Leanora Volpe is a London-based athlete and a member of Great Britain's Paraclimbing Team. Five years ago she was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or EDS. She explains how she learned to navigate the world as a disabled woman, and how it’s opened the door to competitive climbing. As a top athlete, she knows people look up to her as a role model, but she is uncomfortable with being called 'an inspiration' just because of her disability.

Amy Zayed is a music journalist and broadcaster based in Cologne. She was born blind in a family of Egyptian migrants who had just relocated to the German countryside, so she grew up knowing she was perceived as ‘different’. She talks about building a career with - and not 'despite' - her disability, and why people’s discomfort with difference can be harmful.

Producer: Alice Gioia

Image:

L: Leanora Volpe – credit Michelle Tofi

R: Amy Zayed – credit Sonja Niemeier

Audio:

Stella Young – credit TEDxSydney 2014, Sydney Opera House, Australia

Paraclimbing World Championships 2019 – credit International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC)