Real stories. Practical insights. Meaningful conversations that stay with people long after the event ends.
Disability advocate, public speaker, and lived experience consultant helping organisations create more inclusive communities.
Elle speaks on accessibility, inclusion, disability, resilience, and building a meaningful life and business when things don't go to plan.
Who my talks are for:
Local councils and government organisations
Community groups and not-for-profit organisations
Tourism and destination management organisations
Businesses looking to improve accessibility and inclusion
Conferences, forums, and industry events
Schools, leadership programs, and community audiences
Audience leave with:
✓ A deeper understanding of accessibility and inclusion
✓ Practical ideas they can apply in their own community or organisation
✓ Greater awareness of barriers faced by people with disability
✓ Inspiration to create more inclusive opportunities for everyone
Meet Elle
Ellie Rowlands is a disability advocate, public speaker, lived experience consultant and small business owner based in Mudgee NSW. ho works with organisations, councils, tourism operators, schools, community groups, and businesses across Australia.
Drawing on her lived experience as a wheelchair user, Elle shares honest stories and practical insights that challenge perspectives, spark meaningful conversations, and inspire action. Her presentations explore accessibility, inclusion, resilience, and creating opportunities for everyone to participate and belong.
Ellie was recognised as Young Citizen of the Year for her commitment to community service, accessibility advocacy, and creating opportunities for inclusion across the region. Through volunteering, leadership initiatives, and awareness campaigns, she has worked to connect people, challenge barriers, and promote more accessible and welcoming communities for all.
Speaking Topics on Accessibility, Inclusion & Lived Experience
If you’re looking for a speaker who brings honesty, warmth, and real lived experience, you’re in the right place.
Topics I speak on
Accessibility in Regional Australia
Exploring the unique barriers and opportunities that exist in regional communities, this presentation encourages audiences to think differently about accessibility and inclusion. Attendees will gain practical insights into creating environments, services, and experiences that are more welcoming and accessible for everyone.
Inclusive Tourism & Public Spaces
What makes a destination, event, or public space truly inclusive? Drawing on lived experience, this presentation highlights the impact of accessibility on participation, tourism, and community connection. Audiences will leave with practical ideas for creating more inclusive experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Disability, Independence & Community Participation
Independence looks different for everyone. Through personal stories and real-world examples, this presentation explores the importance of accessibility, support, and opportunity in enabling people with disability to participate fully in their communities. Audiences will gain a deeper understanding of the barriers people face and the role communities can play in breaking them down.
The Power of Lived Experience
Lived experience offers a perspective that data and policy alone cannot provide. This presentation explores how listening to and learning from lived experience can lead to more informed decisions, stronger communities, and better outcomes. Audiences will be challenged to consider how diverse perspectives can shape meaningful change.
Running a Business with a Disability
Building a business while navigating disability requires creativity, adaptability, and persistence. In this presentation, Ellie shares lessons from her journey as a business owner, including overcoming challenges, embracing innovation, and redefining what success can look like. Ideal for entrepreneurs, students, and business audiences.
Redefining Success on Your Own Terms
Success rarely follows a straight path. Through honest storytelling, Ellie shares how disability, setbacks, and unexpected opportunities have shaped her perspective on achievement, resilience, and purpose. This presentation encourages audiences to rethink traditional ideas of success and embrace their own unique journey.
Recognition & Highlights
Explore a selection of conversations, podcasts, and guest appearances where I discuss accessibility, inclusion, resilience, and the power of lived experience to create meaningful change.
The Champagne Lounge
Elle shares her journey into graphic design and starting her own business. She discusses her passion for inclusivity and accessibility in design, particularly for people with disabilities. She emphasises the importance of asking questions, celebrating milestones, and building a supportive community.
The Disinfluencer 100
A conversation with Elle, founder of By Elle Creative, on creativity, resilience, and building a business from Mudgee while living with disability.
Generation Women Bathurst
Matriarchs, Mentors & Aunties
Elle shared a personal story about the intergenerational friendships that have shaped my life and the lessons I've learned from older women in my community.
Parliamentary Q&A
Elle was part of a parliamentary Q&A, sharing her lived experience with the NDIS and expressing the importance of clinical recommendations.
Looking for a Disability Speaker, Accessibility Advocate, or Lived Experience Consultant?
Ellie works with councils, tourism organisations, businesses, schools, conferences, and community groups across Australia to deliver presentations that encourage meaningful conversations about accessibility, inclusion, resilience, and community participation.