Disability Pride Month 2025
Celebrating Australian Disability Advocates
July marks Disability Pride Month – a powerful time to celebrate identity, strength, and the voices of people with disabilities. It’s a chance to highlight not only the barriers that still exist, but also the resilience, creativity, and leadership of people who are redefining what it means to live with disability in today’s world.
In Australia, a new generation of young people with disabilities is speaking out through social media, the arts, business, and activism. These trailblazers are changing the narrative – from one of limitation to one of pride, possibility, and purpose.
Here are just a few incredible young Australians making waves:
Chloe Hayden (Actor, Author, Advocate) @chloeshayden
Known for her breakout role as Quinni on Netflix’s Heartbreak High, Chloe is a proud autistic woman using her platform to promote neurodiversity and mental health awareness. Her honesty, humour, and advocacy have made her a role model for many young Australians. She’s also the author of Different, Not Less – a powerful memoir and guidebook for embracing neurodivergence.
Chloé Hayden
Autistic actor, author of Different, Not Less
Hannah Diviney (Writer, Activist, Change-maker) @hannahthewildflower
A passionate disability advocate and writer, Hannah gained widespread attention for her campaigns demanding better representation of people with disabilities in media. She’s the editor-in-chief of Missing Perspectives, and uses her platform to challenge ableism and promote equality. She’s also recently stepped into acting with a role in Latecomers (SBS).
Hannah Diviney
Writer, actor with cerebral palsy
Nas Campanella (Journalist, Broadcaster) @nascampanella
While not Gen Z, Nas is an inspiration for young Australians. Blind since birth, she’s a national disability affairs reporter for ABC and has become one of the most prominent media professionals with a disability in the country. Her reporting raises awareness while driving inclusive conversations in newsrooms across Australia.
Nas Campanella
Blind journalist and ABC disability affairs reporter
Why Disability Pride Matters
Disability Pride Month is about more than awareness – it’s about empowerment. It’s about owning identity without apology. And it’s about shifting how society sees disability, not as a flaw to be fixed, but as a part of human diversity to be celebrated.
At our organisation, we’re proud to support and elevate the voices of people with disabilities all year round. This month, we’re especially inspired by the younger generation, proving every day that disability is not a barrier to brilliance.
Want to get involved?
Follow and share the work of young disability advocates.
Book a speaker or workshop from lived-experience presenters.
Support businesses owned by people with disabilities.
Celebrate inclusion, representation, and pride every day of the year.
Here is a list of Creators, Advocates, and Influencers You Should Follow!
Young Creators & Neurodiversity Advocates
Chloé Hayden – Autistic actor (Heartbreak High), author (Different, Not Less), activist
Hannah Diviney – Writer, actor with cerebral palsy, editor-in-chief of Missing Perspectives
Elly‑May Barnes – Musician with cerebral palsy, inclusion campaigner
Madeline Stuart – International model with Down syndrome
TikTok Educators & Everyday Advocates
Jimmy Jan – Paraplegic content creator sharing daily life
Stanley Rosenberg – Intellectual disability advocate
Steph Kelly – Gastroparesis/TPN awareness advocate
Ben McIntosh – Support worker’s POV creator
Jordy – Crohn’s & ostomy awareness
Sophie Delezio – Burn survivor & wheelchair user
Disability Rights & CALD Advocates
Carly Findlay OAM – Appearance activist (ichthyosis), author & speaker
Drisana Levitzke‑Gray – Deaf youth advocate and public speaker
Catia Malaquias – Founder of Starting with Julius, media diversity champion
Dinesh Palipana OAM – Quadriplegic doctor, inclusive employment champion
AJ Clementine – Filipino-Australian trans model and disability advocate
Grace Hyland – Trans advocate sharing disability-related experiences
Jordon Steele‑John – Federal Senator with cerebral palsy
Alastair McEwin – Former Disability Discrimination Commissioner
Nas Campanella – Blind journalist, ABC disability affairs reporter
Dylan Alcott AO – Paralympian, author, entrepreneur & advocate