196 - The Power of Self-Advocacy in an Inaccessible World with Kelly Berger and Avery Roberts

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron welcomes Kelly Berger and Avery Roberts, disability and rare disease advocates living with congenital muscular dystrophy. Together, they share powerful insights on what true inclusion looks like—moving beyond labels, breaking down barriers, and challenging societal assumptions. Through personal stories of navigating school systems, public spaces, and everyday interactions, they highlight the importance of self-advocacy, community, and policy change. Kelly and Avery also discuss their podcast, Wheel Talk, and their mission to amplify disabled voices. This conversation is honest, empowering, and a reminder that inclusion requires both awareness and meaningful action.

Key Takeaways:

Redefining Inclusion – Inclusion means full participation without being singled out or limited by disability.

Self-Advocacy Power – Speaking up for needs and rights is essential and often learned through lived experience.

Everyday Barriers – Small obstacles like sidewalks, seating, and attitudes create major access issues.

Policy Matters – Systems like Medicaid directly impact independence and quality of life.

Voice Amplification – Sharing stories humanizes disability and drives real change.

Kelly’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is not seeing disability at all, it's normalized, we're not segregated, there's universal design, access is equal, where disability isn't a thing, it's just part of society in general.

Avery’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is meeting me and all of us beyond the predefined box that society puts us in and breaking down those walls.

Kelly Berger’s Bio:

Kelly, based in Ohio, was named the 2023 Ms. Wheelchair Ohio Ambassador for her platform of rare inclusion. She’s a 2024 RareVoice Award recipient and a 2024 RARE Champion of Hope nominee. Her commitment is centered around empowering young females living with disabilities, pushing for equitable policy change, showing the world that anything is possible, and that limits to your achievements do not exist, regardless of the barriers put in front of you. Kelly recently graced the cover of her Alma mater’s campus magazine, Spring 2025 edition, in a cover story entitled, “Wheels of Change.” She is actively pursuing her ACTCP certification to become a true ADA Coordinator to improve access needs in public and private entities.

Avery Robert’s Bio:

Avery, based in New York, is breaking new ground in the entertainment industry as a professional dancer. She became the first wheelchair user to dance on the Radio City Music Hall stage, and separately, was among the first to be featured in a nationally televised live production. Avery co-directed and produced "Inclusivity Is Being Redefined," a groundbreaking project led entirely by disabled creatives that challenges what true inclusion can and should look like in the entertainment world. She serves on the ReelAbilities International Advisory Board, supporting its mission to celebrate authentic disability representation and expand opportunities for disabled creators worldwide. Her work has been featured in outlets like USA Today, NBC, and BroadwayWorld.

Connect with Kelly & Avery:

Website: https://www.ladieslivingrare.com/wheel-talk-podcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheWheelTalkPodcast/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewheeltalkpodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWheelTalkPodcast

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewheeltalkpod

SPAM© Count:

Host:

Yes

Current Guest:

No

Cumulative Guest Stats:

Yes - 85

No - 109

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