Event Recap: Diversability Unplugged: Disability & Gen Z Advocacy

By Katherine Lewis, Head of Content at Diversability

To start our 2023 season, we highlighted the advocacy work of GenZers. We were joined by a panelist of powerhouse Gen-Z advocates for the evening’s event, to include:

Helena Donata-Sapp (she/her), Author, 8th grader, 2022 D-30 Honoree

Zane Landin (he/him), International Communications Specialist, 2022 D-30 Honoree

Isabel Mavrides-Calderon (she/her), Disability Rights Activist, High School Student

Conversation moderated by Marie Dagenais-Lewis Diversability

Discussion Overview

After brief introductions, panelists shared their origin stories of what motivated them to become disability advocates at such a young age. Stories ranged from mental health needs to intersectional identity and acquired disability. Zane discussed the changing landscape surrounding mental health and lightened stigma, a change he attributes largely to the Gen-Z generation and the pandemic. Helena’s intersectional experiences as a Black female with a multitude of health and learning disabilities from birth led her to the conclusion that “The world dropped the fight on my front door… the world is not always welcoming to us. I had to fight for a fair chance and I don’t want other kids to feel ashamed about their disabilities.”  And Isabel gave us insights into the difficult road to self-acceptance after an acquired disability in a world that is inaccessible. Her frustration with the lack of accommodations that would allow her to enjoy the world fully, Isabel became an activist to make change at the highest levels of our society. 

One prevailing theme in all their stories was the creative ways in which Gen-Zers are activists. As the first generation born entirely into the digital age, GenZ disability activists are embracing the power of the internet to advance their efforts. Panelists agreed that the digital space offers an opportunity to connect with people all over the world, embrace the power of storytelling, and raise awareness of the lives and needs of our communities. Our panelists each use the digital space in their own ways. Zane uses it to share his story and end the stigma of mental illness and Helena has used it to connect with family and to demonstrate to her teachers her grasp of learning material in a way that met her needs. Each panelist agreed that the internet - more specifically social media - is a gamechanger in the effort for a more inclusive future. 

We also had the opportunity to ask panelists how they balance their lives as activists with the other responsibilities they have and how they navigate ageism. Each of our guests have faced discrimination based on their young age. There is a prevailing assumption that young people lack the perspective to be effective activists. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Young people are in fact leading the charge in a variety of social justice spaces. Panelists cope by focusing on the work they do, proving their ‘trolls’ wrong, and taking time to enjoy their lives away from their activist work.

The evening concluded with panelists answering questions from attendees.

Watch the recap below: