Empowering people with a disability and ensuring inclusiveness and equality
At the Huxley Hill Group we provide an opportunity for the voice of each person to be heard in a transparent and non-biased environment. For this International Day of People with Disability, we want to shine a spotlight on and connect you with some of the amazing people with disability and/or medical conditions in our online communities.
If you’re not already aware of them, take a look at their work! Their content is amazing, and they advocate for empowerment and inclusion for people with disability.
Here are some people we recommend you check out:
Carly Findlay – Australian award-winning writer, speaker and appearance activist.
Named as one of Australia’s most influential women in the Australian Financial Review and Westpac 100 Women of Influence Awards 2014, Carly challenges people’s thinking about what it’s like to have a visibly different appearance. As a finalist for the Best Australian Blogs in 2011, 2012 and 2014, she’s definitely a great blogger to look out for.
Blog | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
Madeline Stuart – Australian designer, Special Olympics athlete and model.
One photo shoot at a time, Madeline is changing perceptions in society of people with disabilities. Known as ‘the world’s first professional adult model with Down Syndrome’ Madeline has created change in the fashion world. Madeline has also represented her state in cricket and basketball at the Special Olympics and oversees a dance school, ‘Inside, Outside Dance Ensemble’ which is located in Brisbane.
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube
Holly Warland – Australian writer, researcher, teacher, public speaker, and science enthusiast.
After having her story told by award-winning journalist Leisa Scott and publishing her own blog on boredpanda, Holly’s story went viral. On a quest to change euthanasia laws in Queensland, Holly documents an honest and at times graphic look at life with rapidly deteriorating Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy via her Instagram hollywiththemd. You can also watch her video message, which was presented at the Dying with Dignity Queensland 2018 Life Choices Forum, stating her case to change laws in Australia.
Zach Anner – American award-winning comedian, show host, activist, public speaker and author.
Through his participation in the Oprah Winfrey show’s “Oprah’s Search for the Next TV Star” in 2011 Zach gained worldwide attention and a travel tv show. This award-winning comedian states he “spends most of his time in his underwear, thinking about how he can change the world.” Check out his Youtube channel for some of his content!
Annie Elainey – American youtuber, writer, artist/singer/actor, speaker and advocate.
Annie is an intersectional activist for LGBTQIA+ and disability rights. Her blogs and YouTube content includes her observations and experiences on topics such as body image, gender, LGBTQIA+, disability, race, chronic illness and mental health. She is an advocate for accessibility and visibility for people with disability. She has worked to make sure all her videos have closed captions and has a playlist on her YouTube channel dedicated to other YouTubers with disabilities. Check out her work on the links below!
Instagram | Tumblr | Twitter | YouTube
Dylan Alcott – Australian Paralympian, speaker and radio host.
Recipient of the Order of Australia at age 18 and winner of awards such as 2016 GQ Sportsman of the Year, 2016 Paralympian of the Year, 2016 Newcombe Medal this three-time Paralympian gold medallist is smashing goals. As a co-founder of disability and accessibility training start-up Get Skilled Access and with his own charitable organisation, The Dylan Alcott Foundation, Dylan is a steadfast advocate for people with disability. He has also just written a book ‘Able’, check it out and let us know what you think!
Kurt Fearnley – Australian Paralympian, advocate, Australian Paralympic Committee board member and NSW Australian of the Year for 2019.
Growing up in the small town of Carcoar, Kurt states “they were telling me I can do anything, and I think if you have that enough, you’re going to be determined. You’re constantly told from when you’re a kid that everything is possible, that I don’t think there’s any other alternative but to start to believe that.” Winning 13 medals across five Paralympic Games, completing the Kokoda Track and winning countless other awards Kurt “will always strive to strengthen the movement for people with a disability.” Kurt is someone with a wealth of experiences, to learn more about them check out his book ‘Pushing the Limits.’
Another great online resource to check out is The Mighty. The Mighty is a digital health community created to empower and connect people facing health challenges and disabilities. You can search by different topics such as ‘disability’ to find the content you are interested in.
Honestly the list can go on there are so many amazing content creators and advocates in the disability space. Tell us, who are some of your favourites?
