Austen Burns

He/Him

Tech Founder, Sportsperson

PersonalCarer

Award category:

Science, Engineering, Technology, Property and Construction

Austen Burns is a social entrepreneur and founder of PA Recruitment and HR Management Software PersonalCarer.co.uk.

This platform has supported thousands of individuals to find care and support.

Austen has a passion for inclusive design and implementing digital solutions to address social and environmental challenges. He holds a BSc in Computing and IT and an MSc in Marketing.

The software platform PersonalCarer.co.uk has supported many disabled people to recruit a PA/Carers and offers a range of tools needed to coordinate HR and care.

He also works in digital solutions with the Centre for Independent Living NI.

Austen has presented on disability at major international conferences. He has a passion for creating content and making a difference.

Outside of his day job, Austen is actively involved in disability sports. He competes in international Para Equestrian events and has qualified for the Paris Paralympics.

Being included in the Disability Power 2023 is a profound honour. As a tech founder, this recognition fuels my commitment to harnessing technology to create inclusive and accessible solutions that empower individuals with disabilities and drive social change.

Q&A

Austen Burns

As a role model, what advice would you give a disabled person at the start of their career?

Surround yourself with others who motivate you and you enjoy learning from

How has your work impacted the disabled community or raised awareness about disability issues?

My work has significantly impacted the disabled community by providing essential tools and resources through PersonalCarer.co.uk, enabling thousands of individuals to find care and support tailored to their needs. The platform has empowered disabled people to recruit personal assistants and manage their care more effectively, promoting independence and dignity.

What are your future goals or aspirations in your field or in disability advocacy?

I aim to continue developing innovative digital solutions that address the unique challenges faced by the disabled community. Additionally, I aspire to increase my advocacy efforts, using my platform to influence policy changes that promote inclusivity and accessibility.

What do you do to switch off and have fun?

My free time is spent enjoying horse riding and taking part in dressage competitions

What or who brings you joy?

What brings me joy is witnessing the positive impact of my work on the lives of individuals with disabilities, knowing that the tools and resources we’ve developed are making a real difference. Additionally, my passion for para equestrian sports brings me immense joy.

Do you prefer dogs or cats?

Dogs

What is the one thing you would change if you could?

Documents that are not allowed to be signed digitally

What barriers do you think still need to be addressed to improve the lives of disabled people?

Useful links

Austen Burns

Areas of expertise

Business, IT, Tech, Web design, Sport, Television, radio, podcast

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