Breaking Barriers: A Journey in Disability Advocacy and Social Action

Today, on International Day for Persons with Disabilities, we’re celebrating the theme “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future”. It’s a reminder that true inclusion begins when disabled individuals are empowered to shape the conditions of their lives.

Helen, an #iWill Ambassador, exemplifies this leadership in action. From speaking in Parliament to founding a neurodiversity rowing group, Helen is tackling ableism and fighting for a society that enables disabled young people to shape and lead change.

Hello my name is Helen, I am 18 years old. First of all, a little bit of background about me – I am a disabled individual who is extremely passionate about improving disability equity within society, hence this being my main social action focus. I started getting more involved in youth social action around 2022 which is one of the best things I’ve ever done!

Throughout my life I’ve experienced countless amounts of adversity and ableism, from peers and adults alike, impacting periodically on my mental health. I’ve been told I’m resilient despite my circumstances, but no matter how much of a compliment people have meant this – no disabled person should have to be resilient because of barriers they face, including myself. Society’s attitudes towards disabled people need to change, to reflect the fact that anyone can become part of the minority group at any time.

Experiencing discrimination in mainstream education has made me passionate about establishing better disability inclusivity within these settings. Enabling disabled students to flourish, with the support and understanding they need from teachers and students would foster more positive experiences to cherish from childhood learning opportunities. I don’t want the next generation of disabled young people having to live through similar pernicious attitudes that are detrimental to their wellbeing.

Embarking first on my social action journey, through being supported by a charity, has evolved myself a lot for the better. I’ve found not only an outlet to create positive difference but I’ve also gained so many incredible opportunities, which I wouldn’t have dreamt of if you asked me prior to starting my journey. I’ve spoken in Parliament, collaborated with a TV producer, joined a youth council and inclusion ambassadors, became a founding member of a neurodiversity rowing group and so much more! The opportunities in youth social action are endless which is something I relish, especially as I can relate it all to my interests!

Youth social action has seen me through several difficult chapters, even times when I have approached rock bottom. It’s provided me with something else to focus on that creates feelings of positivity no matter if I have felt terrible or absolutely amazing earlier on. Without participating in social action, undeniably I likely wouldn’t have found an alternative way to channel my lived experiences into constructive action. It’s enabled me to develop unwavering determination and build up my confidence once again alongside many other skills. Through social action, I’ve found an amazing community full of ambitious young individuals who I’ve been able to connect with to share knowledge and insight with one another!

Undoubtedly, finding a passion to challenge perspectives, inaccessibility and advocate for true inclusion has become more than a hobby. I’ve found a career path which I hope to pursue around supporting disabled individuals. Most importantly, youth social action makes me feel good – I look on optimistically about what may come next within my social action journey as part of a bigger movement within the disabled community and beyond.