Resources

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.

Charlie and Lewis, twin filmmakers from Adelaide with invisible disabilities, use their creativity and passion for inclusive filmmaking to inspire others. As ambassadors, they show that disability is a strength and encourage young people to embrace their talents and pursue their dreams.

Anne-Mason, an ambassador who has lived with disability since childhood polio, advocates for respect, autonomy, and inclusion. She encourages treating disabled people as equals, asking before helping, and creating solutions that improve life for everyone.

Anja Christoffersen, an advocate, entrepreneur, model, and author born with a rare condition, champions disability pride and visibility. She shows that disability is a strength, pushes for self-designed solutions, and inspires others to seek support, embrace identity, and lead with purpose.

Eliza Hull, a musician, writer, advocate, and mother of two, uses her experiences with disability to challenge stereotypes in music, media, and parenting. She promotes authentic representation, creative storytelling, and amplifying disabled voices to drive inclusion and change.

Nathan Basher, an office assistant, film ambassador, and motivational speaker, uses his love of books and film to advocate for inclusion. He champions disability pride, equal employment, and giving disabled people a voice, working to end segregation and promote true equality.

Chloe Hayden, a 25‑year‑old autistic author, actor, and advocate, celebrates disability as a source of creativity and strength. She uses social media to challenge stereotypes, push for representation, and show young disabled people that they deserve to exist and to thrive.

Ari is a disability activist and model who champions visibility and inclusion. As a trans, non‑binary, chronically ill person from a refugee background, they strive to provide representation they never had and advocate for a world where disabled people are valued, supported, and seen.

Uncle Wilfred Prince, IDPwD 2022 Ambassador, talks about the importance of leadership and community for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability.

Santiago Velasquez Hurtado (he/him) is the CEO and founder of two companies, an accomplished innovator, designer and the first blind electrical engineer in the Southern Hemisphere.

Santiago Velasquez Hurtado (he/him) is the CEO and founder of two companies, an accomplished innovator, designer and the first blind electrical engineer in the Southern Hemisphere.

Santiago Velasquez Hurtado (he/him) is the CEO and founder of two companies, an accomplished innovator, designer and the first blind electrical engineer in the Southern Hemisphere.

Ronan Soussa (he/him) is an Autistic advocate, performer and piano player. He is mostly known for his appearance on the second season of ‘Love on the Spectrum’ on ABC and Netflix. Ronan’s mission is to encourage people with disability to be their authentic selves.

Ronan Soussa (he/him) is an Autistic advocate, performer and piano player. He is mostly known for his appearance on the second season of ‘Love on the Spectrum’ on ABC and Netflix. Ronan’s mission is to encourage people with disability to be their authentic selves.

Ronan Soussa (he/him) is an Autistic advocate, performer and piano player. He is mostly known for his appearance on the second season of ‘Love on the Spectrum’ on ABC and Netflix. Ronan’s mission is to encourage people with disability to be their authentic selves.

James Parr (he/him) is an award-winning model, speaker, content creator, writer, athlete and advocate. He is a proud Wiradjuri man and uses his role to talk about inclusivity and diversity in the modelling industry.

James Parr (he/him) is an award-winning model, speaker, content creator, writer, athlete and advocate. He is a proud Wiradjuri man and uses his role to talk about inclusivity and diversity in the modelling industry.

James Parr (he/him) is an award-winning model, speaker, content creator, writer, athlete and advocate. He is a proud Wiradjuri man and uses his role to talk about inclusivity and diversity in the modelling industry.

Maree Jenner (she/her) is a long-time advocate of participation and engagement in her community. She facilitates the Social Futures school inclusion program, ‘Same but Different & Champions for Change’, which aims to remove social barriers and encourage inclusion for people with disability.

Maree Jenner (she/her) is a long-time advocate of participation and engagement in her community. She facilitates the Social Futures school inclusion program, ‘Same but Different & Champions for Change’, which aims to remove social barriers and encourage inclusion for people with disability.

Maree Jenner (she/her) is a long-time advocate of participation and engagement in her community. She facilitates the Social Futures school inclusion program, ‘Same but Different & Champions for Change’, which aims to remove social barriers and encourage inclusion for people with disability.