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20 Disability Activists Using TikTok to Break Down Stigmas

Dale David
Written By
Dale David
Published On
Sep 18, 2023
From left to right: Bekah Cloud, Allison Lang, Woody Belfort

This Disability Awareness Month, let’s meet these 20 disability activists who are taking over TikTok with their inspiring and educational content—breaking stigmas and adding some sunshine to the daily social media scrolls of millions of people.  

Some of these influencers are strong advocates for disability justice and disability rights, while others are just having fun. What they all have in common is that they’re stellar human beings with talents and skills that are sure to impress you!

20 Disability Activists to Follow: 

  1. Allison Lang 
  2. Woody Belfort
  3. Kelcie Miller
  4. Paige Layle 
  5. Lauren Ash 
  6. Matt Raekelboom 
  7. Olivia Lutfallah 
  8. Jillian Mercado
  9. Chella Man
  10. Cole & Charisma 
  11. Mimi (Jessie) 
  12. Kaya Mieko
  13. Eiza Wolfe 
  14. Dani Bowman 
  15. Abbey 
  16. Chrissy Marshall 
  17. Bekah Cloud 
  18. Jordan Beckwith
  19. Zach & Pat 
  20. Connor DeWolfe 

1. Allison Lang | @allisonelang 

Allison Lang has a bunch of titles to her name: content creator, advocate, speaker, model, and athlete for Team Canada’s Sitting Volleyball Team. 

She was born missing her left leg, and has since overcome severe bullying and struggles with body image. Today, she’s well-known as a passionate disability advocate who promotes self-love, body acceptance, and inclusivity.

Allison Lang posing on a running track
Source: Instagram 

2. Woody Belfort | @woodybelfort 

While Woody Belfort lives with a form of cerebral palsy, it’s a disability that proved to be no match for his multitude of out-of-this-world athletic skills in rock climbing, bodybuilding, wheelchair basketball, and callisthenics.  

Source: TikTok

3. Kelcie Miller | @thechronic_explorer 

Kelcie was diagnosed with Mitochondrial Disease, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, and Mast Cell Activation Syndrome back in 2018. 

She decided nothing could stand between her and her dreams, founding the company MycoRemedy at the age of 21. Today, she’s recognized as an up-and-coming leader in sustainability innovation.   

Source: TikTok

4. Paige Layle | @paigelayle 

Paige Layle never fails to put a smile on her 2.6 million followers’ faces. 

With her sense of humour and adorable, positive energy, she’s making TikTok a much better place—all while educating audiences about autism and encouraging them to change “what they think autism looks like” and how they perceive people with disabilities.   

Source: TikTok

5. Lauren Ash | @laurenelizabethash 

She’s made us ROFL countless times as “Dina Fox” on the TV show Superstore, and we’re so glad Lauren Ash has taken her talent to TikTok.

What some fans might not know is that she was diagnosed with ADHD back in 2021. Through her content, she often shows what it’s like living with intellectual and developmental disabilities with some of her signature comedy, too.

Source: TikTok

6. Matt Raekelboom | @mattraekelboom 

Aside from being the founder of Journey2ADHD—a private community and one of the top disability organizations that guides and supports individuals with ADHD—Matt Raekelboom has also become such a valuable resource for information on TikTok.

On the platform, he talks about various topics such as self-understanding, motivation, memory, and time management in the context of being neurodivergent. He’s a neurodivergent community activist teaching skills for independent living! 

Source: TikTok

7. Olivia Lutfallah | @olivialutfallah  

When it comes to the influencers who do an excellent job of showing audiences the POV of individuals with neurodivergence, Olivia Lutfallah is always there to deliver next-level content—whether it’s skits or simulation posts. 

While she only debuted on TikTok in March 2022, she already has over 300k followers as of July 2023! Follow to see why she’s blowing up!

Source: TikTok

8. Jillian Mercado | @thejillianmercado 

As a child, Jillian Mercado was diagnosed with spastic muscular dystrophy—but that clearly didn’t stop her from becoming a fashion influencer, model, and actress.

She’s starred in campaigns for Diesel, Nordstrom, and even Beyonce’s 2016 merch collection. Magazines like Glamour, Cosmopolitan, Galore, and Posture have featured her as well. She took on the role of “Maribel” on The L Word: Generation Q in 2019!

Source: TikTok

9. Chella Man | @chellamanart 

In seeing “an extreme lack of representation for young, deaf, queer, Jewish, Asian, and transgender artists,” Chella Man decided to be his own representation—and became an icon for the disability community in the process.

Aside from rising to the top as a famous content creator, Chella Man also shot to stardom for his acting skills in 2019 when he portrayed the mute superhero “Jericho” in the second season of the DC Universe series Titans.

Source: TikTok

10. Cole & Charisma | @coleandcharisma 

Cole became quadriplegic at age 16 after a serious diving accident—but he hasn’t let that stop him from accomplishing his goals. 

He’s since graduated from the University of Richmond as a member of the crew team and met the love of his life, Charisma Jamison, at the Sheltering Arms Physical Rehabilitation in Virginia.  Today, they’re one of the power couples on social media who educate others about their inter-abled relationship through heartwarming content.

Source: TikTok

11. Mimi (Jessie) | @mimidarlingbeauty 

Jessie takes her followers with her as she journeys through life with a stammer. And the more you watch her content, the more you realize that she’s such a precious human being. 

Her “random acts of kindness” videos— where she gives people bouquets of flowers just to make their day a little brighter—will tug at all your heartstrings.

Source: TikTok

12. Kaya Mieko | @kaya.mieko 

Kaya Mieko lives with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), which is an abnormality in how the brain sends and receives signals. 

As a result of having this condition, she deals with fainting spells around six times a day. These occurrences—combined with her make-up and beauty content—have led to her being called “Sleeping Beauty” by her followers.

Source: TikTok

13. Eiza Wolfe | @eizawolfe 

Eiza Wolfe was diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID) in 2021—this condition is commonly misunderstood and misrepresented in films and TV. 

Through TikTok, she shares her experience of living with the condition through educational and entertaining skits. She’s a disability activist shining a light on something that’s often overlooked, so what’s not to love?

Eiza Wolfe smiling for a picture
Source: Instagram 

14. Dani Bowman | @danibowman1 

Fans might know Dani Bowman from starring in Love on the Spectrum US. 

However, before becoming a Netflix star she was already a dedicated autism advocate, uplifting the disability community through speaking engagements and by employing others on the spectrum at her company, DaniMation Entertainment.

Dani Bowman sitting on a stool on set
Source: Instagram

15. Abbey | @hatsbyabbey

We’ve got another Netflix star on our list! 

Abbey first gained attention for her stylish hat designs, and now 1.3 million people on TikTok follow her everyday life adventures. She captured even more hearts after starring in Love on the Spectrum US.

Source: TikTok

16. Chrissy Marshall | @chrissymarshall_

Aside from being one of the top disability activists, Chrissa Marshall is also a writer and director who prioritizes community, innovation, and equity in her work.

The University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts Production Alumni was born hard of hearing and is now deaf. Through social media, she educates audiences about the deaf community and American Sign Language (ASL). If you’ve always wondered how to promote disability inclusion, her content will surely show you the way.

Source: TikTok

17. Bekah Cloud | @bekahcloud 

Bekah Cloud was born with a curvature in her spine, but not for a second did that get in the way of her showing the world just how talented she is. 

From being a cheerleader in high school to being the popular yogi and aerialist that she is today, you can always count on her for body positivity and epic dance moves!

Source: TikTok

18. Jordan Beckwith | @footlessjo 

After years of struggling with ankle pain brought about by a childhood horse-riding injury, Jordan Beckwith decided to undergo an amputation—and it changed her life for the better! 

After sharing her story on YouTube, she gained immense attention across social media and went on to be one of the most popular and entertaining disability activists out there with a magnetic sense of humour. 

Source: TikTok

19. Zach & Pat | @valentinebrothers 

With over 7.9 million followers, it’s undeniable that Zach and Pat are a duo to be reckoned with. They always delight audiences with dance challenges, comedic skits, lifestyle videos, and educational content about Down syndrome, which Zach was diagnosed with as a child.  

Source: TikTok

20. Connor DeWolfe | @connordewolfe 

To “make people feel less alone,” Connor DeWolfe actively shares informative content about living with ADHD on his TikTok account.   

The disability activist also thrives as an actor and starred as “AJ Lawrence” in Disney’s Mighty Ducks: Game Changers series (2022).  

Source: TikTok

Break Boundaries With The Influence Agency 

These 20 disability activists are inspiring trailblazers—sounds exactly like someone who should be leading your next marketing campaign, right? 

At The Influence Agency, we specialize in connecting brands and businesses like yours with influencers who can help their marketing campaigns shine. You’ll be amazed at who you can reach when you enlist our skills, talents, and expertise! 

Get in touch today to get started!  

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Dale David

Dale David is a Content Writer at The Influence Agency. She's also a sneaker-wearing, guitar-playing, light wash denim-clad, pizza-munching, proud European '90s baby.
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