There needs to be more people with disabilities telling our stories across all types of media. Telling our own stories educates, reduces stigma, pity, exploitation and sensationalism, and raises the level of expectation that society has about people with disabilities. Explore the way writing our own story about disability can be empowering, form networks and create big change. Carly Findlay will talk about her writing journey – especially the way blogging has given her a voice, and help participants begin their own writing journey.

Carly Findlay is an award-winning writer, speaker and appearance activist – she shares what it’s like to live with a visible difference. Her work has been published on The Guardian, Daily Life, BlogHer, ABC Ramp Up, Mamamia and in Frankie Magazine. She has a Master of Communication from RMIT University, and completed her thesis on the way blogging can give people with a chronic illness a sense of identity. Carly blogs at carlyfindlay.blogspot.com.