D. 100 // 1-10
01 // Ashley Sullivan: Ashley is an Accessibility Specialist at SIDEARM Sports, where she is responsible for the accessibility of 1600+ college athletic websites. During her three years at SIDEARM Sports, Ashley has developed proactive solutions to prevent sites from being launched with accessibility issues, developed reusable code solutions to make existing templates accessible, and shifted the product process to include accessibility from the beginning of the product life cycle. Ashley is currently developing training for SIDEARM Sports' clients to create accessible content and preparing client sites for the April 2026 Dept of Justice deadline for digital asses in Title II. www.sidearmsports.com
02 // Laetitia Andrac: Laetitia Andrac, Sydney-based co-founder and CEO of social enterprise Understanding Zoe, turns lived experience into scalable impact. Her ISO 27001-certified platform digests dense assessment reports and therapy notes into plain-language action plans, connects parents, teachers, and therapists in one secure hub, and already supports hundreds of families worldwide. www.understandingzoe.com
03 // Sarah James: The Sensory Specialist began in 2020, born from my experience as a psychology teacher and mum of two. I saw a huge gap in support for children with learning disabilities, autism and sensory needs—not just in classrooms, but in homes and assisted living settings too. There was a lack of practical, inclusive tools that actually made a difference. So, I set out to change that. www.thesensoryspecialist.com.au
04 // Amelia Watkins: Amelia is 21yo and lives on the Mornington Peninsula in Victoria. Amelia lives with disabilities and runs a micro enterprise, Amelia’s Cookie Co with family and support worker input. The business idea grew out of Amelia’s love for cookies, particularly dotty cookies, which she would purchase whenever visiting a cafe. Amelia takes great pride in being a business owner and loves to share her business page and socials with new people she meets. Living with disabilities and gaining employment can be challenging. Amelia wants her peers to know that with support they too can turn an interest into a business idea and thrive. www.ameliascookieco.com
05 // Cooper Smith: At just 20, Melbourne-based DJ and producer Cooper Smith is already challenging perceptions and championing inclusion through music and media. Living with cerebral palsy, Cooper brings high energy and emotional depth to his sets—lighting up clubs, community events, and the main stage at Ability Fest (2023), Australia’s leading all-accessible music festival. His debut single Stay reached #20 on the ARIA Club Charts. @djcoopersmith
This isn’t corporate DEI. This is real life.
06 // Jess Schumacher: Jess is a devoted mum of two who fiercely advocates for her sons, both of whom have unique needs—including Perthes disease and autism. Navigating the complex world of therapy, medical appointments, and support systems, Jess doesn’t just fight for her own children—she paves the way for others too. She understands how isolating and overwhelming the journey can be, so she makes it her mission to help families find their footing more easily. @raisingtheschumachers
07 // Kai McGrath: Kai, is autistic and has a language processing disorder but he has never let that define him. He was born an advocate. He’s been breaking down barriers for years, proving that people with disabilities should be seen and heard. From standing up to the appalling education system that kids with disabilities have to struggle to endure to the lack of representation in the fashion and media industry. He uses his platform to champion others and is always trying to make a positive difference and is paving a way for others to follow. @kai.mcgrath007
08 // By Storm Beauty I've been watching Storm develop these products since the beginning - and they're making make up/skin care accessible for all - how is that not absolutely brilliant! She's clever and kind and has worked her guts out to get this to fruition, to the point that she has collaborated with Booie Beauty - what a story! www.bystormbeauty.com
09 // Pauline Ceddia: Pauline Ceddia is rewriting the narrative around incontinence and disability inclusion. As the founder of Staydry, a stylish, washable incontinence brand she has made it her mission to restore dignity, choice and confidence to people often overlooked in design and innovation. Rooted in empathy and practicality, Pauline’s work champions a more inclusive future where disability does not mean compromise. www.staydry.com.au
10 // Cara Hay: Hi my name is Cara Hay I was born with cerebral palsy diplegia. I had a lot of therapies growing up and I still do and I love waking my dog 🐶 Teddy and love going to the magnesium pool 🏊♀️ really great 👍 with my spasms or sore joints and stiffness. I love going to the gym and getting massages 💆♀️ really helps me. @ladycaralouise86
