Everyone's Issue: Why Disability Advocacy Matters for All of Us with Lisa Cox
Imagine having your world turned completely upside down in your early twenties – from travelling and building a thriving career to suddenly facing life-threatening medical complications. In this robust conversation, I speak with the extraordinary Lisa Cox, whose journey from stroke survivor to internationally awarded disability advocate will challenge how you think about disability, resilience, and representation.
Lisa shares the raw truth about navigating life after acquiring multiple disabilities at age 24, including partial blindness, amputations, and a permanent brain injury. Yet her story isn't one of defeat – it's a testament to redefining purpose and challenging societal perceptions. With humour, wisdom and unflinching honesty, Lisa reveals how her disability became her unexpected superpower and why representation matters for the 20% of our population living with disabilities.
Key Takeaways
Disability is everybody's issue
With approximately 20% of the population having disabilities and the UN stating we'll all experience disability at some point in our lives, making things more inclusive benefits everyone, not just those currently living with disabilities.
Identity beyond disability
Lisa powerfully shares how her most significant challenges weren't about appearance, but about the loss of ability. She emphasises that people with disabilities have diverse interests and shouldn't be reduced to their medical conditions – "We're not a monolith."
Representation drives social change
From marketing campaigns to political leadership, disability visibility in media and public life directly impacts education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. Small wins like wheelchair Barbie might seem insignificant, but they create ripple effects for systemic change.
Allyship starts with small actions
You don't need to rewrite government policy to make a difference. Sharing social posts, helping someone get workplace accommodations, or simply treating disability as normal can create meaningful change. The disability community needs allies outside their "bubble."
Moving Forward
Lisa's journey reminds us that while challenging societal perceptions takes time, each small step matters. Whether you're navigating your own health transitions, supporting someone with a disability, or simply wanting to be a better ally, remember that authentic representation and inclusion create a world that benefits everyone.
As Lisa wisely notes about preparation for aging: "I go to the gym a few times a week because I know that my 80-year-old version of me is going to have extra mobility challenges. So I'm planning for that now." What a powerful reminder that midlife is the perfect time to lay the groundwork for our future selves.
Visit www.lisacox.co for her social links and to read more.
Lisa is a proud advocate for the charity Youngcare: www.youngcare.com.au
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lisacox.co/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisacox-authorspeakerconsultant/
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What you do today shapes your tomorrow. Your health matters because YOU matter.
Here’s to redefining midlife and making our next half of life even better than the first.
