Stella Young

Stella Young was a prominent Australian journalist, disability rights activist, and comedian who was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, a condition that affects the production of collagen and causes brittle bones. She was a strong advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, and her work was widely recognized and respected by organizations such as the United Nations, Human Rights Commission (Australia), and Disability Discrimination Act 1992. Young's advocacy work was influenced by the principles of the Social model of disability, which emphasizes the role of societal barriers in disabling individuals, rather than the impairment itself. Her work was also informed by the experiences of other disability rights activists, including Judy Heumann, Justin Dart, and Ed Roberts.

● Early Life and Education

Stella Young was born in Stawell, Victoria, and grew up in a family that encouraged her to pursue her interests and passions, including Melbourne University, where she studied journalism and communications. She was educated at Melbourne Girls' College and later attended Deakin University, where she earned a degree in journalism and public relations. Young's early life was also influenced by her involvement with organizations such as the Victorian Disability Advisory Council and the Youth Disability Advocacy Service, which provided her with opportunities to develop her advocacy skills and connect with other young people with disabilities. Her experiences at Deakin University were also shaped by her interactions with academics such as Gerard Goggin, who has written extensively on the topic of disability and technology.

● Career

Stella Young began her career as a journalist, writing for publications such as the The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Guardian. She also worked as a radio presenter for ABC Radio National and Triple J, and was a regular contributor to The Drum (Australian TV series). Young's career was marked by her commitment to promoting the rights and interests of people with disabilities, and she was a strong advocate for inclusive education, accessible transportation, and disability employment. Her work was influenced by the principles of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, which was adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2006. Young also drew on the experiences of other disability advocates, including Rosemary Kayess, who has worked extensively on issues related to disability and human rights.

● Disability Advocacy

Stella Young was a passionate advocate for the rights of people with disabilities, and she worked tirelessly to promote inclusion and accessibility in all areas of life. She was a strong critic of ableism and disability discrimination, and she used her platform to raise awareness about the issues faced by people with disabilities. Young was also a supporter of organizations such as the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, the World Institute on Disability, and the European Disability Forum, which work to promote the rights and interests of people with disabilities around the world. Her advocacy work was influenced by the principles of the social model of disability, which emphasizes the role of societal barriers in disabling individuals, rather than the impairment itself. Young also drew on the experiences of other disability advocates, including Judy Singer, who has written extensively on the topic of disability and identity.

● Writing and Media

Stella Young was a prolific writer and blogger, and she wrote extensively on topics related to disability, feminism, and social justice. She was a regular contributor to publications such as The Conversation (website), The Huffington Post, and The Guardian, and she also wrote for academic journals such as the Disability & Society and Journal of Disability Studies. Young's writing was influenced by the work of authors such as Simi Linton, Rosemarie Garland-Thomson, and Robert McRuer, who have written extensively on topics related to disability studies and critical disability theory. Her media work was also shaped by her interactions with other disability advocates and journalists, including Sarah Kendzior, who has written extensively on topics related to disability and politics.

● Awards and Recognition

Stella Young received numerous awards and recognition for her work as a disability advocate and journalist. She was a finalist for the Walkley Award for Journalism and the Human Rights Commission (Australia)'s Human Rights Medal. Young was also recognized by organizations such as the Victorian Government and the Australian Government for her contributions to the field of disability advocacy. Her work was also acknowledged by international organizations such as the United Nations, which recognized her as a Champion of Change for her work on disability rights. Young's awards and recognition were a testament to her dedication and commitment to promoting the rights and interests of people with disabilities, and her legacy continues to inspire and motivate disability advocates around the world.

● Death and Legacy

Stella Young passed away on December 6, 2014, at the age of 32, due to complications related to her osteogenesis imperfecta. Her death was met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from around the world, with organizations such as the United Nations, Human Rights Commission (Australia), and Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund paying tribute to her legacy. Young's legacy continues to inspire and motivate disability advocates around the world, and her work remains an important contribution to the field of disability studies and critical disability theory. Her memory is also honored by organizations such as the Stella Young Award, which is presented annually to recognize outstanding contributions to the field of disability advocacy. Young's legacy is a testament to the power of disability advocacy and the importance of promoting the rights and interests of people with disabilities. Category:Disability rights activists