GLAMOUR’s Self-Love covers are featured in the trailblazing new V&A exhibition, Design and Disability

What are the biggest challenges facing the disabled community at the moment?

I think at the minute, with the political climate and the risks to disability benefit cuts (PIP) are terrifying for a lot of disabled people. I think it’s very hard for a lot of people to comprehend what could even happen because it can be so detrimental to people’s health, physical and mental.

What is it that brings you joy?

Interacting with my community. I just love it! Every time I bring out a new issue with my zine, Look Deeper, I’m filled with so much joy by the different connections I’ve made, by the people I’ve met and the friendships I’ve formed through that. But also, silly little things that bring me joy, like my dog, Maggie May, I love her!

Shelby Lynch is a 27-year-old fashion and beauty influencer with Spinal Muscular Atrophy Type 2. This condition causes muscle weakness as she gets older and affects her breathing, so she uses a ventilator 24/7. Having been interested in fashion since the age of 13, Shelby uses her online platform to make fashion more accessible and to encourage the fashion industry to be more inclusive and representative of Disabled people.

What have you been up to in the past two years since we last saw you? “I’ve been doing fashion shows, I’ve modelled at London Fashion Week a couple of times. My pictures have been published in high end fashion magazines, and I’ve been using social media to talk about disability and fashion.”

What does it mean to you to have your GLAMOUR cover featured in an exhibition at the V&A?

“Exhibitions like this are so important. I don’t feel like there’s been anything like this for the disabled community. I feel really honoured to be a part of it.”

“I feel like the disabled community are the biggest minority but also the least represented in all forms of media. It’s really good to have disabled people out in society and it’s amazing that we’re represented in the V&A because it shows people that we are just people. We’ve got dreams, inspirations, and goals in life. And we’re not just burdens, which a lot of people presume we are.”

What’s the biggest challenge facing your community?

“I think there’s always challenges within the disabled community. I think a lot of the challenges come from society itself, so how people view me and the things that get said to me don’t make me feel good about myself or my disability. But there’s also a lot of political things going on right now with the government slashing benefits when disabled people are already struggling. To see people’s PIP [personal independence payments] get cut… it’s just very scary times.”

What brings you joy?

“I just love spending time with my friends and my family. They’re good, supportive people to have around to help with life in general, but also the added disabled stuff. I’ve been in a relationship for two years. [Shelby met her partner, who lives in Texas, on Twitter and they met for the first time in April this year]. “She’s absolutely amazing and supportive when I go through anything.She’s just really proud of me. She thinks what I do, educating people, is very important. She’s like a cheerleader.”

Caprice-Kwai Ambersley, 23, was diagnosed with osteoarthritis aged 10. Today she is an advocate, model and jewellery business owner of By Caprice-Kwai.