Resources

Hayden Moon (he/they) is a dancer, writer, and passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+, First Nations and disability issues. Hayden has written extensively on his experiences through various publications, including a chapter in “Nothing to Hide – Voices of Trans and Gender Diverse Australia”

Sara Shams (she/her) is a disability advocate, model, speaker, and healthcare professional. She is passionate about establishing equal opportunities, creating inclusive environments, and increasing the representation of people with disabilities, particularly from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Sara Shams (she/her) is a disability advocate, model, speaker, and healthcare professional. She is passionate about establishing equal opportunities, creating inclusive environments, and increasing the representation of people with disabilities, particularly from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Sara Shams (she/her) is a disability advocate, model, speaker, and healthcare professional. She is passionate about establishing equal opportunities, creating inclusive environments, and increasing the representation of people with disabilities, particularly from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Marcus Dadd (he/him) is a farmer from Mudgee in NSW, Australian National University Environmental Science and Agriculture graduate with honours (focusing on sustainable beef production) and disability advocate.

Marcus Dadd (he/him) is a farmer from Mudgee in NSW, Australian National University Environmental Science and Agriculture graduate with honours (focusing on sustainable beef production) and disability advocate.

Marcus Dadd (he/him) is a farmer from Mudgee in NSW, Australian National University Environmental Science and Agriculture graduate with honours (focusing on sustainable beef production) and disability advocate.

Khadija Gbla, an award‑winning speaker and human rights activist from Sierra Leone, came to Australia as a refugee at 13. She is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, culturally aware and compassionate society through heart‑centred leadership.

Khadija Gbla, an award‑winning speaker and human rights activist from Sierra Leone, came to Australia as a refugee at 13. She is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, culturally aware and compassionate society through heart‑centred leadership.

Khadija Gbla, an award‑winning speaker and human rights activist from Sierra Leone, came to Australia as a refugee at 13. She is dedicated to fostering an inclusive, culturally aware and compassionate society through heart‑centred leadership.

Hayden Moon (he/they) is a dancer, writer, and passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+, First Nations and disability issues. Hayden has written extensively on his experiences through various publications, including a chapter in “Nothing to Hide – Voices of Trans and Gender Diverse Australia”.

Hayden Moon (he/they) is a dancer, writer, and passionate advocate for LGBTQIA+, First Nations and disability issues. Hayden has written extensively on his experiences through various publications, including a chapter in “Nothing to Hide – Voices of Trans and Gender Diverse Australia”.

We are proud to have the support of our Ambassadors to help promote International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) and share their unique experiences and perspectives.

We are proud to have the support of our Ambassadors to help promote International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) and share their unique experiences and perspectives.

Cooper Smith (he/him) is a DJ and producer with cerebral palsy who communicates through music. He champions inclusion, performing at events like Ability Fest 2023 and the 2024 Australian Open. Cooper also speaks in schools about disability and loves music, fitness and modelling.

We are proud to have the support of our Ambassadors to help promote International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) and share their unique experiences and perspectives.

Cooper Smith (he/him) is a DJ and producer with cerebral palsy who communicates through music. He champions inclusion, performing at events like Ability Fest 2023 and the 2024 Australian Open. Cooper also speaks in schools about disability and loves music, fitness and modelling.

Cooper Smith (he/him) is a DJ and producer with cerebral palsy who communicates through music. He champions inclusion, performing at events like Ability Fest 2023 and the 2024 Australian Open. Cooper also speaks in schools about disability and loves music, fitness and modelling.

Hugo “Rock Star” Taheny shares his journey from after‑school athletics to becoming a record‑breaking professional. He inspires people with disability to pursue their goals, promotes inclusion, and celebrates community on World Disability Day.

Dr Scott Avery, a proud Worimi man and deaf academic, teaches Indigenous studies and disability. As an IDPwD ambassador, he highlights untold First Nations disability stories and champions inclusion, reminding young people they are capable despite barriers.

Michael Theo, an IDPwD ambassador known from Love on the Spectrum, values connection and inclusion. Seen as an inspiration, he encourages embracing individuality, seeking happiness, and surrounding yourself with supportive people, reminding us that diversity makes the world interesting.

Hannah Diviny, a 2023 IDPwD ambassador, champions representation and inclusive language. A writer and advocate, she sparked a global conversation on ableist lyrics, influencing major artists. She promotes acceptance, resilience, and the power of advocating for yourself.

Gretta, a writer, speaker and business owner from Western Sydney, is a non‑verbal wheelchair user with severe cerebral palsy. As an ambassador, she aims to challenge stigma, represent severely disabled people, and advocate for respectful communication and inclusion.

Grace Edward, an IDPwD ambassador and multidisciplinary artist, lost vision in one eye at age four. She advocates for authentic representation of CALD disabled communities and co-founded YCDC to empower young people to share experiences and build a more inclusive future.

Giancarlo de Vera, an IDPwD ambassador, shares how psychosocial disabilities affect his daily life but also fuel his leadership. As a queer person of colour, he advocates for visibility, diverse voices, and empowering disabled people to embrace their full, authentic selves.