On the 4th of October 2023, The Hon Amanda Rishworth MP, Minister for Families and Social Services of Australia, announced the appointment of 11 official Ambassadors for the upcoming International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD). This significant event, observed by the United Nations on the 3rd of December each year, aims to increase public awareness, understanding, and inclusion of people with disabilities. The 2023 Ambassador group is the largest to date, reflecting not only the diversity but the intersectionality of disability in Australia.
One in six Australians, totalling 4.4 million people, are living with a disability. This underscores the critical importance of initiatives like the IDPwD in fostering awareness and inclusivity in society.
This year’s Ambassadors represent a broad spectrum of talents and backgrounds, showcasing the multifaceted nature of disability. Minister Rishworth emphasises that these individuals are not merely ambassadors but role models challenging stereotypes and reshaping societal attitudes towards disability.
Meet the Ambassadors:
- Anja Christoffersen, an international model, author, disability advocate, and entrepreneur. She is the founder of Champion Health Agency, a talent agency that represents people with disability, chronic illness, and carers.
- Ann-Mason Furmage, a disability advocate who has worked as an accountant and financial controller in Australia and the USA for over 20 years. She has held numerous leadership positions in the disability sector, including as former President of the Physical Disability Council of NSW.
- Charlie and Lewis Smith, twins from Adelaide with a passion for filmmaking which they are pursuing through Bus Stop Films. They host a podcast called Twin Times where they discuss all things entertainment, filmmaking and sports.
- Giancarlo de Vera, a lawyer and advocate for disability, multiculturalism, racial justice, LGBTQIA+ affairs and cultural diversity. In 2021, Giancarlo was listed as one of the 40 Under 40 Most Influential Asian-Australians by the Asian-Australian Leadership Summit.
- Grace Edward, who spent some time in a refugee camp in Kenya before her family was granted a humanitarian visa at age 8 to come to Australia in 2003. Grace is one of the co-founders of Youth CALD Disability Collective (YCDC), a volunteer group that promotes awareness and advocates for the interests of young CALD people with disability.
- Gretta Serov, a motivational speaker and writer. She is the founder and head writer of the blog ‘On Our Own Tracks’ which features stories of people with disability overcoming challenges and guides for how to achieve your dreams.
- Hannah Diviney, a writer, actor and advocate. She is the co-founder and Editor in Chief of Missing Perspectives, a publication dedicated to young female storytelling, and recently published her first book. Hannah came into global prominence in early 2022 when she publically called out Lizzo and Beyoncé for using an ableist slur in their songs which they subsequently corrected.
- Hugo Taheny, an athlete currently ranked world number 1 for shotput and discus for people with Down syndrome. He is also the South Australian Health Ambassador for Down syndrome Australia.
- Michael Theo, a Wollongong-based actor and podcaster. He was featured on the hit ABC TV show ‘Love on the Spectrum’, and hosts his own podcast Mr A+ with Michael Theo which aims to bring love and light to people’s lives.
- Dr Scott Avery, an Indigenous disability researcher and advocate on health and social inequalities experienced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with disability. He is a Senior Lecturer at Western Sydney University and has undertaken extensive community-based research while working with the First Peoples Disability Network.
The Ambassadors, spanning from filmmakers and writers to lawyers, actors, and athletes, will play a pivotal role in demonstrating the strengths and intersecting experiences of people with disability. By accepting the invitation to become Ambassadors, they contribute not only to making disability more visible but also to providing positive and honest representations.
The IDPwD 2023 Ambassadors are set to make a significant impact, sharing their stories and challenging preconceived notions about disability. As they embrace into their roles, they are not just representatives but platform the capabilities of individuals with disabilities. The Albanese Labor Government’s commitment to inclusivity and awareness shines through this diverse and talented cohort, promising a powerful celebration on the International Day of People with Disability.
For more information about the IDPwD and how to get involved, visit www.idpwd.com.au.