[OUR IMPACT]
Shown, Not Claimed.
This started with people no one was funding. It is not a small thing anymore.
Zoe Atterbury
Founder Bloom Cycle
From volunteer to speaker, recognised social entrepreneur, and sponsor.
APD has absolutely helped me grow as both a leader and a business owner. Speaking and participating gave me a platform to share my lived experience, build confidence in my voice, and connect with people who understand the value of disability-led leadership.
It helped me see Bloom Cycle not just as a creative business, but as part of a bigger movement for inclusion, employment and social change.
Rebecca McCash
Founder & CEO Futuretech Australia
From speaker to facilitator, established social entrepreneur, and Advisory Board member.
Autistic Pride Day 23 was my first big speaking event. I was so excited to meet some of the people who's work I had been in such admiration of for such a long time. I was newly identified and starting FutureTech and I was still making sense of it all. Both a baby autistic and a baby entrepreneur I found home, friendship and love in the community of dreamers who came together to celebrate our beautiful uniqueness. Today, FutureTech has supported hundreds of neurodivergent young people. We employ 20 staff (majority neurodivergent) and I am still gifted with the community I found in those early days where I was trying to find my feet in this journey of life. Not only do I not think I would be here today without them - I don't think I'd be able to continue to do what I do and be who I am without them.
Jeremy Nagel
Founder, Focus bear app
From audience participant to speaker, social tech entrepreneur, and sponsor.
Being involved with Autistic Pride Day (APD) has had a much bigger impact on me, and on Focus Bear, than I ever expected. Through Kyriakos, Just Gold and the APD community, I've met wonderful collaborators like Jacob and Michelle who I've worked closely with since. Just as importantly, APD has shifted something in me personally. I carry less self-stigma about being autistic and a lot more genuine pride. I wear my APD t-shirt every chance I get and it always sparks great conversations. On top of that, Kyriakos' recommendation was pivotal in me being awarded a Snow Foundation Fellowship, which has been transformative for Focus Bear. I'm genuinely proud to sponsor APD and grateful to be part of what Kyriakos and Just Gold have built.