Ronan Soussa

Ronan Soussa: You know what I like to say? “Different isn’t less. Different is necessary.”

I’m Ronan. I’m 26 years old, and I’m an ambassador for International Day of People with Disability.

Creative arts have been such a big part of my life. I love to sing, act, dance, model, and I’m very passionate about motor racing. All of these creative arts that I do, it gives me a lot of confidence inside me.

My big question is, ‘would you rather your disability be seen or hidden?’

Maree Jenner: Oh, wow.

Santiago Velasquez Hurtado: That’s cool.

Olivia Sidhu: Being seen because it shows what I can do in the community.

Isabella Choate: For me, whilst I wouldn’t change my disability, I think it would be easier to navigate the world with people understanding that I do have a disability. And I think that’s why I do things like, you know, wearing a sunflower lanyard or pins, you know?

Ronan: You know what? You guessed it.

So, the sunflower lanyard represents hidden disabilities. Many times autism can be like known as invisible or a hidden disability and I really like to raise more awareness because of this. If people saw me wearing a sunflower lanyard, that way they will know just try to be patient.

I want others to think of the things that they can do. Like, I’m a black belt in karate.

People with disabilities deserve to be seen, heard and valued in all spaces. It’s all about acceptance and embracing diversity, for a more inclusive future.