AprilLockhart's Crusade: Spotlighting Disabled Artists to Ensure Their Talent Is Undeniable
Empowering Disabled Creatives: The Rise of Disabled&
In the vibrant world of fashion and beyond, a new initiative is making waves – Disabled&. Founded by April Lockhart, this community aims to support and uplift disabled voices, particularly in the fashion industry but extending far beyond.
April Lockhart, a pioneer in the fashion world with a penchant for punk style and patent-leather skirts, has a unique perspective. She believes that fashion content, such as GRWM videos, plays a significant role in normalizing disability for people who might not otherwise see it. Lockhart is also cautious about using certain words in the disability space and came up with the name "Disabled&" as a way for people to fill in the blank.
Disabled& is more than just an initiative; it's a platform and a space focused on empowering disabled creatives, entrepreneurs, and models. It provides opportunities for visibility, authentic connection with brands and industry leaders, and meaningful networking. The community fosters creative expression, professional growth, and the building of genuine community without tokenization or superficial inclusion.
The initiative hosts curated events featuring expert speakers and engaging activities aimed at equipping attendees with practical tools to turn their ambitions into reality. Some of these events include a back-to-school event for disabled teens and a retreat for aspiring entrepreneurs, small business owners, creators, or models. The retreat will feature speakers from Meta, Google, a talent manager, and a business coach, and will include a photo shoot for attendees.
April Lockhart emphasizes the importance of brands tapping into creators as consultants and involving them throughout the year, not just during campaigns. She believes that involving disabled creators in forward-facing campaigns is important in disability-inclusive fashion. Lockhart also praises brands like Tilt and Anthropologie for getting it right in adaptive design, representation, and collaboration with disabled creators.
In the realm of fashion, Sierra Mayhew, a fashion editor at a prominent platform, brings a decade of industry experience to the table. Mayhew is known for her ability to blend luxury and accessible fashion, decoding runway trends, and curating must-have shopping lists. Her unique perspective rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration, aligns perfectly with the mission of Disabled&.
April Lockhart is excited to see what Disabled& will do this year and hopes the next generation of disabled fashion lovers will have a place to be inspired and find new opportunities. Disabled& is not just a symbol of disability inclusion; it's a space of empowerment, practical support, and celebration of disabled talent and creativity.
[1] Disabled& Website: https://disabledand.com [5] Disabled& Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disabledand/
YouSwim, a one-size-fits-all bathing suit company, features a diverse range of models on their site.The retreat will also feature a photo shoot for attendees.You can find more information about Disabled&'s events on their website.YouSwim, a one-size-fits-all bathing suit company, is another example of a brand getting it right in adaptive design and representation.Tilt and Anthropologie are examples of brands that April Lockhart thinks are getting it right in adaptive design, representation, and collaboration with disabled creators.Sierra Mayhew has a unique perspective rooted in her love for travel, music, and discovering the hidden gems that make New York City a constant source of inspiration.
- The retreat, hosted by Disabled&, will not only provide opportunities for networking and skill development but also include a photo shoot for attendees, similar to YouSwim's diverse representation on their website.
- Brands like YouSwim, Tilt, and Anthropologie, praised by April Lockhart for their adaptive design, representation, and collaboration with disabled creators, serve as models for mainstream brands seeking to become more inclusive in the fashion industry.
- Sierra Mayhew, a fashion editor known for her expertise in decoding runway trends and curating must-have shopping lists, shares her unique lifestyle influences with Disabled&, rooted in travel, music, and the hidden gems she discovers in New York City, reflecting the community's mission for authentic representation.
