Finding Avalon: Storytelling, Advocacy & Life

Welcome to DisabiliTEA: Conversations for Change. This special video edition of the Finding Avalon Podcast features authentic chats over hot cups of tea with Disabled, chronically ill and neurodivergent changemakers, citizens and our allies.

Episode 8 features Madison (Maddie) McLellan, a freelance model and photographer from Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. She lives with chronic illness (fibromyalgia), neurodivergence in the form of dyslexia and a neurological motor speech disorder called Apraxia of Speech (AOS).

AOS occurs when the brain has “difficulty planning and sequencing the muscle movements needed to speak.” A person knows exactly what they want to say, but the signals don’t easily coordinate. As you listen to Maddie’s episode, you’ll notice halting speech and sounds that come with this condition – and you’ll be amazed to learn that her doctors never thought she’d be able to speak — yet here she is on a podcast sharing her experiences.

It takes a lot of effort and focus to be a featured guest on a video podcast, no less. With some host encouragement, this resilient model and creative brought her own brand of energy and perspective to the show. Let this be your reminder that disabilities impacting speech are just as valid as any other condition. I’m proud of everything Maddie shared in her guest appearance.

About this Episode

DisabiliTEA: From Outwitting Bullies to Owning the Runway with Maddie McLellan (Season 1, Episode 8)

In this conversation, Jenna and Maddie discuss ableism (disability discrimination) and how bullying can drive a disabled child or youth to dark and desperate places. Maddie’s story is a winding road filled with anecdotes about standing up to her schoolyard bully, a near-death drowning incident, many long years of speech therapy, barriers to post-secondary education due to her dyslexia and AOS, then discovering she had a chronic illness to navigate on top of everything. Nevertheless, this young and fierce fashionista is here to carpe diem!

If you take anything away from this episode, it is this: don’t underestimate Maddie McLellan. Bravo for normalizing conversations about disability – and that important message of treating people with respect, dignity and kindness. Bullying anyone is never okay — especially not Disabled folks. We need allies to stand up with us when we speak out against cruelty and harm. Disabled rights are human rights.  

Watch Maddie’s Episode here

Episode Sponsor

Thank you to this episode’s supporter, Halifax Brewery Market, for sending along a lovely homegrown tea spread to sample for this tea time conversation – and who better to feature for this local interview than this beloved year-round, Saturday market in historic downtown Halifax?

The Halifax Brewery Market is my go to market, housed in the Alexander Keith’s Brewery heritage building, always brimming with community. With over 65 unique local food, drink and craft vendors, the Halifax Brewery Market is a beloved local market experience of curated goods that are homegrown and handmade.

We were sent a collection of delicious homemade cookies and squares from Tea Time Treats (@saucersweets) and a fragrant, organic tea blend from Tidal Wild Farm (@ tidalwildfarm) called Bright Lights Tea blend. Shout out to Alison, Sara and Colleen at the Halifax Brewery Market for helping us spill the DisabiliTEA!

Learn More

• Maddie McLellan on Instagram
• Subscribe to DisabiliTEA on YouTube
• Follow DisabiliTEA on Spotify
• DisabiliTEA Series Episode List
• Halifax Brewery Market website and Instagram
• Regions mentioned: Nova Scotia, Canada

Thank You / Support a Disabled Creator

Thank you for supporting DisabiliTEA – an award-winning, Disabled-led, Atlantic Canadian program! Every like, share and comment really matters to Disabled creators, helping build a stronger, more inclusive community.

This is an entirely grassroots labour of love where Jenna creates accessible, cost-free public educational resources, without assistance or funding. Here are ways to support Jenna as she continues contributing to inclusive change, community empowerment and disabled justice. Donations are gladly accepted to help cover basic operational costs for the podcast and blog.