So often when we turn to talks of representation, one group is excluded: disabled folks.
We’re constantly preaching about inclusion and body positivity and yet we continue to ignore the 61M disabled adults in this county.
And even when the media tries to offer “representation,” they often get it wrong. Think of Sia’s film Music, which offensively stereotyped people on the spectrum.
Poor attempts at representation often exclude disabled people from their own narrative — TV and movie characters are played by abled actors (i.e. Shawn on The Good Doctor, Garrett in Superstore) and are written by abled writers.
So it’s time we take it upon ourselves to seek out disabled folks — to learn from them, to normalize their bodies, and to advocate for them.
Below is a list of a few *awesome* disabled influencers. This list is just a starting point — there are so many incredible people out there and one list cannot possibly contain them all.
1. Alex Dacy
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Who: Fashionista, sex kitten, and advocate helping to normalize disabled bodies
2. Lauren ‘Lolo’ Spencer
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IG: @itslololove
Who: Actress, model, and public speaker determined to combat ableist narratives of disabled people
3. Sinéad Burke
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IG: @thesineadburke
Who: Author, fashionista, former teacher, and advocate for inclusivity in fashion
4. Chella Man
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IG @chellaman
Who: Deaf, trans, genderqueer author, artist, actor, and model
5. Alyssa Higgins
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IG: @wheel.life.in.the.wheel.world
Who: Blogger (and mom-to-be!) who shares the ups and downs of her life in a wheelchair
6. Aaron Philip
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IG: @aaron___philip
Who: Trans model who also raises awareness of how you can specifically help trans folks in need
7. Madison Lawson
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Who: Writer, fashionista, and podcaster advocating for disability representation
8. Clara Holmes
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IG: @rollinfunky
Who: Model and lifestyle content creator
9. Shane Burcaw
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IG: @shaneburcaw
Who: Author, vlogger, and public speaker, who, along with his able-bodied wife, helps to educate the public about disabled people and their lives
10. Jaleesa Graham
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IG: @jaleesagraham
Who: Model and YouTuber
11. Shaylee Mansfield
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Who: Deaf actress, dancer, and advocate
12. Morgan
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IG: @neurodifferent
Who: Autistic writer helping to set the record straight about what it’s really like to be on the spectrum
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