Story
How it all Started - Our Story
Toucan Diversity Training CIC was founded in 2013 by the late Madissa Asgari, BA (Hons), MA, a disabled woman with a diverse ethnic background who faced significant disability discrimination in the job market. Determined to create opportunities not only for herself but also for other disabled people, Madissa established Toucan Diversity Training CIC to face these challenges head-on.
Toucan Diversity is committed to delivering disability equality training and is proudly led by our team of disabled people. We are a CPD-accredited training provider based in Portsmouth, dedicated to promoting the social inclusion of disabled people, one training session at a time.
The 'Abseil for Inclusion' is on Sunday 8th of June 2025 - Come and support our fantastic team of abseilers.
Meet Florrie Dyson
I’m Florrie and I am taking on the challenge of abseiling down Spinnaker Tower to raise money for Toucan Diversity. This cause is deeply personal to me as my older brother has Autism and Soto’s Syndrome. His journey hasn’t been easy, but the support we’ve received over the years has made such a difference. I want to give back and help create a more inclusive world where every individual is valued and supported.
My brother is my inspiration and the most amazing person I know and through this challenge I hope to raise awareness and make a difference for other families like ours.
Meet Ronnie
I'm taking part in the Abseil for Toucan as both a personal challenge and a way to support an incredible cause. This is my way of stepping out of my comfort zone, pushing my limits, and doing something bold. As a volunteer with Toucan, I’ve seen firsthand how much they want to achieve and how impactful their work truly is. That’s what makes this challenge even more meaningful: it’s not just about the adrenaline, it’s about raising funds and awareness for a team that’s changing perceptions and making a real difference.
By taking on this challenge, I'm hoping to inspire others to support the cause and maybe even face a few of their own fears along the way.
Meet Dazzi
“Dazzi is a very enthusiastic individual and athlete who has undertaken several marathons to enhance his personal growth. Over the years he kept pushing himself further and now he wants to take the next challenge to abseil down the Spinnaker tower and raise money for a good cause - abseiling for social inclusion for disabled people”.
Meet Charlene Jones
This year, I'm all about embracing new adventures and pushing my limits! When I heard about the Abseil for Inclusion event with Toucan Diversity, I thought, "Why not set myself a challenge, while supporting a cause that's super close to my heart?" With a family history of disabilities, from physical challenges to neurodiversity, I'm on a mission to spread the word about inclusivity for everyone!
So, get ready to cheer me on as I take the plunge to raise some cash for this awesome local CIC, and hopefully inspire others to set personal challenges too! Let the fun begin! 🎉
Meet Mo -
Mo did a skydive for us in 2023 and we are immensely proud and grateful for his ongoing support. He also did run a solo marathon for Toucan Diversity, not in England but in the Falkland Islands where he was on a civil engineering work placement. Our Toucan is traveling far! He is the Lead for Ethnicity & Diversity at the M Group service - Rail and Aviation. Over the years his contributions has won him several ED&I awards one of which is the Community Hero Award. - showing Mo's dedication to continually promoting social inclusion and support.
I am raising funds for Toucan Diversity. I am a Project Civil Engineer working in the Rail & Aviation Transport division. As my journey unfolds, I strive towards growth and personal development. Hence, every year, I challenge myself to do something outside my comfort zone. This year I’m choosing to do an Abseil for Inclusion. I hope this may inspire and remind others that there’s a place for everyone wherever you may find yourself.
Meet Darron
“I’m taking part in the Abseil for Toucan to help raise vital funds for a charity that creates real opportunities for disabled people. Toucan promotes social and workplace inclusion through training, helping those who might otherwise face significant barriers.
I believe everyone deserves the chance to feel confident, included, and supported. By stepping out of my own comfort zone, I hope to shine a light on this important cause and make a meaningful contribution.”
