D. 100 // 71-80
71 // Marea Ruddy: AccessLife Support Services is a trusted NDIS provider in Orange, NSW, offering person-centred disability care for individuals with disabilities, including psychosocial disabilities. Our strengths-based, neuro-affirming approach empowers clients to live independently and thrive within their community. We provide flexible, high-quality support that puts the needs and goals of our clients first, fostering collaborative relationships for lasting impact. www.accesslifess.com.au
72 // Kath Swain: “That would never happen to us.” That’s what Kath, her husband Dave, and their daughters Chloe and Abbie thought until August 2021, when Kath suffered a devastating C4/5 spinal cord injury after diving into a pool. With strict COVID lockdowns in place, even her family couldn’t visit. In response, Dave created a WhatsApp group to keep loved ones updated a chat that grew quickly, showing just how loved Kath is. www.strongertogetherforspinal.org
🌟 Scroll the list. Share someone who inspires you.
73 // Cherie Clonan: Cherie Clonan is the visionary founder and CEO of The Digital Picnic, a Melbourne-based digital marketing agency celebrated for its human first and neuro-inclusive culture. Diagnosed with Autism and ADHD later in life, Cherie has transformed her lived experience into the guiding ethos of her leadership championing compassion, creativity, and authenticity in the workplace. www.thedigitalpicnic.com.au
74 // Maria Jerez: Accessilife was born from necessity and lived experience of its founder, Maria Jerez. Maria’s youngest son suffered a brain injury at birth, resulting in a range of disabilities that require 24/7 care. Early on, she realized there was no single place to find all the products and services her son needed – instead she was constantly on the search which was frustrating, exhausting and incredibly time consuming. It also made her feel alone, like she must be the only person on earth looking for these things, and that is definitely not the case. www.accessilife.com.au
75 // Genevieve Clay-Smith: Genevieve Clay-Smith is a global pioneer of inclusive filmmaking. Her journey began with the 2009 Tropfest-winning short Be My Brother, which she created inclusively, and in doing so, redefined what authentic representation could look like on screen. Since then, she has led a global movement. www.busstopfilms.com.au
76 // Carol Smith: Carol Smith is a hospitality leader and community champion whose café is more than a business; it’s a movement. As owner of Café on Corporation in Bathurst, Carol has created a workplace where inclusion isn’t a policy, it’s a way of life. She has transformed her café into a thriving, welcoming space that actively employs people with disability, neurodivergent staff and those facing barriers to employment. www.cafeoncorporation.au
A single post from a Disinfluencer reaches an audience more likely to trust, relate, and convert.
77 // Jordan and Laura O’Reilly: Jordan and Laura O’Reilly are visionary siblings who have redefined what inclusive innovation can look like, not just in Australia, but globally. Motivated by the lived experience of their brother Shane, they co-founded Fighting Chance, a social enterprise building innovative businesses that solve major barriers faced by people with disability. www.hireup.com.au
78 // Sarah Jane Rudolph: Sarah-Jane Rudolph is a trailblazing disability advocate, creative producer and emerging screenwriter whose career bridges storytelling and systemic change. As the Head of Inclusive Education and Community Engagement at Bus Stop Films, she has played a vital leadership role in one of the world’s most respected inclusive film programs, empowering students with disability to learn, create and thrive in the screen industry. @sarahjanejohnson__
79 // Madeleine Stewart: Madeleine Stewart is a fearless comedian, writer, and disability advocate using laughter as a tool for truth-telling, connection and cultural change. Born without her left forearm, Madeleine’s comedy doesn’t shy away from disability, instead, she centres it, flipping stigma on its head and exposing the absurdities of a world not built for everyone. @its_madeleine_stewart
80 // Gerard O’Dwyer: Gerard O’Dwyer is an award-winning actor, passionate advocate, and trailblazer for authentic disability representation in film and television. As an actor with Down syndrome and a lifelong love of storytelling, Gerard has captivated audiences with performances that are rich, nuanced and unapologetically real. @gerardodwyertheactor
