Elizabeth Wright is an Australian Paralympic Medallist and ABC journalist with a drive to help people understand what disability is, the issues disabled people face and how to be a better disability ally.
Elizabeth was born with limb difference and since childhood has advocated for her right to be included in mainstream schooling, in sport, at university and in the workplace. A master at reinvention and spotting allies and opportunities, since retiring from sport, Elizabeth has been an artist, academic, writer, and magazine editor.
Recently, Elizabeth moved back to Australia after 13 years in the UK, to take on a role at the ABC, her biggest challenge yet. Her experience in the UK gives her a global perspective on disability, inclusion and diversity, a perspective that is key to the work she does now.
Elizabeth uses her lived experience to educate and challenge those across education and business sectors, providing practical tips and know-how on how to create a welcoming and inclusive workplace, organisation, or school.
A storyteller at heart, Elizabeth inspires positive social change and illustrates how supporting all people in our communities leads to a more thriving society. She demonstrates that allyship is the way forward if we are to be more inclusive of disabled people, both through accessibility and representation.
Talking Points
The False Start Medalist
Elizabeth Wright’s Paralympic story will inspire and help you realise that resilience and success isn’t always about hanging on to the bitter end.The False Start Medalist
Through story and linking to positive psychology research, Elizabeth will take you on a journey that reveals the effortlessness of letting things go and how letting go can help you soar. This talk is perfect for after dinner, team away days, or award evenings.
Key takeaways
1. Success looks different to everyone
2. Letting go of the result you want can lead to greater things
3. How to live life with courage.
How To Be a Better Disability Ally
Most of Elizabeth Wright's successes have come about because of the team of allies she had behind her. Without their support and advocacy to create access and opportunities, Elizabeth doubts she would have gotten as far as she has, which is why she encourages non-disabled people she meets to think about how they can be better disability allies. This keynote or workshop will support you in understanding what disability is, how to make your space more accessible, why you should consider what language you use around disability, and how you can create opportunities for disabled people in the community. All of this is done in a safe and non-judgemental way.How To Be a Better Disability Ally
Key takeaways
1. You will have a deeper understanding of exactly what disability is
2. Why the social model of disability is key to disability inclusion
3. Simple steps you can take immediately to be a better disability ally in your school, charity or business.
MC
Elizabeth Wright likes to bring a human touch to her role as MC. With care and thought, she will work with you to create an event that ensures everyone feels welcome and included. Once onstage, Elizabeth with use her humour and engagement to connect with the audience and guest speakers, making sure that the focus is on who and what is important.
MC
Panellist
Elizabeth Wright brings her lived experience and solutions focused thinking to any panel that she is a part of. Warm and open-hearted Elizabeth loves to engage in discussions on disability, inclusion, diversity and resilience. As a journalist with the ABC and active member of the disability community, she has her finger on the pulse of the latest issues, including the NDIS and employment.
Panellist
Video
Elizabeth Wright 400m Freestyle Silver Medalist
Segments of 400m freestyle race in which Elizabeth won a silver medal. (Elizabeth is also Sports Ambassador for charity CBM - The Overseas Disability Charity).Re-imaging 'special' educational needs- Emily SENDs her love. | Elizabeth Wright | TEDxNorwichED
Emily is a SEND child, regularly bullied for her difference, her self confidence was low. Hearing Elizabeth's story changed Emily's outlook. By focusing on her internal strengths and resources, Emily realised she could step out of the shadow of disability, and she saw an exciting future ahead of her. Children with physical disabilities are being included in mainstream schooling, but this doesn't translate to development of self belief; character education is a growing concept in schools, but there hasn't been enough research into the impact of character on SEND children. In this talk, and through the lens of Emily, Elizabeth Wright, will tell you why we should be building up the character strengths that come so naturally to children with physical disabilities and how this could have a life changing effect on their confidence, self belief, and ability to see and reach their potential. Elizabeth Wright was born with a physical disability at a time when children like her would be sent to special schools. Her parents did an amazing thing, fighting the educa-tion department to get her into mainstream schooling - changing her life. At 13 Elizabeth declared she was going to swim at the Paralympics. After winning three Paralympic medals Elizabeth left the sport of swimming knowing she could achieve her goals. Eliza-beth wanted to understand what it was that had enabled her to fulfil her potential, that is when she discovered character.It went REALLY well this morning/afternoon... We've learnt so much, and feel extremely challenged in a really good way. ... keep reading EA Games
Liz has presence, vulnerability, warmth and wisdom and offers a courageous invitation to all of us to step up to become better leaders and allies... We were all changed by her.
Her insight into how be an inclusive ally and how to drive change for Diversity and Inclusion, with a focus on people with disabilities was refreshing and pragmatic. She is positive and solutions-focused.
