‘Nothing about us without us’ is the motto adopted by the Disabled community to drive change and equality for, by and with people with disabilities. True inclusion starts with listening—hearing diverse perspectives, understanding personal barriers, and embracing fresh, innovative ideas that reshape the way we learn, work, and live. By amplifying these voices, we foster greater accessibility and build a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
With that in mind, I’d like to share six incredible voices who are bringing ‘nothing about us without us’ to social media feeds. Through their lived experiences they’re spreading positivity, breaking down barriers, and reimagining what inclusion truly means.
@lucyedwardsofficial on Instagram, @lucyedwards on YouTube and TikTok
Lucy Edwards is a blind journalist and influencer who is quickly becoming a household name. She lost sight in her right eye at 11 due to a genetic condition called incontinentia pigmenti and became fully blind by 17. Struggling with mental health challenges, she left university but found her calling at the BBC, training through their Extend programme for Disabled and Neurodivergent individuals. It was through this programme that she became BBC Radio 1’s first blind presenter. Today, she uses her platforms to educate and inspire others, challenging misconceptions about blindness and advocating for inclusivity.
Lucy has accomplished several incredible achievements, including:
@Ellie Middleton on LinkedIn, @elliemidds on Instagram
Ellie Middleton is the founder of the (un)masked community, a platform created by and for late-diagnosed Neurodivergent people to provide resources, support, and connection in a world where diagnosis often comes without a clear path forward.
Diagnosed with Autism and ADHD at 24, Ellie’s story reflects a common experience for women who often receive diagnoses later in life due to biases in the diagnostic criteria and a higher likelihood of masking their neurodivergent traits. Wanting to see more practical and emotional support offered to those who receive a late diagnosis of autism or ADHD, Ellie began (un)masked. She has also recently released her books Unmasked and How to be You which offer practical guidance for Neurodivergent people so that they can work with their brain rather than against it.
@disabled.adventurer on Instagram and YouTube
Nick is a Disabled veteran and speaker who uses his personal experiences with PTSD, a physical disability, and surviving a suicide attempt to advocate for mental health support and accessibility. He runs the Lived Experience Chats podcast which provides a space for other people to share their stories and experiences with the aim of helping people to understand as many disabilities, conditions and situations as possible and ensure that no one feels alone.
Alongside his work as a speaker and advocate Nick is also an avid adventurer. After deciding that he wanted to climb Yr Wyddfa (Mt Snowdon), he partnered with Rock Engineering to create a one-of-a-kind power mobility chair. In July 2024 he became the first person with a physical disability to climb the mountain unaided, solely using a powerchair. His achievement is proof that with inclusive design and accessibility, anything is possible.
@theblackdyslexic on Instagram, @BrissettBailey on X
Marcia is a passionate dyslexia advocate who shares her insights on the intricacies of being both black and dyslexic. After being diagnosed at 16 she struggled to find a supportive community that resonated with her experiences as a black woman and has since worked to empower Neurodivergent individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Now a co-founder of the British Dyslexia Cultural Perspective Committee and trustee at both the Waltham Forest Dyslexia Association and British Dyslexia Association, Marcia champions diversity in the neurodivergent community. Through her platform and her new book, Black, Brilliant, and Dyslexic, she sheds light on the unique experiences of black individuals with dyslexia. Her work highlights the critical intersection of race and neurodiversity, challenging systemic barriers and raising awareness about often-overlooked experiences in neurodiverse communities.
@paulhosts on Instagram, @paulnightingadhd on TikTok
Paul is an ADHD advocate and host of the Behind the Mask podcast, where he highlights the stories of neurodivergent creators. Through his candid discussions about living with ADHD he helps to inform people about important topics such as support options, medication, mental health, and insights into the daily realities of living with ADHD.
By sharing his experiences, Paul fosters an understanding of ADHD among Neurodivergent and Neurotypical audiences alike, developing a community and empowering people with ADHD to seek support and navigate life with greater confidence and understanding of themselves.
@theamarlatif on Instagram, AmarLatif_ on X
Amar is a blind adventurer creating accessible travel opportunities for visually impaired people. In 2004, he created Traveleyes, a company offering accessible and inclusive travel experiences for blind and visually impaired people. From there, he went on to participate in multiple travel shows including Beyond Boundaries, The Last Leg Goes Down Under, Travelling Blind, and Pilgrimage: The Road to Istanbul.
He has been widely recognised for his groundbreaking contributions, earning honours such as the inaugural Stelios Disabled Entrepreneur Award and an OBE. Beyond his work in inclusive travel, Amar is also president of the Ramblers where he advocates for inclusivity in outdoor spaces. He has also given talks for the NHS, Microsoft, the United Nations, and even at our own assistive technology event series, CPD Rev.
These are just a few of the voices that are sharing innovative ideas based on their lived experience, through our social media feeds. We’re always looking for more recommendations. Who would you suggest we follow within the Disabled and Neurodivergent communities to help educate and inspire our team further? Jump over to our LinkedIn page and let us know.
This blog was written by Rachel Chalk, eQS Disability Support Brand Ambassador.
As Brand Ambassador for our disability support brands, Rachel is responsible for delivering brand awareness programs at the eQS Group of companies.
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