Payge proves disability doesn’t define her

Payge Hollis (centre) with work colleagues Beth Hawes and Matthew Armstrong from Parent 2 Parent

At 26 years old, Payge Hollis is redefining what it means to live with cerebral palsy and an intellectual disability. Despite being told at birth that she would never walk, talk or care for herself, Payge’s remarkable journey is a testament to resilience and determination.  

Throughout her life, Payge has faced both negative and positive experiences. She recalls being bullied and teased during her early years, with many predicting a future confined to a wheelchair. However, she defied expectations and has achieved milestones that many only dream of. In 2018, she was chosen as an ambassador for her school, and she successfully completed Year 12 through a modified program, proving that academic success is attainable regardless of disability.

Determined to gain independence, Payge learned to drive and now holds a licence—a feat that symbolises her growing self-reliance. “I never give up,” she says. “I hope that other people will not give up on their dreams and achievements, because having a disability does not define who you are.”

Her professional endeavours further highlight her drive. Payge works with the disability organisation Parent to Parent, providing support and advocacy to others in similar situations. She is also an active member of Loud and Clear Qld, a self-advocacy group for people with intellectual disabilities based on the Sunshine Coast, which has allowed her to connect with like-minded individuals.

In addition to her work, Payge is pursuing creative passions. She is writing a novel, fuelled by her love of books, and has facilitated a project called “Your Services, Your Rights,” which educates people with disabilities about their rights and how to access help. Her ambitions extend further, with plans to travel to the Northern Territory to teach about future goal-setting through the PATH programme. Now, her newest challenge is living independently—and she is embracing it with open arms. Her recent venture into modelling with Diversity Models, where she received her first paycheck, has been described as “amazing.”

Payge’s story is a powerful reminder that perseverance can overcome even the greatest challenges. Her message to others is clear: “Don’t give up on yourselves, and the right people won’t give up on you. You are unique.”