Disability Culture Leaders to Follow This IDPD
December 3 is International Day of Persons with Disabilities, celebrated around the world to recognize and acknowledge disability culture, issues and rights. This year’s theme is Leadership and participation of persons with disabilities toward an inclusive, accessible and sustainable post-COVID-19 world.
This IDPD is a great time to start learning from people with lived experiences and how we can create a more inclusive and accessible society for all. Here are five leaders in different fields who are advocates for disability rights and culture.
Norah/@wellnessbynorah
Norah is in a light-filled studio and leans on her side over a rounded Pilates equipment, stretching her arms out over her head.
Norah is a Pilates instructor and advocates for better representation of people with disabilities in wellness spaces.
“I wanted to help people the way my instructors had helped me for so many years. I knew right away that I would teach people with disabilities and help them manage their discomfort and pain.”
Norah contributed to Explore Possible, sharing her experience of navigating the wellness space as someone with a disability. Follow her on Instagram for Pilates tips and tricks that anyone can do, even if you’re a beginner to Pilates!
2. Matt Bodett/@mattbodett
Matt is a visual and performance artist who finds time to write as well. His diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder started his journey of exploring “madness” in an array of media. He’s performed and exhibited in his home country of the United States as well as internationally, sharing performance art work at the Freud Museum, No Limits Festival, Steppenwolf Theatre and more cultural institutions.
Check out his website for jaw-droppingly beautiful art pieces that blend classic and traditional styles with modern, abstract elements.
3. Anna/@immakeepstandin
A painting of flowers by Matt Bodett. The flowers are rendered in a realistic style. A light blue-grey colour and black are blurred around the flowers, giving a sense of soft dreaminess. Abstract wavy white lines cut through the black and grey, lending an abstract feel.
Anna, wrapped in a coat, scarf and toque, stands next to a wheelchair and a vehicle, smiling at the camera.
Montrealer Anna blogs about her experience with Secondary Progressive MS, like daily life, coping with mental health issues, and exercises and nutrition. Follow her on Instagram for delicious recipes and assistive technology tricks and recommendations.
Read her blog at the Multiple Sclerosis Society.
4.Marlene/@DeafinitelyWanderlust
A screenshot from Marlene’s Instagram. She wears a red floral tank top and is looking up in wonder on a street in Hôi An. A festival takes place in the background with paper lanterns and people walking around.
Marlene is a Deaf Mexican-American travel content creator who has been sharing her travel stories since 2014 to bring awareness about the lack of accessibility in the travel industry.
“I don’t see my deafness as a barrier but as an identity where I was given to have another beautiful culture, language and community.”
Check out her website for great resources for travelling.
3. Alex Lytwyn
Alex is hanging out outside in his wheelchair, wearing a baseball cap and tee ]. His black labrador, Fanta, sits at his feet, wearing a service dog vest.
Author, advocate, and Manitoba Possible ambassador, Alex is an unstoppable force who never stops pushing for success. He blogs and talks about video coaching for AAA hockey, disability advocacy, rights and culture, his service dog Fanta, and his very own company, Willpower Media. Follow him on Tiktok. if you want to share in some laughs.