Yaran is thrilled to announce the appointment of Danielle Loizou-Lake as its Brand Ambassador for Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA). With a remarkable journey marked by resilience and advocacy, Danielle brings a wealth of experience and a passionate commitment to improving the lives of people with disabilities.

 

At just 20 years old, Danielle’s life took an unexpected turn when a skiing accident resulted in a spinal cord injury, leaving her as an incomplete paraplegic. Confronted with the prospect of limited mobility, the possibility of not having children, and barriers to employment, Danielle’s determination to defy the odds became the cornerstone of her journey. Embracing intensive rehabilitation, she not only learned to walk with aids but also pursued higher education with unwavering resolve.

 

Danielle graduated with distinction in a Bachelor of Applied Science in Human Movement and furthered her studies in Canada on a prestigious scholarship. Upon returning to Australia, she launched her professional career with a corporate health role in Western Australia and later founded her own successful corporate health company. Recognized as a 40 under 40 WA business leader, Danielle’s entrepreneurial spirit and leadership are well acknowledged.

 

Danielle’s personal achievements extend beyond her professional life. Despite the loss of competitive sport, she rekindled her passion for equestrian sports at age 40, training intensively and earning a place in the WA High Performance Squad. Her dedication to competitive excellence has positioned her as a formidable competitor, aiming for both national and international events.

 

In addition to her sporting and business accomplishments, Danielle is deeply involved in advocacy and support for the disability community. Her extensive knowledge of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and her role in operating a successful NDIS Support Coordination organization underscore her commitment to enhancing services for individuals with disabilities and mental illness.

 

Danielle’s expertise extends to systemic advocacy, facilitation of events and panels, and leading stakeholder engagement projects aimed at improving service delivery. Her active involvement on various government and community boards, including her recent role as a Western Australian delegate to the United Nations’ 16th Session on the Conference of State Parties for the Convention on the Rights of People with Disability, highlights her dedication to advancing disability rights on a global scale.

 

As Yaran’s new Ambassador for Specialist Disability Accommodation, Danielle will leverage her extensive network and experience to champion the needs of those requiring specialized housing solutions. Her appointment is a testament to Yaran’s commitment to providing exceptional support and advocacy in the SDA sector.

 

“Danielle’s remarkable journey and her unwavering commitment to advocacy and support for the disability community make her an ideal ambassador for Yaran”, Yaran’s spokesperson Vesna Pravica said. “Her personal and professional achievements, combined with her deep understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities, align perfectly with our mission to enhance Specialist Disability Accommodation services.”

 

Danielle Loizou-Lake’s appointment as Yaran’s Ambassador promises to drive impactful change and amplify the voices of those who need it most. Her expertise will be instrumental in advancing the quality and accessibility of Specialist Disability Accommodation across the region.