Diana Magling is the face of the photo exhibition To Belong by Danish photographer Andreas Haubjerg, recently shown at the EESC and powerfully capturing the realities of people living with disabilities.  Diana is a passionate media contributor at TV Glad, Denmark’s first television station run by and for people with disabilities, where she interviews Danish celebrities for the popular programme En Særlig Samtale (‘A Special Conversation’). Speaking to EESC Info, Diana shared what makes her feel like she ‘belongs’ and what it takes to make people with disabilities feel heard and understood.

How did you end up working for TV Glad?

At my old school, I wasn’t treated well – it wasn’t a good place. But then my father found TV Glad, and I’ve been very happy there ever since.

How did the idea for En Særlig Samtale [a series of interviews conducted by Diana – ed.] come about?

There’s a media company called Strong Productions that collaborates with the Danish national broadcasting corporation, DR. TV Glad partnered with them and they prepare thoroughly by learning about the person being interviewed. It’s a thoughtful and respectful process.

Were there any interviews during En Særlig Samtale that stood out to you?

Yes, several. One that really moved me was with the famous Danish singer Thomas Helmig. He had lost his son six months earlier and opened up about it for the first time during our interview.

Do you think your personality and journey give your interviews a special quality? Do people open up more to you?

Yes, they really do. It makes a difference. I get responses that you don’t find elsewhere.

You said TV Glad made you feel like you ‘belong’. Should there be more projects like this across Europe?

Yes, a thousand times yes! It would be amazing and so important. Projects like TV Glad help people with special needs be heard and understood.

Would it help bridge the gap between people with special needs and the general public?

Yes, definitely.

Should projects like TV Glad receive more direct support from the EU?

Yes, definitely. I’ve never seen any clear involvement from the EU in my career. If there was, it wasn’t visible.

If you could speak directly to EU leaders, what would you say?

I would tell them to listen to and respect people with special needs. Understanding us better is the most important thing.

You mentioned that people didn’t understand your situation at school. Should educational institutions do more to support students with special needs?

Absolutely. I had a lot of anxiety, had two panic attacks and even started losing hair because I wasn’t being listened to. Teachers need to understand that some needs aren’t visible and they must really listen to their students.

The photo of you in the exhibition is very striking. How does it feel to know so many people will see it?

It’s amazing. People come up to me and talk about the picture. It’s very emotional, and I’m so happy it will be seen at the EESC.

In the photo, you’re hugging someone. What’s the story behind it?

That moment was very special. The person I’m hugging has Tourette’s syndrome and didn’t want to be touched by anyone. But he let me hug him – it meant a lot.

You’re a big fan of the Melodi Grand Prix, the Danish competition determining the country’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. What do you love about it?

It means so much to me! I’m a huge fan of Roberto Bellarosa. I love the music, the costumes – it’s a big party, and the party never stops.

Do you think culture plays a role in inclusion for people with special needs?

Yes, it’s really important.

Do you feel like you serve as an example now?

Yes, I do [smiles]. But I hope I can be an example for everyone.

What message would you give to someone who feels excluded or has had similar experiences?

Be the person you are. That’s it: just be the person you are.

Diana Magling is a 24-year-old TV host from Denmark whose work spans journalism, cultural advocacy and inclusive storytelling. Diana has Williams syndrome, a rare genetic disorder. The photo exhibition by Danish photographer Andreas Haubjerg, in which Diana is also featured, will run at the EESC until 19 September. The exhibition was launched to mark the beginning of the Danish Presidency of the Council of the EU.