Kyla Harris on Resilience, Communication While Travelling, and Realising Our Value after Spinal Cord Injury

What happens when you refuse the story you are told about disability and choose to write your own?In this episode of Back Up and Thriving, Sophie Elwes speaks with Kyla Harris, actor, producer, writer and co creator of the BBC series We Might Regret This. Kyla shares her experience of sustaining a spinal cord injury at 15 and the long process of rebuilding identity in a world with limited disabled role models.Kyla speaks openly about internalised ableism, medical pessimism, and how community helped transform her understanding of self worth. She reflects on her journey into filmmaking and the responsibility of TV and film to shape honest disability representation.Travel is a central theme. Kyla discusses her first trip after injury, extensive travel across Europe, Central America and North Africa, and the practical realities of travelling as a disabled person. Her advice is direct, grounded and shaped by decades of lived experience.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow internalised ableism shapes confidence after spinal cord injuryWhy disability representation in media mattersPractical travel advice for disabled peopleHow to communicate needs clearly when travellingWhy community is essential for living well with disabilityKey Moments:00:01 - Meeting Kyla Harris02:12 - Life before and after spinal injury03:42 - Medical perspectives and early challenges08:24 - Understanding internalised ableism12:36 - From acting to filmmaking17:45 - Disability representation in TV and film22:33 - First trip after spinal injury29:28 - Travelling the world as a disabled person34:45 - Travel preparation and communication36:37 - Advice for newly injured travellers42:40 - Community and living well with disability🌍 Ready to plan your next adventure with confidence?If you’re looking for accessible travel advice or want to connect with someone who’s been there, Back Up is here to help.Reach out to the team and get the support you need to travel confidently today:👉 www.backuptrust.org.uk/support-for-you/back-up-and-thriving-accessible-travel-toolkitThese resources are proudly supported by the Motability Foundation.Credits:This episode was hosted by Sophie Elwes, Head of Services at Back Up and produced by Phonic Content.Back Up is a national charity for everyone affected by spinal cord injury. Join us on Instagram, Facebook, X and Linkedin.