El Gibbs is a dedicated advocate for the meaningful involvement of people with disabilities in public policy and life.
With over 15 years of experience in policy, strategy and advocacy, El is a respected expert in media and policy circles, and her work has impacted the lives of people with disabilities in Australia and beyond.
El played a crucial role in campaigning for the establishment of the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability, the largest of its kind in Australian history.
Her live analysis of the Royal Commission hearings on Twitter/X enabled these events to be accessible to a wider audience. As the director of media and communications for People with Disabilities Australia (PwDA), a national organisation run by and for people with disabilities, El also presented evidence to the commission.
El’s efforts have brought significant issues to light and fostered greater understanding and inclusion in public discourse.
“We need to create a world that fits disabled people, rather than expecting us to fit into a non-disabled one.”
El Gibbs
Disability advocate and UTS graduate
Advocacy during the COVID-19 pandemic
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, El has been a leading voice for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses. She created an information clearing house on Facebook, which became an essential source of information for many.
Her commitment to volunteer work was recognised in 2020 when she won the Lesley Hall Award for Lifetime Achievement at the National Awards for Disability Leadership.
“We need to create a world that fits disabled people, rather than expecting us to fit into a non-disabled one.”
El’s work during the pandemic highlighted the importance of accessible and accurate information for vulnerable communities, further enhancing her role as a leading advocate for disability rights.
Broadening impact through writing and public speaking
El’s work has been published by prominent outlets such as the ABC, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Guardian, Overland and Eureka Street. She also contributed an essay to the book Growing Up Disabled in Australia, published in early 2021. Her writings and public appearances continue to influence and inspire many.
El has also worked with government and non-government organisations on various issues, including family planning and social security. In 2015, she reviewed social media usage during the Blue Mountains bushfires for the NSW Government, highlighting innovative approaches for managing emergency information.
Vision for an inclusive future
El’s commitment to seeing more disabled people in leadership positions is unwavering. In August 2021, she joined experts including Professor Simon Darcy, Dr George Taleporos, Fiona Given and Dr Linda Steele to discuss necessary changes for Australia’s NDIS systems and policies to promote a fair, inclusive and thriving society.
This event, hosted by UTS Centre for Social Justice & Inclusion and the Disability Research Network, underscored her vision for an equitable future.
“Reconciliation is not just about acknowledgment but about meaningful actions that lead to real change.”
El Gibbs’s journey is a powerful example of how dedicated advocacy and inclusive policymaking can create a better world for everyone. Her work continues to inspire positive change in the lives of people with disabilities.
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