"We hope that those stories inspire others and help them realise that their ambition-however big or small, can make a real difference."
Dimensions provide evidence-based, outcome-focused support for people with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs. It helps people to be actively involved in their communities.
As one of the largest not-for-profit support providers in the UK, the organisation currently supports around 3,5000 people and their families throughout England and Wales with help from its 7,000 members of staff.