People used to stare at me. I fight back with my paintbrush

American artist Riva Lehrer was born with spina bifida. She endured countless medical procedures through her childhood and adolescence and was told she would never have a job, a romantic relationship or an independent life. But everything changed when as an adult Riva was invited to join the Disabled Artists Collective, a group of artists, writers and performers who were challenging myths around disability in their work. She tells Emily Webb how she began to paint their portraits - and through her art started to transform the stories she’d been told about herself. (This interview contains language that some listeners might find offensive) Get in touch: [email protected] Presenter: Emily Webb Producer: Zoe Gelber Picture: '66 Degrees'. A self-portrait by Riva Lehrer, 2019. Credit: Riva Lehrer