“The mere suggestion that not speaking for a day can give you an appreciation of the social isolation that comes with the experience of disability, particularly those whose impairments prohibit them from communicating verbally, is insensitive at best.”

Australian comedian, journalist and disability rights activist

Stella Jane Young was an Australian comedian, journalist and disability rights activist. She became widely known for her writing and public speaking on disability rights, and for challenging the assumptions that often surround disabled people. Her work combined humour, media commentary and advocacy. Young used her platform to argue for more honest and respectful ways of talking about disability, and she remained closely associated with disability activism in Australia.