Disability advocate, screenwriter, actor, and celebrity-slayer Hannah Diviney to speak in Canberra.

Posted on 25 November, 2024

Hannah Diviney was born three months prematurely with tiny holes in her brain and cerebral palsy. Her parents were told not to expect her not to be able to feed herself, much less walk or talk.

But throughout her 25 years of life, Hannah has powerfully defied expectations. She is a published author, commentator, disability advocate, actress, screenwriter and media personality.

And her outspoken disability advocacy has garnered global attention thanks to both a viral petition encouraging Disney to create a disabled Disney Princess and a successful campaign encouraging both Lizzo and Beyonce to change their ableist lyrics. Her debut book, I’ll Let Myself In, which chronicles what it means to come of age in a world not built for you was released last year and this year, Hannah made her feature film debut in the SXSW premier pick Audrey.

 

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And if that wasn’t enough, Hannah holds the distinction of having created television history as the first disabled person in Australia to do a sex scene on camera, thanks to SBS digital originals series, Latecomers.

Now her Canberra fans and followers will have a chance to hear her address the National Press Club for a Women in Media televised speech to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 4.

Fitting in the address between a hectic schedule of promotions for her film, Hannah said she was thrilled to be coming to Canberra to make a national address.

“I want the address to get people talking. Start conversations, cause some ripples, and some discomfort. I want to take this rare opportunity that I have to speak to Australia’s powerful and use it for all it’s worth. I want to shake things up.”

 

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Tickets are open to the public and the National Press Club is a wheelchair accessible venue.

Hannah hoped people who cared about inclusion would make time to attend the lunch and learn more about the lived experience of those with disabilities.

“Because of how brutally honest and real I hope to be. Because having people in that room to support and show solidarity with me is the best way for me to do my job. Because for it to have impact, people need to hear me, loud and clear.”