The inclusive power of storytelling
To mark International Day for Persons with Disabilities, we hosted a powerful virtual conversation with Paralympian Richard Whitehead MBE and disability advocate Anna Nicholson, moderated by Katherine Zachary, Vice President, Communications and Co-Chair of the AMIEO DEI Council. Held on December 3rd, the session welcomed over 200 attendees and featured personal reflections and insights on the experience of living with a disability, as well as the importance of creating inclusive environments.
The UK team unveiled the Dare to Defy documentary series on Prime Video, a landmark storytelling project as part of the Nissan Possibilities Project. The series follows Richard Whitehead and Adele Roberts as they explore inclusivity in sport across motorsport, football and mass participation running, culminating in a fully accessible event at London’s Olympic Park.
The three-part documentary highlights real stories, challenges stereotypes and highlights the impact of inclusive design and community collaboration. From specially adapted Formula E race cars to interviews with LGBTQ+ athletes and disability advocates, Dare to Defy delivers a bold message: everyone deserves the chance to participate and belong.
Defying limits for Richard Whitehead’s record-breaking run
At the 2024 Bank of America Chicago Marathon, Nissan Ambassador and double Paralympic gold medallist Richard Whitehead MBE shattered his own world record, finishing in an awe-inspiring 2h 41m 36s. It was the latest in a long line of Richard’s incredible achievements - and a landmark moment for inclusive innovation and design.
It’s great to see Nissan continually looking for ways to make its vehicles work better for the disability community.
To support Richard’s ambitious training goals, engineers from Nissan Technical Centre Europe collaborated with Luzzo Bespoke Ltd. and Össur, provider of Richard’s carbon-fibre running prosthetics and prosthetic walking legs. Together, they transformed his Nissan ARIYA into a one-of-a-kind, 100% electric marathon training support vehicle. From a custom rear module to store prosthetics and gear - complete with a swing-out seat and coffee machine - to magnetic seat chargers for his walking prosthetics, every feature was designed for real-world practicality.
As Richard said after his record-breaking run: “When you’re going for a record, it’s all about marginal gains and the new adaptations undoubtedly helped me get a little more out of every training session. It’s great to see Nissan continually looking for ways to make its vehicles work better for the disability community.”
