This year, the theme for International Day of People with Disability (IDPWD) is Transformative solutions for inclusive development: The role of innovation in fueling an accessible and equitable world.

For the Scope – University of Melbourne Partnership, this means celebrating the researchers, the forward-thinkers and the innovators in the disability space.

And when it comes to movers and shakers, few advocates are as fiercely proud and progressive as WA Greens Senator Jordan Steele-Johns.

In September, the Scope – University of Melbourne Partnership collaborated with other pioneers in the sector to host the third biennial Virtual Disability Conference. The conference featured a compelling combination of leading research and real-world experiences of disability.

Senator Steele-John was invited to deliver the keynote address, exploring his own experiences of disability, pride, advocacy and raising expectations. 

Representing the Greens at just 28-years-old, Jordan is one of the youngest people to be elected to federal parliament.

A formidable disability advocate, Jordan is also the first Senator to use a wheelchair in the Australian Senate.

In his powerful speech, Jordan explains why he is reclaiming the word ‘disabled’, why people with disabilities must “stop graciously accepting scraps” and the importance of raising our collective expectations.

Watch Senator Jordon Steele-John’s speech below.