Tell us about you and your creative practice
I’m Gavin Clifton, also known as The Disabled Writer. I live with cerebral palsy and a speech impairment. Writing has given me a voice, a platform, and an accessible and inclusive way to express my inner feelings. It was the very first tool I had at my disposal to lay everything bare for all to see and read. I remember the first time I wrote about my experiences with disability, and the overwhelming sense of empowerment it gave me. It was, and still is, an effective communication tool before augmented and alternative communication became another way for me to communicate.
I’m a bestselling children’s author, disability blogger, songwriter, and disability empowerment speaker. I write from lived experience, whether that’s my autobiography, Cerebral Palsy And Me, blogs on disability representation, or children's books like Max and the Magic Wish and Paddy the Polar Bear Teddy.
I'm also an established lyricist, having written for artists such as Peter Karrie of The Phantom of the Opera and the well-known 80s band, The Korgis, and co-created inclusive music through the Word Groove Collective, which brings together disabled and non-disabled creatives using eyegaze and assistive technology. My work challenges assumptions, sparks conversations, and builds a better understanding of disability through various forms of expression, including spoken, written, and sung words.
Why did you decide to establish the brand ‘The Disabled Writer’?
Standing out in a way I can educate people, and especially younger generations, that it's okay to be different, accept yourself, and others too, has always mattered to me. As a disabled creative, I didn’t want a soft label that blurred the edges.
The Disabled Writer does precisely what it says. It’s straight to the point and puts disability front and centre, where it should be. It came from years of figuring myself out, learning to accept how I move, how I speak, and how the world sees me. I’m still on that journey, if I’m honest.
But this brand gave me a way to take ownership and write and speak on my terms and in my own time. It tells young disabled people they don’t need to hide the parts that make them different, whether that’s how they speak, move, think, or communicate. Those things aren’t flaws to be fixed or hidden; they are a part of who you are. You can still be proud, creative, and respected without changing yourself to make others comfortable.
What tips and advice would you give creatives wanting to establish their own brand?
Don’t wait for permission. No one’s going to hand it to you, say what you need to say, and get your creative art out there; smash those misconception barriers down, and always follow your dreams on your terms. Choose a name that actually says something about YOU because consistency and honesty make people listen. Imposter syndrome can creep up on you at any given time when you’re disabled and putting yourself out there. But your story matters, and disability’s part of it, not all of it. Don’t hide it, but don’t feel like it has to explain everything about you all at once either. Let people see the full picture when you feel comfortable sharing it, and people will understand. When you’re posting on socials, think about who’s watching. Other people with disabilities will see it and feel less alone. Allies might finally learn something. Say something unfiltered and honest, something people might actually stop and think about. You can make a difference by being true to yourself whilst building a strong brand within the disability community, and beyond it, YOUR WAY!
What are you working on at the minute?
My next e-book, Empowering Communication, is scheduled for release in July 2025. It’s something I’ve wanted to write for a while now. It examines how AAC users like me experience everyday life and what genuine understanding and support should entail, beyond the basics most people think they know. I'm excited to share this project with you, and I hope it sparks important conversations and leads to positive change. Stay tuned for more updates!
Then in the autumn, I’m self-publishing my new children’s book, Anya and the Enchanted Wheelchair. It follows a disabled girl who finds herself transported into a magical world where her wheelchair gives her unexpected powers. It’s a fun, imaginative story that puts disability at the centre without making it the problem to be solved. I’ll be looking for Arc Readers around August, so keep an eye out.
Behind the scenes, I’m also building something longer-term, a downloadable online resource that pulls together everything I’ve learnt as a disabled writer. It'll cover lived experience, writing with purpose, accessibility, and how to use your voice without watering it down. I'm passionate about creating resources that empower and inspire, and I'm aiming to launch it late 2025 or early 2026. I can't wait to share this with you!
How can our community find out more about your work and get involved?
● Website: www.thedisabledwriter.co.uk
● Instagram/Facebook/TikTok/LinkedIn: @TheDisabledWriter
● Check out my books on Amazon or ask your local school or organisation to book me for a visit .
● If you're a fellow creative, don't hesitate to reach out and collaborate. I’m always up for that, especially if you’re doing something a bit different, accessible and has an inclusive outlook. Remember, we're all part of a larger community, and connecting with each other is what makes our voices stronger and our impact greater.