Audio
Here, you will find my audio and radio work. This includes segments, wraps, and other stories that I've contributed to.
Between July and December 2024, I worked as a Freelance Disabilities Beat Reporter for Buffalo Toronto Public Media, Buffalo's NPR member station. I formerly interned at BTPM in 2023, when I discovered my passion for Disability reporting. At BTPM, I learned from every aspect of the newsroom: I've conducted interviews, asked hard questions that turned into nationally-recognized segments, managed the weekend assignment/digital desk, covered local government at the height of 2024 elections, produced breaking news, wrote wraps and more.
9/4/24
Disabilities Beat: How can colleges improve for disabled students?
Colleges continue to expand support services for students, but still, many students aren’t aware they can receive accommodations to begin with. Disabilities Beat Freelance Reporter Mason Ald explores what students rights are in higher education.
10/16/24
Disabilities Beat: Autistic Self Advocacy Network's Zoe Gross on the neurodivergent employment gap
For National Disability Employment Month, Freelance Reporter Mason Ald speaks with Autistic Self Advocacy Network Director Zoe Gross on employment barriers for neurodivergent adults. In this conversation, Gross dives into how neurodivergent people face barriers from employers and presents solutions to close the gap.
3/12/25
Voices of Disability Pride: Sam Mattle on patience, the value of volunteering
BTPM continues the series 'Voices of Disability Pride' with an interview between freelancer Mason Ald and community leader Sam Mattle. Mattle is the executive director and founder of the Center for Self-Advocacy, a local organization which advocates for equity and empowers people with disabilities.
12/18/24
Voices of Disability Pride: 'Variety is the spice of life,' shares J.B. Stone
Spoken word poet and writer J.B. Stone. Stone discusses with WBFO’s freelance reporter Mason Ald the importance of not letting others define one’s journey, and how finding balance in his life played a critical role in their career as a neurodivergent person.
11/13/24
Disabilities Beat: Disabled New Yorkers still faced barriers at the polls this year
This election cycle over 140 million Americans made it known who they wanted to represent them at all levels of government. But there likely were people with disabilities who didn’t cast their ballot or faced barriers accessing the polls.
7/31/24
Disabilities Beat: As Buffalo’s Disability Pride Festival grows, what needs to change?
This year Buffalo's Disability Pride Festival grew in size significantly, adding a children's area, more tents, new vendors and activities, and a long line up of artists. BTPM's Freelance Disabilities Beat Reporter Mason Ald visited the festival and took a closer look into the expectations the disability community has for the future of the festival.
Mason Ald: Portfolio
