Lucy Dawson

Lucy Dawson is a disabled model, activist, and content creator recognized for her work in disability representation and advocacy. After experiencing Anti-NMDA receptor autoimmune encephalitis at age 20, Dawson was left with a paralyzed leg and a brain injury, requiring her to relearn basic skills such as speaking, walking, reading, and writing. While in her final year studying criminology at the University of Leicester, she underwent a significant personality change and was mistakenly sectioned due to the complexity of her diagnosis. During a three-month stay on a psychiatric ward, an accident resulted in her permanent disability.

Dawson eventually returned to university to complete her criminology degree. She later attended a casting for Zebedee model management, which marked the beginning of her modeling career. Dawson has appeared in campaigns for brands such as Ann Summers, George at Asda, Spotify, Amazon, Playful Promises, New Look, Curvy Kate, Sloggi, O2 Arena, and Virgin Voyages. She is known for incorporating colorful and sparkly mobility aids into her fashion, aiming to increase disability representation and visibility in the media.

As a content creator, Dawson shares fashion looks, lingerie photos, and candid discussions about disability, accessibility, and body image. She is recognized for her colorful walking sticks, which she coordinates with her outfits, and for addressing ableism through educational and often humorous content. Her blog, "Lucy in the Sky with Encephalitis," serves as a platform for sharing her experiences and connecting with others affected by encephalitis.

Dawson has delivered keynote speeches at events including the University of Leicester Centenary Alumni Awards, where she discussed her experience with encephalitis and the importance of accessibility in higher education. She has received several honors for her advocacy, including an Active Change Award, a Role Model Award, and a 30 Under 30 Rising Stars Award, and has been nominated for Influencer of the Year and TikToker of the Year. With a substantial following on TikTok and Instagram, Dawson continues to challenge perceptions of disability in the fashion industry and beyond.