Chris Edmondson

Profile

Biography

Chris Edmondson tragically died in 2019 after being involved in a car accident.

Chris was a founder member and long-time Chair of the SUPA Group and was heavily involved in both the teaching and recruitment of student social workers. He was born with a neuromuscular condition which affected his mobility and health and caused social segregation. He used social services throughout his life which allowed him to study accountancy at Northumbria University and then move back to York to live independently, supported by a team of PAs paid for through direct payments.

Chris was an inspiration to both staff and generations of students as someone who, despite life-limiting conditions and serious physical impairments, lived a full and active life. In his classes he promoted the voice of service users and, in particular, challenged students to support the rights of disabled people to live as equal members of the community.

What we will most remember about Chris is his keen intelligence and strength of character: a man who - despite having what for many would be insurmountable barriers to independence - studied to degree level, lived independently and worked full-time in a job where he worked ceaselessly to promote the rights and opportunities of disabled people in York.