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This International Women’s Day, we're celebrating the contributions and achievements of women and girls from across Scope. Meet our client Hannah and the women who support her every day to connect with her community and thrive.

When Hannah looks into your eyes, you can’t help but feel a connection.

“She’s happiest when she's with another person, particularly the people she loves the most,” said Hannah’s mum Saabi.

Hannah loves being social, getting out in the community, funny noises, the colour pink, Taylor Swift, and her family – especially her beloved brother Matthew.

She also has GRIN2B, a rare neurodevelopmental disorder which causes low muscle tone, motor skill delays, intellectual disability, and non-verbal or limited speech communication. This has seen Hannah undergo intensive medical investigation and several major surgeries over the years.

“She is a young woman who has a great capacity for love and full connection despite really traumatic events in her life related to her disability, particularly in her younger days,” said Saabi.

“A relationship with Hannah is an incredibly pure relationship because she has no judgement – she just loves you because you're there. You can see that when she's looking at you.”

Hannah with her mum Saabi and brother Matthew.

This International Women’s Day, we're celebrating the achievements of women and girls like Hannah and those who support them to thrive. But it’s also a chance to recognise the challenges and inequalities women and girls with disability still face.

They face extra barriers that prevent them from fully enjoying their rights, including barriers to accessing education, health care, sexual and reproductive health rights, information and services, employment, and participation.

They are also at higher risk of violence, discrimination, poverty, and social stigma.

So let’s do more than celebrate. Let’s commit to breaking down these barriers and ensuring equal opportunities for all women and girls regardless of their ability – so more women like Hannah can belong and thrive.

New experiences and staying connected

For almost ten years, Hannah has been attending Chelsea Social Connections five days a week to connect with her friends and the community.

Discos, coffee cruises, exercise programs, music therapy, and sailing are just some of the activities Hannah is supported to participate in. She can also socialise with her school friends who attend the centre, which is important for Hannah.

“I think it’s enriched her life immeasurably,” said Saabi.

“She's with her peers and support workers who have boundless energy and enthusiasm. I remember the first time Tanya told me that Hannah could try the sailing program – I couldn't believe it. I thought it was incredible.”

Tanya, Team Leader at Chelsea Social Connections, has been an important part of the team supporting Hannah to thrive – and has a special connection with her.

“She’s such a beautiful young lady and the way she looks through your soul – it's just the best personality,” said Tanya.

“I ring mum with a new opportunity [for Hannah] and say, ‘What do you think?’. I think being out in the community is the best thing ever.”

Hannah enjoys participating in many activities at Chelsea Social Connections.

Knowing Hannah

Tanya, who has worked at Chelsea Social Connections for 13 years, says one of the most important parts of her job is building relationships with clients.

“It gives us a better understanding of how to support them and find a program that suits them. It also helps with communication – the more time we spend with them the better we get to know their body language and how they communicate.”

The relationships that Hannah has with her support staff are something that stands out for Saabi.

“I've felt Hannah has been incredibly well supported and loved. They know her so well and she knows them, they are so patient with her, and they have fun with her like I do,” said Saabi.

Tanya has been supporting Hannah for almost a decade.

“It's made a huge difference to her life and a huge difference to my life because she comes home with this big beaming smile. They're just wonderful and I admire them and I respect them.”

Celebrating the little things

Hannah and Tanya during the photoshoot for our 2025 brand campaign.

For Tanya, International Women’s Day is an opportunity to highlight the achievements of all women – including women with disability – and promote inclusion.

“For people with disability, it might be a minor achievement,” said Tanya.

“We highlight any little goal. It could be a client singing that wouldn’t normally sing out loud. I love seeing the people I support achieve their goals, big or small.”   

Saabi’s hope is that Hannah continues to stay connected to her community.

“I want her to be seen as the wonderful young woman that she is, that she enriches the lives of the people around her, and that she's worthy of a place in this world,” said Saabi.

“I think it's really important for young women with a disability to be seen, for their voices to be heard, and for them to be included – not as a favour but as an actual right.”

Hannah and Tanya are part of our 2025 brand campaign that features real clients and employees from across Scope.

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