Disability Deep Dive
Disability Deep Dive is a bi-weekly interview-based podcast hosted by Keith Casebonne and Jodi Beckstine. In each episode, we delve into issues of national and global importance to people with disabilities, such as accessibility, identity, discrimination, rights protections, voting, and much more. Please note that the opinions of our guests are not necessarily those of Disability Rights Florida.
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Disability Deep Dive - Rebranding Announcement!
06/12/2025
Disability Deep Dive - Rebranding Announcement!
If you’ve been a listener of You First, you might notice things sound a little different. That’s because we’ve rebranded! Welcome to Disability Deep Dive! The same podcast, but with a new name, a fresh perspective … and a brand new co-host. Keith Casebonne and Jodi Beckstine from Disability Rights Florida continue to bring you the stories, voices, and ideas that matter to the disability community. So whether you’ve been with us for years or you’re just diving in—we’re glad you’re here. New Disability Deep Dive episodes are coming soon!
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Encore Episode: By and For People with Disabilities - with Elizabeth Wright and Jennifer Price
12/19/2024
Encore Episode: By and For People with Disabilities - with Elizabeth Wright and Jennifer Price
Welcome back to You First, where we’re taking a small break from producing new episodes and instead are sharing some older episodes you might have missed. There’s a good chance you missed this episode, our last of four encore episodes, as it didn’t perform as well as most of our other ones. But we think the content is compelling and the guests are engaging, so we're putting it back out there. This episode is called "By and For People with Disabilities," and it was initially released in September of 2021. Elizabeth Wright and Jennifer Price are the guests, and they talk about how people with disabilities are creating their own content, controlling the narrative, and helping to create platforms where their stories, in their words, can be shared. And we're happy to share this encore episode with you. Resources:
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Encore Episode: Paving a Way Disabled in STEM - with Dr. Anita Marshall
12/05/2024
Encore Episode: Paving a Way Disabled in STEM - with Dr. Anita Marshall
Welcome to another encore episode of You First. We’re taking a little break from making new episodes and are re-sharing some past episodes that we feel are worth another listen. This is the third of four encore episodes, initially released in July of 2023, and it’s called "Paving a Way Disabled in STEM." We interviewed Dr. Anita Marshall to learn more about her work to make STEM education more accessible for students with disabilities. Anita created GeoSPACE, the first-ever disability-accessible planetary geoscience field course and mentoring program, and is the Executive Director of The International Association for Geoscience Diversity. We also debunk myths about academia, and wish we were back in school to be a part of this really cool work Anita is doing. Hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it! Show Notes and Resources:
/episode/index/show/disabilityrightsflorida/id/33735347
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Encore Episode: The Intersection of Disability and Reproductive Justice - with Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, Rebecca Cokley, Keith Jones, and Heather Watkins
11/21/2024
Encore Episode: The Intersection of Disability and Reproductive Justice - with Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, Rebecca Cokley, Keith Jones, and Heather Watkins
Today we have another encore episode of You First. This is the second of four encore episodes as we’re taking a bit of a break from producing new episodes. Now this episode, "The Intersection of Disability and Reproductive Justice," is by far our most popular episode – and by a significant margin! But in case you missed it back in August of 2022, count your lucky stars because here it is again. Roe v Wade was overturned not long before we recorded this episode, and we wanted to take a deep dive into how the overturning affects the disability community. Maddie hosted this episode and led an incredible conversation with activists Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, Rebecca Cokley, Keith Jones, and Heather Watkins about how the ruling affects them, the disability community as a whole, and other marginalized groups, especially in ways that you may not have considered. And it’s all just as relevant today as it was when we recorded it. Please note that this conversation discusses heavy themes and references systems of oppression such as racism and ableism, infanticide, abortion, and forced sterilization. Links: Morénike Giwa Onaiwu Keith Jones Heather Watkins Rebecca Cokley
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Encore Episode: Disability Media Representation - with Beth Haller and Jeff Preston
11/07/2024
Encore Episode: Disability Media Representation - with Beth Haller and Jeff Preston
We’re taking a break from producing new episodes of You First for a bit, so we’ll be re-releasing four older episodes that we feel are worth another listen. We’re starting things off with an episode that is from February 2021 called "Disability Media Representation." We spoke with Beth Haller and Jeff Preston, both of whom are university professors, authors, and experts on disability in the media. We had a great discussion about what’s been done both right and wrong with the portrayal of people with disabilities in both film and TV and the impact of streaming platforms on the movement. We kicked things off with an interesting discussion about what a disaster a movie called Music was that has been released not long before we recorded the episode. Referenced in the episode:
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2024 Elections & the Disability Vote - with Michelle Bishop, Monica Wiley, and Jack Rosen
09/19/2024
2024 Elections & the Disability Vote - with Michelle Bishop, Monica Wiley, and Jack Rosen
In this episode of You First, hosts Maddie and Keith dive into disability voting rights and the upcoming 2024 election with experts Michelle Bishop, Monica Wiley, and Jack Rosen from the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN). The discussion explores voting accessibility, challenges faced by disabled voters, and new support resources in Florida. Emphasis is placed on the importance of local elections, the power of the disability vote, and the critical need for inclusivity and accessibility from the start. The conversation also highlights the politicization of disability in elections and the necessity of advocacy and allyship for voting rights. The episode concludes with an insight into an upcoming documentary on these vital issues. Relevant Links Voting Rights Hotline: Call 877-352-7337 if you have an issue with voting or registering to vote due to a disability. Election Protection Hotline English: 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683) Spanish/English 888-VE-Y-VOTA (888-839-8682) Asian Languages/English 888-API-VOTE (888-274-8683) Arabic/English 844-YALLA-US (844-925-5287) Website: National Association of the Deaf’s ASL Voter Assistance Hotline 301-818-VOTE (301-818-8683) Website: Disability Rights Florida’s voting resources Main website: Know Your Rights Fact Sheet: Making a Voting Access Complaint: Know Your Rights Fact Sheet: Supervised Facility Voting: Your Disability Voting Rights Brochure: Voting Machine Explainer Videos: Know what’s on your ballot: Florida’s Rev Up chapter ‘Access the Vote Florida’: Find your P&A: Rutger’s Disability Vote Research: Accessing Democracy Documentary Virtual Premier: Accessing Democracy Trailer: #CripTheVote and Voting Advocacy - with Andrew Pulrang and Gregg Beratan:
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Data & Disability - with Matthew Cortland
09/05/2024
Data & Disability - with Matthew Cortland
In this episode of You First, hosts Keith and Maddie interview Matthew Cortland, a Senior Resident Fellow at Data for Progress. Matthew shares insights about their work in public opinion research and advocacy focused on disability issues and social policies. They discuss their personal journey, including challenges with the healthcare system, and explain how data is used to influence policy decisions. The conversation covers topics like the importance of accurate demographic data, the role of public opinion in advocacy, and effective messaging strategies for long-term care support and COVID-19. Matthew emphasizes the need for systemic interventions and supportive legislative efforts to better address the needs of disabled people. Relevant Links Follow Matthew on social media: Data for Progress: Disability Rights program at the Ford Foundation: Disability Scoop article "Census Rethinking How To Count Disability Population”: Data for Progress Message Testing on Home and Community-Based Services Coverage: Long COVID Research Moonshot Act of 2024:
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Disability & Gender Equity - with Marissa Ditkowsky
08/22/2024
Disability & Gender Equity - with Marissa Ditkowsky
In this episode of the You First Podcast, hosts Maddie and Keith talk with disabled activist and attorney Marissa Ditkowsky about the challenges and inequities faced by disabled women in healthcare, employment, and financial freedom. Marissa discusses her role as Disability Economic Justice Council at the National Partnership for Women and Families and shares insights on systemic oppression, the impact of disability on financial stability, and the importance of intersectional advocacy. The episode also addresses issues like reproductive rights, bodily autonomy, and the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Relevant links: National Partnership for Women & Families Website: National Partnership for Women & Families social media: Twitter: , or @npwf Instagram: , or @npwf Facebook: TikTok: , or @npwf Marissa's Twitter: @mditkowsky () Systems Transformation Guides: The Intersection of Disability and Reproductive Justice - with Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, Rebecca Cokley, Keith Jones, and Heather Watkins: Buck v Bell: #FreeBritney and Disability: How State Abortion Bans Harm Disabled Women: What Disability Reproductive Equity Day Means to Me: National Women’s Law Center’s resource about Forced Sterilization of Disabled People in the United States: American Progress’s article ‘Rethinking Guardianship to Protect Disabled People’s Reproductive Rights:
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Disabled Journalism - with Cara Reedy
08/08/2024
Disabled Journalism - with Cara Reedy
In this episode of the You First Podcast, hosts Keith and Maddie interview Cara Reedy, founder and director of the Disabled Journalists Association. Cara shares her journey from political science and theater to journalism, spending ten years at CNN. She discusses the challenges of being disabled in the newsroom, toxic productivity, and the systemic ableism in the journalism industry. Cara then explains how her organization supports disabled journalists by providing resources and advocating for systemic changes in newsrooms. The conversation emphasizes the importance of intersectionality and the role of personal experience in shaping compelling and unbiased stories. Relevant Links Disabled Journalists Association Twitter: Disabled Journalists Association LinkedIn: Disabled Journalists Association Instagram: Disabled Journalists Association Facebook: Cara Reedy website: Disabled Journalists Association website: Judy Heumann white paper at Ford on media: Learn about the inter-movement work between the Black Panthers and disability community:
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Not Dead Yet, Assisted Suicide, and Ongoing Disability Fights - Part 2 with Anita Cameron
07/25/2024
Not Dead Yet, Assisted Suicide, and Ongoing Disability Fights - Part 2 with Anita Cameron
Content warning: mentions of suicide, assisted suicide, and medical violence against people with disabilities. In this compelling episode of the You First podcast, hosts Maddie and Keith continue their in-depth interview with Anita Cameron, a prominent activist in the disability rights movement. They explore Anita's role at Not Dead Yet, focusing on their work against assisted suicide and their perspectives on medical discrimination and healthcare rationing affecting the disabled community. Anita shares personal stories, including a poignant account of their mother's struggle with assisted suicide pressures and her fight for proper healthcare. The discussion extends to the implications of assisted suicide laws in both the United States and Canada, highlighting the risks and biases involved. Anita ends by offering powerful advice for aspiring activists and emphasizes the importance of ongoing advocacy for disability rights. Lastly, we are up for a podcast award! Relevant Links Not Dead Yet: Diane Coleman’s article ‘Assisted Suicide and Disability: Another Perspective’: Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund’s Assisted Suicide Law Info: Canada’s Medicaid Assistance in Dying (MAID): Patients Rights Action Fund: Patient’s Rights Council:
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The History of ADAPT, Atlantis Community, and Disability Disobedience - Part 1 with Anita Cameron
07/11/2024
The History of ADAPT, Atlantis Community, and Disability Disobedience - Part 1 with Anita Cameron
On this episode of You First, we talk with the fantastic disability rights activist Anita Cameron. Anita was, and still is, a core reason why we have disability rights today. They were an early adopter of disability rights and justice advocacy and heavily involved and a leader of the organization ADAPT (known throughout the years as American Disabled for Accessible Public Transit or American Disabled for Attendant Programs), the Atlantis community, amongst many other pivotal leadership roles. Anita joins us today to share the history of the disability rights movement and their own stories, experiences, and wisdom as someone involved in disability activism for decades. Anita will tell us about their work in this field, different protests, and the disabled disobedience that got us the crucial laws and protections we have today. We had the pleasure of speaking with Anita for over 2 hours and decided to split this into two episodes. Lastly, we are up for a podcast award! Relevant Links Anita Cameron website: Anita Cameron’s Twitter: Dennis Schreiber: Disabled Americans Rally for Equality (DARE): ADAPT – American Disabled for Accessible Public Transit or American Disabled for Attendant Programs Today: Lighthouse for the Blind: Wade Blank – founder of ADAPT: Atlantis Community: and When You Remember Me movie: We will ride! – The Gang of 19: We Were There, Too: Blacks in the Disability Movement (coming soon – for info, follow Anita’s website or social media) Free Our People Micassa: Gwen Jackson – ADAPT: ADAPT history: Healthcare Policy and Finance and Colorado ADAPT relationship: Find your local ADAPT group:
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Long Covid & Grilled Cheese
06/28/2024
Long Covid & Grilled Cheese
In this unique episode of You First, hosts Maddie and Keith share a personal and insightful discussion about Long Covid and its effects on everyday life. Initially delayed due to Maddie's Long Covid flare-up, this episode takes a candid and casual approach to a serious topic, highlighting symptoms, the politicization of masking, and the ongoing pandemic. The conversation takes an unexpected yet comforting turn into the world of grilled cheese, exploring how this simple meal has served as a go-to comfort food during tough times. Tune in for both serious insights and light-hearted moments as the hosts navigate these intertwined subjects. Relevant Links
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Disability & Artificial Intelligence - with Lawrence Weru, Ariana Aboulafia, and Jennifer Gray
06/06/2024
Disability & Artificial Intelligence - with Lawrence Weru, Ariana Aboulafia, and Jennifer Gray
Today's episode features disability and artificial intelligence (AI) experts Larry Weru, Ariana Aboulafia, and Jennifer Gray. AI has been around for years, but things changed when OpenAI released ChatGPT. Since then, the news around AI has increased a lot. AI is more than just a chatbot responder; it can be used in many different ways. We talk with the guests about how AI impacts people with disabilities in their healthcare, education, and employment. The guests provide both intriguing and alarming information about the implications for people with disabilities. Relevant Links: Larry Weru’s bio: Jennifer Gray’s bio: New Disabled South: Ariana Aboulafia’s bio: Center for Democracy & Technology: New Disabled South’s Study on the Benefits and Challenges of Autonomous Workplace Technology on Disability Rights and Labor Rights: Center for Democracy & Technology’s Project on Disability Rights in Technology Policy: Automating Ableism (article): 99% of Fortune 500 companies use AI (article): A racist soap dispenser? Critical Theory and the non-neutrality of society (article):
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#CripTheVote and Voting Advocacy - with Andrew Pulrang and Gregg Beratan
05/23/2024
#CripTheVote and Voting Advocacy - with Andrew Pulrang and Gregg Beratan
This podcast episode features Andrew Pulrang and Gregg Beratan, prominent figures in disability advocacy and social change. Their pioneering initiative, #CripTheVote, created alongside Alice Wong, has been important in raising awareness about the political power of disabled citizens and sparking meaningful conversations about disability, politics, and activism. Through their efforts, Pulrang and Beratan have used social media to foster a continuous online space that acts as a living archive for disability voting and civic engagement work. Our conversation also considers and discusses concerns and hesitancy around voting, especially for people with disabilities. We discuss the different approaches and why voting can be an effective way for people with disabilities to advocate for themselves. Relevant Links Follow Andrew Pulrang on Twitter: Follow Gregg Beratan on Twitter: Disability Rights Florida Voting Resources: Access the Vote Florida: Rev Up Campaign through AAPD: Disability Victory: Detroit Disability Power: New Disabled South:
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History of the Mad Movement - with Vesper Moore
04/04/2024
History of the Mad Movement - with Vesper Moore
In this episode of You First, co-hosts Keith and Maddie speak with Indigenous activist and disability rights leader Vesper Moore about the Mad Movement, psychiatric survivorship, and envisioning a future of collective care. Vesper, deeply involved in mental health and disability rights activism, discusses their work in altering perceptions and legislation surrounding mental health both nationally and with international bodies. The conversation delves into the history of psychiatric survivor movements, the problematic nature of involuntary commitment, and the importance of community care over institutional care. Moore emphasizes the power of peer support and shares insights into the Kiva Centers, a peer respite group that offers an alternative to traditional psychiatric institutions. Furthermore, Vesper touches on their advocacy work against re-institutionalization and for more humane, community-focused approaches to mental health care, advocating for dialogue and solidarity within the disability rights movements. The episode concludes with a call for comprehensive community support systems and the significant role of peer-led initiatives in transforming mental health care. Content Warning: This conversation includes instances of ableism, saneism, racism, involuntary incarceration, and mentions violence against BIPOC, disabled people, and houseless folks. Discretion is advised. Relevant Links: Vesper Moore’s website: Bethlem/Bedlem Hospital: Lunatics' Friend Society: Rusk State Hospital Revolt: Drapetomania (YouTube video): Hiawatha Insane Asylum: Taíno people: Kiva Centers: CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out on the Streets): Bandelier National Monument Kivas:
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Global Disability Progress - with Rosangela Berman Bieler and Patricia Almeida
03/21/2024
Global Disability Progress - with Rosangela Berman Bieler and Patricia Almeida
In today's episode, we are joined by two international disability advocates, Rosangela Berman Bieler and Patricia Almeida. During our conversation, we discuss the importance and impact of global disability policy and rights work, including their work with the UN and UNICEF. They also discuss how other countries compare to the US regarding disability progress and inclusion, global accessibility initiatives, and the need for continued fighting for disability rights. Relevant Links
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Inclusive Disaster & Emergency Strategies - with Shaylin Sluzalis & Germán Parodi
03/07/2024
Inclusive Disaster & Emergency Strategies - with Shaylin Sluzalis & Germán Parodi
In this week's episode, co-hosts Keith and Maddie talk with The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies' Co-Directors Shaylin Sluzalis & Germán Parodi. The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies (The Partnership) is the only U.S. disability-led, 501(c)(3) organization that prioritizes equity, access, disability rights, disability justice, and full inclusion of people with disabilities, older adults, and people with access and functional needs before, during and after disasters and emergencies. We chat about how their work started, how Floridians with disabilities can stay safe during hurricanes, how other emergencies disproportionately impact disabled people, and resources to take precautions during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and flu season. Relevant resources: The Partnership’s website: Disaster hotline: 800-626-4959 [email protected] Weekly stakeholder call and events: The Partnership’s resources, including your rights during a disaster: Local weather alerts: Having a plan & emergency kit list: Find your local emergency management office and resources: Special Needs Registry Shelter: Disability Information and Access Line: or by phone 888-677-1199 Find your local Center for Independent Living: DRF vaccine clinics: DRF vaccine assistance: Masking bloc – local support groups, free masks, guidance, etc.:
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Disability Activism Through Art - with Jen White-Johnson
02/22/2024
Disability Activism Through Art - with Jen White-Johnson
In this episode of You First, we talk with Jen White-Johnson (she/they), a renowned artist, educator, and disability activist who uses the arts as a medium to champion the life, joy, and experiences of the disabled and neurodivergent community. Jen discusses their journey as someone diagnosed with ADHD later in life, the barriers for disabled Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) to getting a diagnosis, and the impact of their son being diagnosed with autism. They talk about the need for more disabled BIPOC representation in visual media, their efforts to bring disabled artists to the forefront, and how they work to deconstruct ableism in the classroom. Jen discusses their artwork that celebrates Disability Justice and celebrates Disability Joy through visual arts, digital design, zine-making, installations, and more. Episode 62 Relevant links mentioned:
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The ABCs of IEPs - with April Katine and Daysi Ortiz
02/08/2024
The ABCs of IEPs - with April Katine and Daysi Ortiz
Two Disability Rights Florida education advocates, April Katine and Daysi Ortiz, join Keith in education planning for students with disabilities. The three discuss the importance of individual education plans (IEPs) and transition planning and offer tips on how parents can more effectively find success throughout the process. Tune in to learn about the various services available under IEP, how to prepare for IEP meetings, the significance of periodic re-evaluations, the importance of maintaining written records, and how to best collaborate with your child's IEP team. Relevant links:
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Disability Inclusive Campaigning - with Neal Carter, Jess Moore Matthews, Sarah Blahovec, and Dom Kelly
01/25/2024
Disability Inclusive Campaigning - with Neal Carter, Jess Moore Matthews, Sarah Blahovec, and Dom Kelly
In this episode of You First, hosts Keith and Maddie talk with guests Neal Carter, Jess Moore Matthews, Sarah Blahovec, and Dom Kelly about disability-inclusive campaigning, strategies to reach disabled voters, and the significance of accessible elections. Today's episode is not about any specific candidates or voting laws. Instead, we focus on the broader culture of political campaigns, exploring why the disability community often feels excluded and what disabled organizers are doing to challenge this status quo. The discussion touches on the unique perspectives of our guests and their efforts to engage historically marginalized voters. Relevant Links:
/episode/index/show/disabilityrightsflorida/id/29635108
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Say the Word: Disability - with Lawrence Carter-Long, Damian Gregory, and Laura-Lee Minutello
01/11/2024
Say the Word: Disability - with Lawrence Carter-Long, Damian Gregory, and Laura-Lee Minutello
In this episode of You First, hosts Keith and Maddie discuss the impact of language on disability rights and inclusion with advocates Lawrence Carter-Long, Damian Gregory, and Laura-Lee Minutello. The conversation highlights the #SayTheWord disability campaign, personal experiences with disability-related language, government services, marketing, and legislation affecting the disability community. They discuss person-first versus identity-first language and how language influences societal perspectives and policy-making. They emphasize that people with disabilities are integral to society, and their considerations must be included in policy-making. Relevant links:
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Disability and LGBTQ+ History, Law, and Solidarity - Webinar Audio
12/19/2023
Disability and LGBTQ+ History, Law, and Solidarity - Webinar Audio
In this bonus episode, You First Podcast host Maddie talks with 5 guests about various legal and medical precedents that have led to the division between the disability and LGBTQ+ communities. The history between the LGBTQ+ community and the disability community is often at odds with each other. Historically, LGBTQ+ identities were viewed as mental illnesses, and many within the LGBTQ+ community rightfully rejected this. However, debility and harm from LGBTQ+ oppression and discrimination leading to worse health outcomes can cause disability. In fact, despite trans and non-binary people being explicitly listed within the ADA as unable to qualify for ADA protections, developing legal precedent finds that gender dysphoria can be considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act. There is much to unpack within these histories, and our guests will thoroughly explain how these communities have been pinned against each other. The guests will also speak to how these histories have led to the anti-LGBTQ+ and ableist legislation we are seeing today passed in Florida and across the country. We want to uplift the experiences of disabled & LGBTQ+ identifying people and discuss the often-unspoken history between these two communities as a way to regain power and comfort in these identities.
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Against Technoableism - with Ashley Shew and Mallory Kay Nelson
11/30/2023
Against Technoableism - with Ashley Shew and Mallory Kay Nelson
In this episode, guests Ashley Shew and Mallory Kay Nelson discuss the concept of technoableism, the history of disability and technology, and the importance of involving disabled people when developing new technologies. They highlight the challenges surrounding the definition of disability, the impact of assistive technology on people with disabilities, and the potential problems that may arise during its implementation, such as the pressure for disabled individuals to conform to an ableist standard. The episode also addresses accessibility, acceptance, and representation of disability in society, the media, and within disability communities. Relevant links from the episode: Ashley's book: Follow Ashley on social media: and Follow Mallory on social media: and
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Willowbrook and the Future of Disability Rights - with Dr. William Bronston and Marlene Sallo
11/16/2023
Willowbrook and the Future of Disability Rights - with Dr. William Bronston and Marlene Sallo
In this episode, co-hosts Maddie and Keith talk with Dr. William Bronston and Marlene Sallo about Willowbrook State School, its exposé, and its impact on the disability rights movement. The episode starts with our conversation with Dr. Bronston, a doctor who worked at Willowbrook and ultimately was vital in the lawsuit against New York State, ultimately officially closing the institution in 1987. He tells the insidious and harrowing story of abuse, violence, murder, and monetization of disabled folks warehoused at Willowbrook State School and what efforts he's currently involved in to advocate for healthcare for all and deinstitutionalization. Then, we hear from the National Disability Rights Network's Executive Director, Marlene Sallo, about the impact Willowbrook and the deinstitutionalization movement have had on the disability community and the ongoing fight for disability rights. Content Warning: strong language, explicit mentions of violence against and death of disabled people, institutionalization, medical trauma, and eugenics. The episode starts with Dr. Bill Bronston's interview, then we hear from Marlene Sallo starting at 1:28:10. Relevant links: Dr. Bronston's Book:
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Neurodiversity in the Legal Field - with AJ Link, Jalyn Radziminski, and Haley Moss
11/02/2023
Neurodiversity in the Legal Field - with AJ Link, Jalyn Radziminski, and Haley Moss
You First podcast co-hosts Keith and Maddie are joined by disability activists and legal scholars AJ Link, Jalyn Radziminski, and Haley Moss, who identify as neurodiverse and disabled. They shared their personal stories and insights about their experiences with law school, advocacy, careers, and more. The guests discussed how their unique perspectives benefit and challenge them in their work and highlighted areas of accessibility and inclusion that professionals and educators in the field may not be considering. They also offered advice to young, disabled, and neurodivergent individuals who may be interested in pursuing similar professions. and the
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Building Disabled & LGBTQ+ Community - with Beck DeTrempe
10/19/2023
Building Disabled & LGBTQ+ Community - with Beck DeTrempe
In this episode of You First, we chat with our friend Beck DeTrempe who is doing some awesome peer led community building in Florida. They founded Basically Wonderful, which is a grassroots organization run by Queer + Disabled folks in Orlando, Florida, USA. Their mission reads: Our hope is to create peer-led spaces for marginalized communities where folks are free to express themselves and build friendships with peers who have similar lived experiences. We are creating intentional spaces for both Disabled & LGBTQIA+ folks to commune and thrive in identity-driven spaces. We have a great conversation about the programming they offer, such as community spaces, book clubs, arts events, media clubs, and much more. We also discuss how they center Disability Justice, accessibility, accountability, and inclusion to provide community spaces that are inviting for all.
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Disability Is Not Scary!
10/05/2023
Disability Is Not Scary!
With one of their favorite holidays just around the corner, co-hosts Maddie and Keith delve into a serious discussion on using disability as a tool for instilling fear in others, all in the name of Halloween fun. From dressing up in offensive costumes to visiting eerie museums and reopened haunted institutions, the hosts explore how disability history and the disabled community have been intentionally disregarded in favor of a cheap thrill. Content warning: Mentions of violence against people with disabilities and BIPOC people, including colonialism, institutionalization, eugenics, incarceration, and slavery. References in episode:
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Podcasting with a Disability - with Emily Ladau and Kyle Khachadurian
09/21/2023
Podcasting with a Disability - with Emily Ladau and Kyle Khachadurian
On today's episode, we chat with the co-hosts of The Accessible Stall podcast, Emily Ladau and Kyle Khachadurian! These two disabled podcasting stars were some of the first podcasters with disabilities when they got their start in 2016. They are both strong advocates for disability, accessibility, and the power of story-telling. They join Keith and Maddie to discuss why they began podcasting, what accessibility considerations they make when producing a podcast, and much more. About the guests and their podcast: is a disability podcast hosted by and that keeps it real about issues within the disability community. Because we each have different disabilities and mobility levels, we approach everything we talk about with two unique viewpoints, offering our listeners a fresh insight into how differences in disability can color your experiences and perspectives. And we never shy away from offering our honest opinions. Even if they go against the grain of the disability community at large, we always speak our minds.
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Our Toolkit to Tackle Life’s Milestones - with Ann Siegel
08/03/2023
Our Toolkit to Tackle Life’s Milestones - with Ann Siegel
As we head back to school in a few weeks, we wanted to highlight our new Transition Toolkit. Transition is a term to describe when youth are moving into a new phase of life. Think about big transitioning moments in your life growing up: going to middle school, trying to get a job, or being able to vote. The Transition Toolkit has timely, helpful information regarding education plans, like IEPs or 504s, and things like self-advocacy, assistive technology, driver's licenses, and much more. It is accessible, easy to read, and offers youth and their supporters the information needed to plan for a successful future. Resources: Online Toolkit:
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Paving a Way Disabled in STEM - with Dr. Anita Marshall
07/20/2023
Paving a Way Disabled in STEM - with Dr. Anita Marshall
Guest Dr. Anita Marshall joins hosts Keith and Maddie to talk about her work to make STEM more accessible for students with disabilities. As someone who acquired a disability later in life, she realized how ableist and inaccessible higher education really was. Anita created the first-ever disability-accessible planetary geoscience field course and mentoring program, GeoSPACE, and is the Executive Director of The International Association for Geoscience Diversity. We discuss collective disability knowledge, debunk myths about academia, and gush about our love for universal accessibility. We hope you enjoy the episode! Show Notes and Resources:
/episode/index/show/disabilityrightsflorida/id/27486876