18/08/2026
We were deeply saddened to hear of the death of Professor Jason Arday.
Jason was an autistic academic and educator who became the youngest ever black Cambridge professor at 37 years old. Through his work, he contributed to important conversations about race, inequality, education and inclusion, and his death has been deeply felt by many within the autistic community and beyond.
At times like this, there is an important reminder for all of us about the way we treat one another.
We can disagree and still be compassionate.
We can challenge one another and still be kind.
And whatever our differences, everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
Words matter. The way we speak to people matters, and so does the way we speak about them. We don't always know what someone else is carrying or the impact that our words may have.
In health and social care, we talk a great deal about dignity, respect, inclusion and seeing the person rather than a label. But these aren't simply principles for the people we support. They are values that should shape how we treat one another too.
Compassion doesn't require us to agree with each other. Kindness doesn't prevent us from having difficult conversations.
It simply asks us to remember the human being on the other side of them.
Our thoughts are with Jason's family, friends, colleagues and everyone affected by his passing. 💜
