INXS topped Triple J’s Hottest 100 Australian songs of all time with Port Adelaide’s unofficial anthem, Never Tear Us Apart – this writer is devastated TISM’s Whatareya? and Joe Dolce’s 1981 anthem Shaddap You Face failed to crack the ton – on the weekend, but it’s not the only top 100 in town.
Tweed Heads social impact startup Disinfluencer, which helps businesses and brands become more inclusive with stock images, talent representation, influencer marketing and education, has released the Disinfluencer 100 list, celebrating 100+ outstanding people and brands breaking barriers, challenging stereotypes, and driving change from the frontlines of disability.
Founder Simone Eyles said The Disinfluencer 100 is a bold reminder that people with disabilities are business owners, creators, leaders, and powerful contributors to Australia’s economy and culture.
“From adaptive fashion to inclusive cookie companies, from content creators with 60,000-plus followers to therapy clinics changing the face of care, these nominations highlight just how expansive, capable, and commercially potent disability-led work really is,” she said.
“This isn’t a competition. There’s no winner. No vote. Just 103 people and businesses who were nominated for the impact they’re already having, on their industries, audiences, and communities.”
The list spans Paralympians such as Sarah Rose to ABC disability affairs reporter Nas Campenella, disability advocate and author Hannah Divney who called out pop superstars Lizzo and Beyonce for using disability slurs in their music (to their credit, both changed the lyrics), singer Eliza Hull and fellow startup founder Storm Menzies of ByStorm Beauty
Disinfluencer founder Simone Eyles
Eyles said people with disability in Australia have more than $54 billion in annual disposable income, and when friends, family, and allies, are included, that reach and influence multiplies.
“Disability is an untapped powerhouse,” she said.
“We wanted to spotlight the brands, creators, and advocates already doing the work and remind the mainstream that disability isn’t a niche. People with disabilities are your customers, clients as well as leaders and business owners.”
“The Disinfluencer 100 is a call to action: fund, hire, partner with, and amplify these trailblazers. Because inclusion isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a smart move.”
Eyles spent decades as a graphic designer and using technical skills in the digital marketing, then began her own entrepreneurial journey in 2011 as a way to look after her son full-time, before starting Disinfluencer in 2019, because she couldn’t see her son being represented in daily life.
Another mum, April O’Shea, has found her 25-year-old son, Lincoln Piper, a swimmer, model and author rounding out the Disinfluencer 100.
“To be included on the inaugural list is a great honour. Shining a spotlight on individuals and companies that promote disability is crucial to keep us all on moving on the path to inclusion,” she said.
“I’ve loved seeing my son Lincoln celebrated and reading about all the other inspiring nominees.”
The full list is at disinfluencer.co/d-100
