See the ability in disability

International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) is held on 3 December each year. IDPwD is a United Nations observed day celebrated internationally. It aims to increase public awareness, understanding and acceptance of people with disability and celebrate their achievements and contributions.

This year’s IDPwD theme is see the ability in disability. Our panel are individuals challenging the way disability is viewed. A neuro-scientist advocating for greater acceptance of medical students and doctors with disabilities, a founder of a global tech-enabled media company creating accessible information resources to help unleash neurodivergent potential in the workplace, a ‘regular Mumma' who is sharing the real and raw side to Autism Spectrum Disorder with her podcast ‘Autism Our Way - No Shame in Sharing’, and a host of a different type of podcast shining a bright light on sex and disability which aims to explore parts of the disabled experience that we don’t often hear about. 

• Jerusha Matheris a current neuroscientist, PhD candidate at Victoria University investigating non-invasive brain stimulation and strength training and neural plasticity and how these concepts can help improve the lives of individuals with cerebral palsy. Earlier this year, she joined the Australian Academy of Science’s group of twelve STEM Women Changemakers (external link). She has ambitions to become a medical doctor. She has cerebral palsy and is a leading advocate for reforms to improve access to medical education for people with disability.

• Rachel Worsley is the founder and CEO of Neurodiversity Media, a global tech-enabled media company creating accessible information resources to help unleash neurodivergent potential in the workplace. She is autistic and ADHD, bisexual and has Malaysian-Chinese heritage. Rachel previously worked in medical journalism and legal marketing. She believes accessible information and storytelling is the gateway to increasing public awareness and understanding for people with disabilities.

• Tanika Davis is a proud Worimi Woman from Forster NSW. She is the founder of The I Am, Movement, a platform for Families & Communities to support youth in their journey at whatever stage of communication. This movement arose from the diagnosis of autism for her son Slade, and quickly realising the lack of culturally appropriate support, resources and connection for Aboriginal families. In addition to offering culturally-safe learning resources, The I Am, Movement aims to focus on what you want to be; “I am, unique”, “I am, strong”, “I am, deadly”.

• Andrew Gurza is a Disability Awareness Consultant who invites you to do “Disability with Drew”. In his work, he seeks to explore how the lived experience of disability feels, as it interplays with intersectional communities. He shares his lived experiences of disability in a raw, vulnerable and unapologetic fashion. He has presented all across North America on sex and disability as a Queer Crippled man. He also hosts the Disability After Dark podcast, which shines a bright light on sex and disability, and is co-founder of Handi, the first line of sex toys for anyone with hand limitations. 

Book your tickets here!