Randa Habelrih’s Mission to Bring Visibility, Confidence and Inclusion to the Disability Community

Randa Habelrih’s work in the disability space began with her son Richard. From the early years, she saw how a child could be dismissed, misunderstood and excluded long before anyone took the time to listen. Before Richard’s autism diagnosis, her concerns were brushed aside, and after the diagnosis she was told to expect very little from him. What stayed constant was a system focused on deficits rather than strengths, reflected in repeated school rejections and the bullying Richard endured from children and adults.

Australia’s disability education laws promise access, but Randa realised how rarely those promises translate into practice. Teachers were overwhelmed, under-resourced and under-trained, leaving families like hers battling for support that should have been automatic. Today, many parents still come to her with the same struggles—schools declining enrolments, withholding support or making children feel unwelcome in environments meant for them.

These realities shaped the foundation of Autism Mates. Randa wanted families to have a community where they could learn, connect and feel supported. The organisation began with parent groups, school education initiatives and social events to give young people a place where they belonged. But as Richard finished school, another gap became impossible to ignore: despite his abilities and interests, there was no pathway for him. She also saw how absent people with disabilities were from the media, despite representing a significant part of the population.

From that need came Model Mates. Randa wanted young people with disabilities to be seen on a platform that commanded attention, and fashion provided that stage. Their first runway event at Castle Towers revealed how powerful simple visibility could be. With basic styling and a single practice session, participants stood taller and radiated confidence because they were valued and treated with respect.

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