Romana Thomas, from Penarth, has recently won a place on the Dimensions 2019 Learning Disability and Autism Leaders' List.

This is the UK's first national list which recognises people with learning disabilities and autism who are challenging stereotypes and entrenched social prejudices, to make communities better for themselves and others.

Launched in 2018, the Leaders' List is the UK's first national list celebrating achievements of people with learning disabilities and/or autism.

Romana is a severely disabled young woman with very little speech. She encourages and pushes those around her change their own lives, and raise their expectations of her own.

Romana Thomas is well known in the Penarth community, having attended Ashgrove school and Ysgol Y Deri, she is now attending Bridgend college and is thriving.

She loves her weekends and holidays at home in penarth with her mum Angela and brother Ben.

Many people know her for her bargain hunting around Penarth town on a Saturday, which she looks forward to and it is very much part of her routine.

She also loves kayaking at the international white water rafting centre at Cardiff bay, enjoys her walks around Cosmeston country park, and also loves the pier, watching a good movie in the pavilion, especially is it's a sing along.

Angela Thomas, Romana's mother, said: "I know I'm biased, but it's is wonderful to be able to celebrate the amazing inspiring person that Romana has grown into. She will continue to make a difference to the community just by being who she is, a wonderful, joyful, determined young lady with a passion for life."

"Romana has inspired many of those around her to have careers in supporting people" says mum Angela.

"She lights up rooms with energy and laughter, and having met her, many of her PAs and teaching assistants have gone on to develop careers in care."

As a child, like so many people in her position, Romana hated change. "I remember coming back from trying to take her to the park," says Angela, "tears running down my face. She was fearful of new environments and her only means of communicating it was some very challenging behaviour.

"But we persevered and eventually – eventually – I think she became confident that she could control new environments if needs be.

"One of her few words is 'home' and she uses this – and we always act on it – if she's really feeling uncomfortable anywhere.''

That's not to say that she's a big fan of change. "She likes her routine," says Angela, "She uses a monthly calendar and a Novochat communications aid allied to some basic signs.

"Together with a good bit of body language, we can usually communicate pretty well. One thing we can't do – because it causes her great confusion – is talk about the past. Romana is all about the future, and that's a great way to approach life!"

Romana is very lucky to be attending Bridgend college where she has just started her third year. "Initially, the professionals around us felt that Romana would need to be in a long stay college," recalls Angela.

"I was against that – I thought she wouldn't understand what was going on around her. But Bridgend were happy to assess her for weekly boarding and to all of our surprises, she passed with flying colours. She was even their 'student of the year' in her 1st year!"

College has taught Romana a strong set of life skills, including building and maintaining friendships. "She couldn't wait to get back to college after the summer holidays," recalls mum, "She needs to be challenged and developed as well as having fun – college is a great environment for her and I can see her development week by week.

"It's especially pleasing to see that she can develop meaningful relationships with her peers."

Sarah Clarke, the Campaigns Manager at Dimensions said: "We're incredibly proud to be celebrating Romana, whose work is not only challenging perceptions but also inspiring others and showing the world that everyone can make a difference.

''Everyone can learn something from people with learning disabilities and autism. We hope people like Romana inspire change and demonstrate that we all play an important part – from individuals to decision makers – to make society more inclusive.

"We hope Romana inspires others and helps them realise that their ambition – however big or small, can make a real difference."

Some facts on learning disabilities and autism:

• 96% of people with learning disabilities and autism have felt misunderstood
• 99% think people don't understand what people with learning disabilities and autism are capable of
• 54% think they don't get the same opportunities as others