Celebrating our community
The International Day of Persons with Disabilities (IDPD) is celebrated on the 3rd of December each year. The day is promoted across the world by the United Nations to encourage a better understanding of disability issues.
There is no one definition of being a ‘Saucette’; however, we all share similar traits that run deep. We’re resilient, open-minded and we’re passionate. No one can contain us.
In honour of IDPD, we spoke to five Saucettes about life, empowerment and what’s next in 2021.
Cameron Leslie
When do you feel most empowered?
When I'm living an active normal life – pretty boring and mundane stuff can feel satisfying, maybe it is to do with living beyond what societal expectations were placed on me when I was born.
How has your disability enabled you to be your best?
It has given me the unique opportunity to see the world while doing sports I love with a group of awesome people. If I wasn't born with my impairment I probably wouldn't have the same perspective or attitude towards life.
What are you most excited for in 2021?
I'm getting married!
Chelsea Pita
When do you feel most empowered?
I feel the most empowered when I see how my openness and comfortability with my disability has influenced my nieces and nephews to be kinder and more open-minded towards people especially those who are deemed different to society’s norm. They see people for who they are and not by their disability or differences, and it empowers and inspires me to be an advocate for those who are considered “different.”
How has your disability enabled you to be your best?
My spinal cord injury has enabled me to be my best by teaching me what is important in life and who is important to me. My disability has allowed me to enjoy and appreciate the little things in life and to do and put my all into whatever it is that I am doing whether that be in a photoshoot or baking with my niece.
What are you most excited for in 2021?
I am the most excited to discover more about who I am as a person and opportunities to come through All is for All in 2021.
Brylee Mills
When do you feel most empowered?
I love to see others succeeding and striving towards their goals! To support and inspire others to reach their full potential is empowering. Also, when i do things that people tell me or think I can’t do. I'm stubborn like that.
How has your disability enabled you to be your best?
I have learnt a lot from being a young person with a disability. Resilience and living a life of adversity has been challenging, but it has also enabled me to be the person I am. As a motivational speaker, I have been able to share my story and connect and inspire others through their own challenges. I don't think I would be able to help as many people as I can if I didn't have the experience of my crash and having one arm.
What are you most excited about in 2021?
Lots of adventures and smashing some big goals! Always growing and constantly striving to be better! 2021 won't be any different!
Shakti Krishnan
When do you feel most empowered?
When I'm healthy, happy and supported by the people around me! I've also felt most empowered when I acknowledge and identify with my disability. Expressing the most authentic version of myself makes me feel empowered.
How has your disability enabled you to be your best?
Being disabled sometimes means not taking a mainstream approach to things. I think being able to value diversity in all shapes and forms is really important! Being my best means lifting everyone up, and it helps to think inclusively.
What are you most excited for in 2021?
It has been a pretty scary year, but things have been looking up. Im looking forward to connecting with more people and going to more shows and events (fingers crossed).
Hannah Moore
When do you feel most empowered?
Knowing that I have the capability to implement change as well as being able to connect and make a positive impact on people.
How has your disability enabled you to be your best?
I’m honestly not sure who I would be without my disability, it has shaped my perspective in the best way possible and for that I am thankful.
What are you most excited for in 2021?
I am excited about the unknown possibility and to continue to be a part of making a change in society.
Models wear EveryHuman
Photography – Karen Inderbitzen-Waller and Delphine Planqueel
Production – All is for All
