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
Melanie Costas
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 Sutcliffe
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 Hart
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 Byrne
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 Green
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
Sarah Petherbridge
Sarah, who is deaf, celebrates Rose Ayling-Ellis for breaking stereotypes by showing that deaf people can excel in music, dance, and beyond. Learn more about Sararh
James Bull
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 Portland
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 Salmon
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
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
The Speakers Collective is a Social Enterprise with a shared commitment to challenging stigma, facilitating important conversations, and promoting learning on a variety of social issues.
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