Maria

“I have a strong connection to disability, i've known it all my life and i will know it all my life (that was a very hard thing to accept as a child). At around 16 i decided that enough shyness. I went to a therapist and I started to learn how not to care about what other people think of me (I’m still learning). I started becoming myself and it really felt good.

Despite disabilities being overlooked in my home country, I’ve always felt like there is ‘nothing wrong’ with me, because in essence, there isn’t.

I want us to show, teach, learn and discover together, what the power of disability can do if used with confidence!”

Jasmine

“My name is Jasmine and I'm 26 from the South West of the UK. I live with a condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy type ll. This is a muscular wasting condition, so as time progresses as do I. I believe the world needs more representation of disabled models and disabled actors. I feel whenever I see an advert that features someone who is disabled, I get excited... But why should I? It should just be normal, like you and I. I want to make a change, and I hope one day I will.”

Helen

“Heyyyy! I’m Helen I am 25 and I life in South Wales.

At the age of 21 I lived a normal life. I worked full time as a voluntary coach at schools. I traveled a lot, I’ve lived in a different counties, I had great health and I could count on one hand the amount of visit to my doctors. I had no medical history, I was very active sporty individual took care of myself my mind and my body and especially wanted to make sure I took care of others by making sure that they are okay and trying to be funny to help.

I’ve always kept myself busy and lived life to the fullest. Then one day my life did a 180 and on the 24th August I woke up to my body and I failing. I was struggling to breath, my body was shutting down and I couldn’t move at all. I was starving my body of oxygen by panicking hyperventilating. A first responder attended the scene at my home, calmed me down and the paramedics followed shortly. I left rehab in a wheelchair which didn’t bother me, because I can still do absolutely everything else so life is to still moved forward and carried on. I still go out on nights out in the clubs and events, I’ve traveled and it’s been amazing. I’ve had time to reflect on life and appreciate what is actually important, seeing what is out there in the world and what organisations are doing to promote disabilities. I am loving all the opportunities, I have been a part of filming, Radio talks and modelling for brands. Seeing more representation makes me happy. Some companies and brands are on the right road and be making a difference to more people.

there needs to be more, but every time i take an opportunity its about helping the disabled community. respect, love all you legends.”

Jewellery by Petalset

Doaa

“I am a full time wheelchair user & live my life constantly needing to find ways to adapt to being a wheelchair user & feeling I am in a position to shape and reshape the views of strangers on disability daily.

Growing up in a wheelchair was one of the loneliest and darkest times of my life. Feeling so isolated, alone and different and wondering if the world has a place for me - or if I even belonged... After a really difficult time of trying to fit in and really having the hardship of not being accepted & feeling like the world is not accommodating to my life as a woman in a wheelchair.

I went through a dark time with mental health issues and somehow found myself making a YouTube channel & sharing my life & experiences and raising awareness. Wanting to make change happen so I and anyone else in my shoes (or shall I say wheels), won't have to feel that feeling of not being wanted and not belonging in this world. I talk about the importance of the media having people with all kinds of disabilities being on our television and how having disability in our mainstream media Would benefit the younger generation growing up with a disability & I hope that me sharing my life and everything I've done from wheelchair racing, to a beautician and now a disability influencer shows NOTHING will stop me from doing ANYTHING and changes the negative mentality the world has on disability while also helping others like me know that life doesn’t end just because you have to do life a little differently”

Jewellery by Petalset

Liv

“Hi I’m Liv Chapman, I’m a 21 year old body confidence model (soon to be Personal Trainer) from Plymouth!

I was born without fingers on my right hand and when I was two years old I had a toe to hand transfer. This enables me to use that toe as a finger replica so that I can pinch etc. I have always wanted to fit in, blend into the crowd and be treated like a ‘normal person’. However I now want to use my difference to inspire and encourage others, to be proud of who they are and to EMBRACE AND UNCOVER! I enjoy doing this by raising awareness through modelling and being creative. It is my passion to help others and spread positivity so that people who feel they have something to hide can be free.”

Jewellery by Petalset

Emily

“Hiiii my name is Emily Nicole Roberts! I want to educate, empower and encourage the conversation around disability as I have cerebral palsy! I also want to change lives by filming mine on YouTube. I believe there should be no ‘dis’ in disability.”

Jewellery by Petalset

Mia

“For me I think although being black makes me a minority and can bring its challenges it is what make me unique and gives me the power to overcome struggles by makes me strive harder within society to achieve my goals.”

Jamie

“The only thing that disables people is when others don’t believe in their capabilities”.

Clothing by Found Hea

https://foundhea.com/

Image taken by Javier Bernier