Ava: Just Watch Me Redefine What’s Possible

“Once you get to know me, you’ll see my humour, sense of fun and infectious enthusiasm for life.”

Ava is 19, an artist, an advocate and someone who refuses to let assumptions define her. At first, she says she can seem a little shy. As a sign language user, people are often nervous about saying or signing the wrong thing and that hesitation can make her feel anxious too.

Just watch me and you’ll see confidence, creativity and a personality that shines.

Just Watch Me Create My Own World

Ava has been an avid artist for as long as she can remember. She loves clothes design, socialising with friends and expressing herself through creativity. She’s deeply passionate, especially about inequality. That passion is what led her to join Whizz Kidz Youth Board and start pushing for positive change - because for Ava, every small impact matters.

“Every time I can make a difference, however small, it’s a win.”

And every win proves something bigger; Living with complex disabilities doesn’t mean compromising ambition or personal development.

Just Watch Me Live Life on My Terms

A really good day for Ava is filled with creativity and independence. She’s currently studying Level 3 Art at college - a space where she feels free to explore, experiment and express who she is.

By her side is Ollie, her guide dog, helping her navigate vision loss, along with an intervenor who translates into sign language.

At the weekends? Friends, shopping, films, TV and getting out and about.

As she’s grown older, her independence has grown too.

“I make my own decisions and look at how I can develop my career and progress my life.”

Her parents support her - but she leads the way.

Ava feels most confident when she’s with her friends, laughing, connecting and just being herself. Some of her friends don’t sign, but somehow they always make it work.

With the help of interpreters - who she calls “bonus friends” - communication becomes connection, not a barrier.

Just Watch Me Redefine Independence

Ava got her first powered wheelchair at age five. She still remembers the feeling.

“The utter joy and freedom it gave me.”

And it’s something she will never take for granted, because that freedom isn’t a bonus.

“It is a right, not a nice to have.”

Today, her wheelchair, alongside Ollie, gives her independence in a way few people experience. She is one of only six guide dog-led wheelchair users in the UK. Without her powered chair, she becomes reliant on others.

“My electric chair is independence. I couldn’t be without it.”

Just Watch Me Challenge Assumptions

Ava faces assumptions daily. People often speak to her interpreter instead of her. They assume her visual impairment means she can’t read, write, talk or engage, but Ava meets these moments with quiet determination.

“I always try to politely show them that although I am a bit different in how I achieve a result, we are essentially the same.”

She wants people to understand that deafblindness is an umbrella term, not a limitation. That it doesn’t affect her intelligence, integrity or ambition.

Just Watch Me Ask for Fairness, Not Favour

What would make life easier?

“Reasonable adjustments - not a lot to ask, is it?”

For Ava, it’s about equity, creating environments that work for everyone. And yes - people not parking in disabled spaces when they don’t need them. Because fairness isn’t a luxury, it’s a right.

Ava wants people to trust her to deliver, to meet deadlines as an artist and to use her voice loudly when she sees inequality.

“I get very angry and sometimes upset when my diversity is disregarded.”

But she channels that into action.

She’s also something else she’s proud of: Being a loyal friend and someone who gives “the best hugs.”

Just Watch Me Go Further

Right now, Ava is focused on her art but she’s ready for more. She wants to step outside her comfort zone, explore new styles, collaborate and take on new projects. And beyond that? She wants to be a bigger voice to tackle the disparity between disabled and non-disabled children in education.

Being out and about with the right equipment changes everything.

“Brilliant — I can choose where I go.”

Her wheelchair’s rise-and-fall function means she can navigate busy environments, be seen and see others. No more being overlooked. No more feeling separate.

“I can be eye level with friends and feel part of the conversation.”

Just Watch Me Stand for Something Bigger

Whizz Kidz has broadened Ava’s perspective. It’s shown her the wider challenges wheelchair users face and introduced her to professional, collaborative working.

To Ava, the charity represents something powerful:

• Opportunity.
• Equity.
• Access.

“Children should be able to enjoy their lives and have the same freedom as their non-disabled peers.”

Just Watch Me Keep Going

Ava is proud of her tenacity - “I am strong willed and determined.”

And she’s excited for what’s ahead: Youth board meetings, new projects, time with friends and a holiday in Devon.

What does she want more of in life?

“Listening, compassion and kindness.”

She wants people to truly hear, understand and support - not out of obligation, but because they care.

If Ava could tell the world one thing, it would be simple:

“Talk to one another with respect and listen without prejudice.”

And to leaders: Every generation is different and there’s something to learn from all of them.

Just Watch Me…

“Prove that my ambition and my talent are not limited by my wheelchair.”