On 4 December 2024, disability advocate, writer, and actor Hannah Diviney made history as the first woman with a visible disability to address the National Press Club. Her speech, titled “Wheels in Motion: Inside a Storyteller’s Brain,” was a call to action for increased representation and systemic reform for people with disability in Australia.
Hannah spoke passionately about the lack of representation in media and the profound impact it has on identity and belonging. Reflecting on her own experiences as a person with cerebral palsy, she stated, “Without representation in books, movies, or toys, there are holes in us that could easily be avoided if those with power were brave enough to believe in disabled stories.” She highlighted the importance of showcasing the diversity of disability experiences, stressing, “It’s not just me or Dylan Alcott; every disabled person deserves a voice.”
Central to her address was a focus on political reform, particularly the need for leadership informed by lived disability experience. With recent NDIS funding cuts affecting thousands of Australians, Hannah called for the next Minister for the NDIS to either have lived experience or undergo empathy training to better understand the realities faced by people with disabilities. She criticised the use of the disability community as a “political football” and urged decision-makers to prioritise quality of life over budget constraints.
Hannah’s address resonated deeply with the theme of this year’s International Day of People with Disability: “Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future.” She emphasised that while progress has been made, there is still much work to do to ensure people with cerebral palsy and other disabilities have the opportunity to thrive.
Her address also celebrated the achievements of the disability community while pointing out areas needing improvement. From advocating for early diagnosis and intervention to encouraging better media representation, Hannah demonstrated her commitment to building a more inclusive society. She closed with a powerful message: “No more surviving. Let’s thrive instead… let’s make things better.”
Hannah Diviney’s speech marked a milestone for the Australian cerebral palsy community, showcasing the importance of lived experience in shaping a fairer and more accessible society.
Watch Hannah Diviney’s full address to the National Press Club on YouTube.
