D. 100 // 61-70
61 // Kelly Goodfellow: Comfort on the Spectrum began with my son Max - who is blind, autistic, and incredibly sensory-sensitive. Getting dressed used to be a daily struggle, and I couldn't find clothing that truly worked for him. So, I created it. www.comfortonthespectrum.com.au
62 // Australian Disability Network: Australian Disability Network (AusDN) is a not-for-profit, member-based organisation dedicated to removing barriers and enabling organisations to welcome, retain, and advance people with disability in all aspects of business and leadership. Through award-winning programs and sector-shifting initiatives, AusDN impacts the lives and careers of thousands, setting new benchmarks for accessibility, representation, and systemic change. www.australiandisabilitynetwork.org.au
🌟 Scroll the list. Share someone who inspires you.
63 // Kate Foster: Kate Foster is an Autistic children's author. She is passionate about encouraging and teaching a wider understanding of autism and mental illness via a positive approach and representation in both her books as well as her presentations and talks. She has founded the Diversity in Australia and New Zealand Children's Book Award, which amplifies books with authentic disability representation, which are often overlooked for traditional awards. She is changing the landscape of disability representation in Australian children's literature. www.kfosterbooks.com
64 // Akii Ngo: Akii is a first-generation Aussie, who lives with multiple complex chronic illnesses, debilitating chronic pain and various disabilities. An intimate partner (IPV) and family violence (FV) survivor-advocate, who advocates passionately on several advisory committees, councils and working groups (such as the Victorian Disability Advisory Council) Australia-wide within the health, violence-prevention, LGBTQIA+ and human rights sectors. Advising, educating, training and providing genuine, intersectional & lived experience consultations for a diverse range of inclusive processes, co-design, disability, accessibility (all types including physical infrastructure, in-person, online, events and communications), gender equity, equality, violence prevention and human rights causes. www.akiingo.com
65 // Isabella Choate: Isabella Choate is an accomplished lived experience advocate across the youth disability, mental health and LGBTQIA+ areas. Utilising their living experience and passion for community building, Isabella has created meaningful spaces and founded Perth’s first Disability Pride Festival in 2024. They strive to empower young people to channel their own experiences into action and change. Isabella serves on numerous councils and boards, including as co-chair of the North Metro Mental Health Advisory Council, advisor to RTRFM’s Disability Inclusion Advisory Group, and Youth Council member of Children and Young People with Disability Australia. They are also the CEO of the Youth Disability Advocacy Network. @isabella.choate
66 // Tara Shekede: Me Plus More is Australia's first-ever membership platform designed exclusively for individuals with intellectual disability. Launched with a bold vision to close the gap in access to real-world skills, independence, and meaningful connection, Me Plus More empowers members to thrive through easy-to-understand programs, engaging content, and a warm, supportive community. This vibrant, digital-first platform is reshaping how people with intellectual disability learn, grow, and connect. Members don’t just log in… they level up. Whether they’re mastering daily living skills, exploring employment pathways, building confidence in relationships, or setting life goals, Me Plus More is their launchpad to independence. With a mix of gamified challenges, video lessons, interactive resources, and a safe online community, Me Plus More is more than an educational program, it champions choice, control, and voice for a population too often overlooked. Its programs are co-designed with accessibility at the heart, allowing individuals to learn at their own pace, in their own space, with support from families and carers. And the impact? Life-changing. From achieving first jobs and independent living to making new friends and speaking up for their rights, Me Plus More members are breaking barriers and rewriting their stories. www.meplusmore.com.au
67 // Dr Naomi Rutten: Dr Naomi Rutten is the founder of Ducks In A Row Trainings (DIART), General Practitioner, Psychotherapist, GP Educator and trained facilitator for the Bringing Up Great Kids Parenting Program. She was diagnosed with Complex PTSD and ADHD, and experienced Depression, but these do not define her, and she continues everyday to advocate for improved access to mental health services in her regional community of Gawler in South Australia. www.ducksinarowtrainings.com.au
68 // Eliza Stankovic Mowle: Eliza Stankovic-Mowle (Ault Connell) is a powerhouse of resilience, sport, and lived experience leadership. After losing both legs and fingers to meningococcal disease at age 16, she didn’t just adapt she pushed forward at full speed, literally. Eliza became a dual-sport Paralympian, representing Australia in wheelchair racing at the 2004 Athens Games and now representing in sitting volleyball. @elizajane.ac
69 // Jessica Benson-Lidholm: Jessica Benson-Lidholm is a neurodivergent psychologist, parent, and advocate working at the intersection of lived experience, clinical insight, and systems change. Autistic and ADHD, she brings both personal and professional understanding into every space she enters. She is the creator behind @diversepsych, a platform known for clear, affirming content that speaks directly to neurodivergent families and clinicians. www.diversepsychology.com
70 // Sarah Alcock: Having been on the difficult journey of navigating disability support systems for over 16 years, I realised that there was a need for an agency that drew on lived experience to provide a better quality of disability support service. One that recognises the huge impact that living with a disability brings. One that’s easy to navigate. One that provides high-quality support that’s tailored to your circumstances. One that includes participants in the decision-making process. And one that - ultimately - empowers carers and participants. And so TomCare was born! Our mission is to connect families with the best services so that you and your family can lead a full and enriching life. www.tomcare.com.au
