How Disability Activists Are Using Social Media to Speak Up

Disability Activists on social media

Written by Bronica Merchant | June 12, 2025

Social media has changed the way we talk, learn, and tell stories. Disability activists are one group that is using this space in a powerful way. These are people with disabilities who use the internet to speak out, fight for their rights, and help others understand them better.

They use social media sites like Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube to show off their lives. They talk about real problems, happy times, and things that most people don’t know. And they express themselves in clear and impactful ways that everyone can understand.

Let’s look more closely at what they’re doing, why it matters, and some names you should know.

What Do Disability Activists Do Online?

There are a lot of things that disability activists do on social media. Some talk about their own lives, while some teach others about the problems they have every day, like not having ramps, rude behaviour, or being treated unfairly at school or work.

People often share these things:

  • Tales from their everyday life
  • Simple ways to show respect to people with disabilities
  • Messages that set the record straight about disability
  • Calls for better laws and help
  • Things that make life easier

They are teachers, friends, and people who want to make the world a better place.

Why Their Voices Matter

People with disabilities weren’t really heard by the world for a long time. They weren’t always included in the news, big talks, and media. But now they can speak for themselves with just a phone and the internet.

This is why their voice matters:

  • They talk from their own experiences
  • They point out issues that most people don’t see.
  • They make people with disabilities feel like they matter and are heard.
  • They shatter old and incorrect notions about disability that many people have

In short, they help make the world a better place.

Easy-to-Understand, Real Stories

One reason these activists are so strong online is that they use plain, everyday language. They do not use difficult vocabulary or terms that are hard to understand for a layman. They are real people who want to share their story with the world.

This is what makes their content work:

  • Like everyone else, they smile, cry, and laugh.
  • They show both good and bad days.
  • They post real pictures and videos, not ones that are perfect.
  • They don’t get mad when you ask them questions.

This makes people feel close to them. In this way, people can relate to them easily.

Some Amazing Disability Activists on Social Media

Let’s talk about some people who are doing a great job on the internet. There are a lot more people doing great work, but these are just a few.

1. Sinead Burke (@thesineadburke)

Sinead is a little person, a teacher, and a speaker. She talks about style, design, and how to make places that work for people of all shapes and sizes. She talks about her life and guides brands on how to do better. 

2. Annie Segarra (@annieelainey)

Annie is a disabled queer Latinx artist who talks about her life with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. Her videos are funny, true, and teach you something. She also talks about chronic pain and body image 

3. Izzie Rogers (@izzierogers)

Izzie talks about being deaf and wearing a cochlear implant in a funny way. Her short videos are both humorous and educational. She shows that having a disability doesn’t mean you can’t be happy and strong.

4. Wheelsnoheels (@wheelsnoheels_)

Gem Hubbard, who goes by the name Wheelsnoheels, is a YouTuber who uses a wheelchair. She gives daily tips, travel advice, and product reviews, all from her wheelchair. She makes it easy for other people in wheelchairs to learn from her.

5. Molly Burke (@mollyburkeofficial)

Molly is a well-known speaker who is blind. She shares personal stories, product reviews, and honest talks about what it’s like to be blind on her YouTube and Instagram accounts. Fans love that she brings her guide dog with her.

How They Make a Difference

These activists aren’t just posting for fun. People are changing how they think and act because of what they write. Many schools, workplaces, and even big companies are now paying more attention to things like:

  • Making buildings disability-friendly
  • Putting subtitles on videos
  • Employing individuals with disabilities
  • Using models with disabilities in ads
  • Being kind and respectful with your words

And a lot of that started with one activist’s honest post on social media.

What You Can Learn from Their Pages

If you follow these accounts, you’ll learn the following:

  • How to be more considerate in public places
  • What words are okay, and what words hurt
  • How to help friends or family members who have disabilities
  • What it’s really like to live with a disability every day
  • Why little things can make a big difference

You’ll also start to see things that need to be fixed, like missing ramps, small bathroom stalls, or signs that are hard to read. You might start to wonder, “Is this place easy for everyone to get to?”

Tips to Support Disability Activists

Want to help? You don’t need a lot of money or a big platform. Being nice and caring goes a long way.

You can do this:

  • Follow disability rights activists on social media. 
  • Like and share their posts to help them get their message out.
  • Listen to their stories without trying to change them. 
  • Instead of making jokes, learn from what they say. Speak up when you see someone being unfair.

Even little things you do to help can make a big difference.

Why Their Work Isn’t Easy

These activists do great things, but it’s not always easy. They often have to deal with:

  • Mean comments
  • People who don’t believe what they say
  • Stress on the mind and body
  • No help from platforms

They are fighting for change while living with their challenges. That is why followers’ respect and support mean so much.

Final Thoughts

Disability activists on social media aren’t just posting pictures. They are changing people’s minds, opening doors, and making the world a better place. They teach us how to be better people with every reel, caption, or story.

So, the next time you look at Instagram or TikTok, stop. Read a post from someone who has a disability for a minute. You might smile, learn something new, or even change the way you think.

And that’s what real change looks like: one post at a time.

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