By Ava Stryker-Robbins

In this episode, I chat with my cousin Emily about our experiences living with disabilities in an ableist society. Emily shares her story and thoughts on how advocacy and empowerment can lead to a more inclusive world.

Ava Stryker-Robbins is a rising senior at the Beacon School in New York City. She served as the head of design at her school’s literary magazine and is an active participant in her school’s debate club. She works as a reporter for the West Side Rag where she writes a weekly food column in addition to covering other local stories. Ava is a member of Manhattan Community Board 7, participates in the New York Civil Liberties Union’s Teen Activist Project, and served as an intern for the City Limits Accountability Reporting Initiative for Youth (CLARIFY). In her free time, Ava plays classical guitar and loves to knit.

The Summer Youth Podcast Academy is an intensive beginner podcasting workshop for New York City public school students, hosted by The Bell.