Laura Pettenuzzo - Cerebral Palsy Advocate and Gifted Writer

Joining me is Laura Pettenuzzo, a passionate Cerebral Palsy advocate and gifted writer whose voice is reshaping how we understand disability, identity, and mental health. Laura brings a fierce commitment to inclusion and emotional honesty, weaving her personal journey with broader advocacy for systemic change. Her work challenges stereotypes, celebrates neurodiversity, and invites us to listen more deeply to stories that often go unheard.In this episode, we’ll explore the intersections of disability and mental health, the emotional toll of navigating ableism, and the healing power of storytelling. Laura’s insights are bold, tender, and refreshingly real—and I can’t wait for you to hear them. Laura is a plain language and Easy Read content writer, as well as a passionate disability advocate. Her opinion pieces have been published in leading outlets including The Age, SBS Voices, ABC Everyday, and The Guardian.Laura serves as a member of the minister‑appointed Victorian Disability Advisory Council, and in 2023 and she was honoured to judge the Melbourne Press Club’s Quill Award for Reporting on Disability.Beyond writing and advocacy, Laura volunteers with Kookaburra Kids and the Satellite Foundation, supporting young carers and children of parents living with mental illness (COPMI). Her work is driven by a commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and amplifying the voices of lived experience. Discover more about Laura’s work here:https://www.instagram.com/thisgirl_writes/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-pettenuzzo-905699114/?originalSubdomain=auhttps://laurasadventuresinliterature.wordpress.com/https://allforaccess.com.au/Be My GuestIf you’re interested in being a guest on Mental Health Matters: Voices of Change, please comment and Susan will be in touch. About Mindful Arts TherapyMindful Arts Therapy creates safe, empowering spaces where creativity becomes a pathway to healing. Through art, reflection, and trauma‑informed practice, it supports mental health by helping people of all ages build resilience, express emotions, and reconnect with their inner strength.For more information:https://mindfulartstherapy.com.au/🛑 Disclaimer: This video does not replace professional mental or physical health care. Please consult a qualified therapist or medical practitioner for personalized support.