David Constantine MBE
Founder Director, Motivation Charitable Trust
David Constantine MBE has dedicated his professional life to empowering disabled people in developing countries. He is Founder Director of Motivation – a charity and social enterprise that supports disabled people in developing countries with wheelchairs, services and training.
David has used a wheelchair since a spinal cord injury at 21 years old. He went on to study at the Royal College of Art where he designed a wheelchair for use in developing countries with a course mate, Simon Gue. They tested the prototype in Bangladesh and together, with third founder Richard Frost, they set up Motivation.
For nearly 30 years, Motivation has designed and provided wheelchairs to more than 100 countries. Through charity programmes they have changed the lives of tens of thousands of people, enabling them to attend school, work, and get around in their communities.
David is a hugely influential advocate for disabled people, speaking at events and advising on global health and political initiatives. He is Chair of the forming committee for the International Society of Wheelchair Professionals and is on the Board of the International Society of Prosthetics and Orthotics. He also sits on the Royal College of Art Alumni Board.
David was awarded an MBE in 2010 in recognition of his work. Appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for the County and City of Bristol in 2014, he’s received numerous honorary degrees, academic accolades and awards. In 2016, Motivation’s flagship wheelchair model – the Rough Terrain – was honoured in the London Design Museum’s permanent exhibition.
Useful links and information
“I am delighted to receive this honour. It makes a great deal of difference when disabled people are at the centre of efforts to improve the world for themselves and for others, so we can build an inclusive society where all people can lead fulfilling lives.”