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  • 5 days ago
When you hear of pride celebrations, you would usually think of the LGBTQI+ community. In recent times, people with disability have also begun to mark pride of a different kind - feeling and promoting the dignity that comes with self-acceptance in being disabled. It's a growing movement and advocates say it'll help the next generation feel comfortable in their own bodies.

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00:00Using lengths of bike chain and her understanding of the needs of people with disability,
00:08Soph Tonson has been making sensory toys at her home in North West Sydney.
00:19My range of fidgets can be used in any scenario and are quiet to handle.
00:24The finished products help neurodivergent people engage with the world around them.
00:30Fidget toys are a frequently used support for individuals with disabilities providing extra stimulation to help with self-regulation, focus and sensory input.
00:41Soph is autistic and a few years ago also developed a neurological condition.
00:47I started waking up unable to vocally speak when I was about 17.
00:52She now communicates using digital technology that produces what she types through augmented speech.
00:59The experience of losing my words is like a part of my body is taken from me.
01:04People think I can't understand or people have also assumed that I am deaf.
01:10This weekend Soph will be raising money to get an assistance dog by selling her products at the Disability Pride Festival in Sydney.
01:19The organisers are hoping to change things for people like Soph.
01:24I want people to feel seen, to feel empowered, to know that we are an amazing community and part of the human race.
01:34We have a contribution to make.
01:36The Disability Pride movement is gaining pace in Australia.
01:40In 2022 the Inner West Council became the first government body here to adorn one of its buildings with the movement's flag.
01:49This year the City of Sydney is hosting the festival outside Town Hall in the CBD.
01:55I think there's going to be a lot of tri-fold folding on the day.
01:58It is entirely run and staffed by people with disability.
02:02We're going to have a backdrop.
02:03This year's theme has a strong message.
02:06No shame, no apologies.
02:08You're part of a community and you deserve to be celebrated.
02:14Soph admits that her journey towards feeling pride in her disability has been bumpy.
02:20As a keen musician she misses being able to sing, but she also wants people to know vocal communication shouldn't have primacy over other ways of speaking.
02:32It is not the only way and all forms should be valued equally.
02:37What is your message to people with disability who are still on their pride journey?
02:42You are amazing just the way you are.
02:44You're awesome, brave and so smart.
02:47Let your voice be heard, be bold and shine.

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