Ellise Hayward
Nominee Profile
Location: Somerset
My name is Ellise Hollie Hayward who has cerebral palsy. I am a non-verbal motivational/public speaker. I am also an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) Ambassador, EDI Ambassador at Ashton Park School, a Trustee at Teach Us Too as well as the Disabilities Editor and a Patron for The Jill Dando News Centre and The Good News Post, part of The Priory Learning Trust. I am a passionate young lady who aims to level the playing field and educate people on disability and inclusion in education, healthcare and workplaces. My main messages are ‘Ask, Never Assume’ and ‘Life is beautiful and worth living’.
I have overcome significant barriers throughout my life to become a positive role model and advocate for disability inclusion. From birth, I faced complex medical challenges and was given a very limited prognosis, with expectations that I would never walk, talk, or communicate.
I live with cerebral palsy, which affects all four of my limbs and brings daily physical challenges. Being non-verbal has also been a significant barrier, but through the use of eye-gaze technology, I have found my voice. This has enabled me not only to communicate, but to connect with others, share my experiences, and speak publicly to raise awareness and challenge perceptions of disability.
As a non-verbal motivational speaker and ambassador, I use my platform to educate and influence change across education, healthcare, and workplaces. Through my work, I encourage others to think differently about disability, promoting understanding, inclusion, and equal opportunities. My key message, “Ask, Never Assume,” challenges misconceptions and empowers people to have more open and respectful conversations.
Alongside these achievements, I have overcome personal barriers, including shyness and a fear of standing out. I have learned to embrace my identity and use my lived experience to inspire and empower others, particularly those who may feel unheard or underestimated.
Despite ongoing health challenges, I remain determined, resilient, and committed to making a positive difference. I strive to be a visible example that disability does not define potential and that barriers can be challenged and changed.
My journey is not only about overcoming adversity, but about using it to create impact, helping others to feel seen, heard and valued.
I have overcome significant barriers throughout my life to become a positive role model and advocate for disability inclusion. From birth, I faced complex medical challenges and was given a very limited prognosis, with expectations that I would never walk, talk, or communicate.
I live with cerebral palsy, which affects all four of my limbs and brings daily physical challenges. Being non-verbal has also been a significant barrier, but through the use of eye-gaze technology, I have found my voice. This has enabled me not only to communicate, but to connect with others, share my experiences, and speak publicly to raise awareness and challenge perceptions of disability.
As a non-verbal motivational speaker and ambassador, I use my platform to educate and influence change across education, healthcare, and workplaces. Through my work, I encourage others to think differently about disability, promoting understanding, inclusion, and equal opportunities. My key message, “Ask, Never Assume,” challenges misconceptions and empowers people to have more open and respectful conversations.
Alongside these achievements, I have overcome personal barriers, including shyness and a fear of standing out. I have learned to embrace my identity and use my lived experience to inspire and empower others, particularly those who may feel unheard or underestimated.
Despite ongoing health challenges, I remain determined, resilient, and committed to making a positive difference. I strive to be a visible example that disability does not define potential and that barriers can be challenged and changed.
My journey is not only about overcoming adversity, but about using it to create impact, helping others to feel seen, heard and valued.