Resources

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”.

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”

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.