Born in Atherton, Lancashire, Alan has degrees from Hull, Manchester and Lancaster universities. After teaching history in school he became a lecturer in education at Poulton-le-Fylde College of Education, part of Preston/Lancashire Polytechnic. He was an early member of the National Bureau for Handicapped Students (now Skill : National Bureau for Students with Disabilities). He investigated access to higher education and disabled students for his doctoral thesis, published later as “Steps Towards Graduation”. The title of Professor was awarded by the University of Central Lancashire for his work with disabled students in the university, nationally and internationally.

He remains a trustee of Skill. He continues to publish papers and to lecture and lead workshops at conferences both in the UK and overseas. Currently he is completing a project on developing and disseminating materials for use by mainstream staff in training and continuing professional development. His growing interest is in how disability can be introduced into the curriculum content of courses.

Outside work, he enjoys reading and travelling. He is a strong advocate of public and was a member of the Rail Passenger’s Committee for North West England prior to its abolition by government in July 2005.