Collective Imagination Afternoon on Disabled Joy
Collective Imagination Afternoon on Disabled Joy was an online half-day event that took place on 2nd March 2024. It was a collaborative collective imagination event prompted by a series of talks by disabled speakers which culminated in a group imagining of how we can cultivate disabled joy.
Collective Imagination is a method of group ideation and problem solving to create collaborative ideas, with the aim of improving society and building a better future.
Event Schedule & Sessions:
13:00 – 13:55 – Alice Hargreaves: Founder of SIC
14:10 – 15:05 – Heidi Mavir: Author of Your Child is not Broken
15:20 – 16:15 – Georgia Bondy: Founder of Well Adapt. A screening of the artwork that inspired the event and Georgia’s reflections on what disabled joy meant to them in the past and what it means now.
Each speaker session included a 30-45 minute talk followed by a 10-15 minute Q&A. There were 15 minute breaks for rest and reflection.
4:30 PM – Collective Imagination Session: A dynamic audience discussion on the meaning of disabled joy and strategies for enhancing accessibility and joy in our communities.
Speaker Info
Speaker: Alice Hargreaves
Alice Hargreaves (she/her) is the founder of SIC, a social enterprise that works to close the disability employment gap. Born with a number of respiratory issues, Alice has acquired a few more disabilities over the last 30-odd years. She’s a disabled and neurodivergent entrepreneur, a marketeer and a writer who supports fellow disabled professionals throughout their careers. Alice is also a consultant, working with businesses on inclusion best practices.
Speaker: Heidi Mavir
Heidi Mavir is an author, autistic advocate and queer ADHD woman who is also a chronic oversharer and a bit of a badass! In 2023, Heidi published her book ‘Your Child Is Not Broken: Parent Your Neurodivergent Child Without Losing Your Marbles’ which made it to number 3 in the Sunday Times Best Seller list and the overall Amazon Best Seller list.
Heidi uses her knowledge, learning and experience to help other parents and carers to become powerful advocates for their neurodivergent kids. She has built an online community of over 10k families, supported by parent professionals and SEN advocates, who want to improve opportunities for autistic learners.
Host and Speaker: Georgia Bondy
Georgia Bondy, also known as George Lou Bon, is an artist, performer and founder of Well Adapt, a social enterprise providing mental health support for disabled individuals. Drawing from her personal journey with multiple sclerosis and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Georgia has created a platform that offers on-demand mental health courses tailored for and by disabled people.
Recognized for her contributions to disabled joy and mental health innovation, Georgia’s work has earned her numerous accolades, including being a finalist in the Sony Talent League and receiving the Young Innovator Award 22/23.
Event Sponsors
“Disabled Joy” is proudly run by Well Adapt and generously sponsored by the Plan for Peace ChangeMakers Award and the Collective Imagination Fund. These partnerships reflect a shared commitment to celebrating diversity, fostering inclusivity, and empowering the disabled community.