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Celebrating International Day of Persons with Disabilities

Updated: Dec 3

Today, we celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day dedicated to promoting understanding, inclusion, and celebration of the incredible contributions of people with disabilities.


At the Speakers Collective, we’re proud to spotlight the inspiring stories of our members who continue to challenge stigma, advocate for change, and empower others.


Below, you’ll hear from some of our members as they share stories about the people who made them feel seen and understood in their disabilities, ranging from public figures like Rose Ayling-Ellis to their own children.


With special thanks to Sign Solutions for providing British Sign Language interpretation.


Meet the Speakers In The Video


Sarah, who is deaf, celebrates Rose Ayling-Ellis for breaking stereotypes by showing that deaf people can excel in music, dance, and beyond.


Melanie lives with multiple invisible disabilities, including spinal disabilities, mental health challenges, and neurodivergence. She passionately advocates for better understanding of hidden conditions and their daily impacts. Learn more about Melanie


Holly discovered her autism after her child was born, drawing inspiration from her child’s authenticity and determination to create a more inclusive world for all. Learn more about Holly


Charlie reflects on their diagnosis of autism, complex PTSD, and ADHD in their 40s. Embracing the neurodiversity paradigm transformed their feelings of being “broken” into empowerment and self-acceptance. Learn more about Charlie


Eden, a 21-year-old from Belfast, shares how Oonagh Cousins, a former Olympic rower and advocate for long Covid and ME, has been a personal source of inspiration. Learn more about Eden


Chandy, who lives with OCD and neurodivergence, finds hope and visibility through public figures like Matt Willis, who openly discuss ADHD and neurodiversity. Learn more about Chandy


James, a firefighter and advocate, shares his journey with depression, PTSD, anxiety, and neurodivergence. Public figures like Chris Packham and Ruby Wax have inspired his personal healing, alongside therapy through fitness and family. Learn more about James


Vie, born with the rare skin condition Epidermolysis bullosa, became an advocate for disability awareness after finding a supportive community of others with the condition. Learn more about Vie


Jon, who lives with dyslexia, draws inspiration from individuals like Jamie Oliver and Richard Branson. Their stories motivate him to champion the unique strengths of neurodiverse thinkers. Learn more about Jon


Simon has delivered public speaking, training and consultancy, in diversity and inclusion since the early 2000s and a regular on Channel 4's Gogglebox. In this video Simon tells you one thing he would like to know about Dwarfism. Learn more about Simon.



For many years Oly battled with severe OCD, anxiety and depression. Oly is on a mission to share his story far and wide, in the hope to inspire others struggling in silence to speak out, seek help and fight back. Learn more about Oly.



Living With Labels Video

In this video below, members of Speakers Collective talk about the labels of disabilty and the importance of this day.



Founder of NeuroCandy, passionately advocates for neurodiversity, particularly ADHD after receiveing a diagnosis at the age of 36. Learn more about Jack.


Nickly is an international bestselling author and speaker, brings inspiration to her audiences. At 40, Nicky suffered and recovered from a disabling stroke and nos inspiring a life's mission to make a bigger difference. Learn more about Nicky.


Andy is founder of Man Gang, combines expertise in Health & Safety with a mission to destigmatise mental health issues. Learn more about Andy. 


Jude is a Mental Health First Aid trainer, spearheads the Walk N Talk 4 Mental Health campaign and speaking on topics of mental health, overcoming adversity, dyslexia, dyspraxia and how creative thinking has shaped her. Learn more about Jude. 


Harry Mansfield is an award winning trainer, and best-selling author who has become known as “The MindPower Champion”. Harry also hosts “The Saving Lives Podcast” showing it is never too late to change your life. Learn more about Harry.


With Special Thanks to Sign Solutions

With thanks to Sign Solutions, who provide on-demand and around-the-clock interpreting, training, and translation services nationwide, enabling Deaf people to communicate more effectively and gain equal access to information, products, services, education, and work. Learn more about Sign Solutions


About the Speakers Collective

Speakers Collective is a not-for-profit with a shared commitment to challenging stigma, facilitating important conversations, and promoting learning on a variety of social issues.


If you are interested in any of the above people speaking at an event please contact info@speakerscollective.org or via our contact form here.


If you would like to join us please vistit Become a member and any donations to support our work will make a real difference to us - donate now.

 
 
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