Our Voices is an independent podcast that opens critical conversations on disability by engaging with disabled people, scholars, activists, and advocates. Our Voices is defined as the conception of acknowledging and recognizing disabled people's voices. This podcast holds space to imagine and desire building an alternative world that can value and/or accept our identities in the disability community. What would an accessible world look like without systemic barriers? What issues we still continue to experience? Join me as I dive into discussions independently and with disabled guests.
In the second episode of the book talk episode, I'm joined by Emily Ava Gillespie (they/she). Ava is a neurodivergent author who has published their latest book, Wait With Me, which follows a fictional character who challenges barriers in the healthcare system. The plot and supporting characters were based on her lived experience with mental health and the medical model of disability. Furthermore, Ava discusses the benefits and limitations of writing books with disability, privilege vs. oppression and the status quo.
Her book is available to buy online
http://www.amazon.ca/Wait-Me-Emily-Ava-Gillespie/dp/1069635103/ref=asc_df_1069635103?tag=bingshopdesk-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80195840416882&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=5254&hvtargid=pla-4583795327954055&psc=1&msclkid=306634107a50145e8b3f5eca2181e3cf
Sick Stories: Books, Zines, & Poetry | Sick Stories (https://www.sickstories.org/)
21 Oct 2026
302 - Book Author Talk: Part 1
Part 1 of the special two-part book author episode. I am joined by returning guest speaker Ghofran Alyass, a disabled writer and educator. Ghofran and I discuss her debut memoir, You Have 24 Hours to Live, by exploring emerging themes of perseverance, grievance, and her academic journey.
Additional links below for more information about her work
Welcome to my author website. This is a journey from staying alive to living the life I desire (https://ghofranalyassauthor.my.canva.site/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAcGRvZgJzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81NjcwNjczNDMzNTI0MjcAAaelzEWkvIu7IAVHF3EtpIQBOUMF038SzCOEVMHUjvOrgJo8ktJBIfuzUK9tnw_aem_aythRXylzOwOoHSHK6YsFw)You have 24 Hours to Live: A memoir: Alyass, Ghofran: 9781068916700: Books - Amazon.ca (https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1068916702)
Fundraiser by Ghofran Alyass : Help me turn my memoir into an audiobook (https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-me-turn-my-memoir-into-an-audiobook?attribution_id=sl:b05a06d3-dfee-4126-b322-3de9332c1436&lang=en_CA&ts=1776741983&utm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp20_control&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link)
2 Oct 2026
301 - The Future Looks Good on You in FUTURES
The future looks brighter than ever for disabled youth in a program where you can just be yourself. Launched over a year ago, FUTURES is a leadership program for disabled youth who are passionate about making social change. The program offers a variety of programs for disabled youth. This includes a book club, social media internship, and a visual arts program. Prospective participants can choose to join an in-person or online cohort (Fall, winter, spring or summer). The question we'll be answering is: What are some ways FUTURES can help disabled youth become innovative leaders?
For the Season 3 premiere, Kelly Johnston joins me in this exciting conversation. Kelly and I became close friends in the Fall 2025 cohort! We discussed our favourite moments from the program, such as the Map Mission and dance workshop activity. We discussed our journey in the program and offered advice to prospective participants.
If you're disabled, D/deaf, hard-of-hearing, or neurodivergent and are passionate about building community, FUTURES is the right program for you. Additional information can be found on its website: Futures - The AccessStudio (https://studio.accessnow.com/futures/)Seasons 1 and 2: The complete series is available to listen.
Podcast Authority Score: 6 / 100
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