You First: The Disability Rights Florida Podcast

In this episode of You First, we talk to Disability Rights Florida's Olivia Babis and Tony DePalma to discuss the 2019 Florida Legislative Session. Olivia and Tony explore several key bills that were presented to the legislature, the outcome of those bills, and their impact on Floridians with disabilities. For more information about the 2019 Legislative Session, visit www.disabilityrightsflorida.org/legislation. 

In this episode of You First, our panel discusses the ins and outs of transitioning from one facility to another. First, we hear from Deborah Linton, Chief Executive Officer of The Arc of Florida, who provides an overview of the process and gives us some helpful resources. Next, Bonnie Carr, who, with her daughter Sara, went through the process of transitioning from one facility to another, tells us her story. Last, Kathy Clinton, who, with her son Tristan, also experienced the process of transitioning to a new facility, shares her story with us. Provider Search websites referenced in the podcast: Waiver Providers: https://flddresources.qlarant.com/ProviderSearch.aspx ICF/DD Providers: http://www.floridahealthfinder.gov/facilitylocator/ListFacilities.aspx  

In this episode of You First, we talk to Disability Rights Florida staff members Nately Alvarez and Lauren Eversole. Nately and Lauren explain what Extended School Year (ESY) is, who is eligible, and strategies to help parents of children in Special Education acquire appropriate ESY services.  

In this episode of You First, we talk to David Boyer, Director of Investigations at Disability Rights Florida, and Molly Paris, Assistant Director at Florida Lawyers Assistance. David and Molly discuss how prisoners with disabilities were not receiving the same access to programs and services that other prisoners were receiving, and what Disability Rights Florida did to remedy those oversights.

In this episode of You First, we talk to Barb Page and Lisa Kinser, two Senior Advocates at Disability Rights Florida that provide assistance for clients with service animal issues. Lisa and Barb discuss the different types of assistance a service animal can provide, what the laws are regarding housing and places of business, and taking your service animal on airlines and other forms of public transportation.

In this episode of You First, we talk to Selina O'Shannon and Nately Alvarez, two Advocates at Disability Rights Florida who specialize in Special Education cases. Selina and Nately provide a wonderful overview of special education in Florida, explain the differences between IEP Plans and 504 Plans, and offer a wide array of tips and tricks to help make parents' lives a little bit easier.

In this episode of You First, we talk to Judy Silverstein, Regional Special Needs Consultant at the Florida Department of Health, and Carol Stachurski, Program Operations Manager at Disability Rights Florida. Judy and Carol explain how Floridians with disabilities can best prepare for emergencies, including signing up with the Special Needs Registry, how Special Needs Shelters are different from conventional shelters, and more.  

In this episode of You First, we talk to Crystal Lilly, Director of Education and Training at Federation of Families of Central Florida, and Cameron Wood, Executive Director of the Peer Support Coalition of Florida. Crystal and Cameron discuss peer support programs, a natural extension of the recovery-oriented systems of care we discussed in Episode 7: The Right to Recovery. They also discuss the roles of Certified Recovery Peer Specialists, how you could become one, and be a part of the peer support movement.

In this episode of You First, we talk to Janniell Vazquez and Howard Bell of Disability Rights Florida. Janniell and Howard tell us about the Client Assistance Program (CAP), including information about who is eligible and what types of services can be provided. After listening, if you believe you could benefit from CAP, please contact us at 1-800-342-0823 or www.disabilityrightsflorida.org/intake.

In this episode of You First, we talk to Mark Miller of Interactive Accessibility. Mark uses anecdotes and analogies to energize our discussion of website and document accessibility, explaining why it is important to make sure your digital storefront is accessible and how you can ensure access to your websites, documents, and presentations for people using assistive technologies such as screen readers.

In this episode of You First, we talk to Dana Foglesong, Manager of Recovery and Resiliency Services at Magellan Complete Care, and Wesley Evans, Statewide Coordinator of Integration and Recovery Services at the Florida Department of Children and Families. Dana and Wesley talk about the Right to Recovery as described by Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care, a modern approach to treatment and recovery from mental illnesses and substance abuse.

This episode of You First focuses on ABLE United, a new savings and investment option for persons with disabilities in Florida. ABLE United Director John Finch tells us what an ABLE account is, how to get one, and how it affects your benefits and income.

This episode of You First features Mike McCreight, a young adult who was previously placed in a plenary guardianship but is now once again able to make his own decisions, and Mike's attorney, Amanda Heystek, who is Director of Systems Reform at Disability Rights Florida. We talk with Mike about the restrictive situation he was forced into, how Amanda was able to help Mike by replacing the guardianship with a supported decision-making contract, and how Mike’s life has changed since that time.

Our guests today include Barb Page, Natalie Alden, and Victor Panoff, Advocate-Investigators at Disability Rights Florida. They each tell us why they feel it is important for persons with disabilities to vote and discuss their past experiences when voting. The guests also give advice to new voters about how to handle any issues they might encounter.

In this episode, Bill Cowles, the Orange County Supervisor of Elections, explains the benefits of making a plan before going to the polls. From learning about the candidates to coordinating a ride, voters with disabilities should plan for the different tasks required to efficiently cast their ballot. With the election rapidly approaching, make sure you start planning now for how you're going to vote!

Floridians are entitled to resources and assistance when voting. In this episode, we interview Dana Farmer, PAVA Coordinator at Disability Rights Florida, who discusses the various services and resources available to voters. The information discussed should positively impact listeners’ turnout in the upcoming election by emphasizing the resources available for individuals to help them “access the vote.”

An in-depth interview with Michelle Bishop, the Protection and Advocacy for Voting Access (PAVA) representative with the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN), that will educate listeners about the importance of voting and general accessibility issues voters may face, as well as legislation and resources available to support voters with disabilities.

This is Disability Deep Dive, the reimagined podcast from Disability Rights Florida. You might remember us as You First, but we’re back with a new name, a new focus, and a new co-host! Join Keith Casebonne and Jodi Beckstine as they dive into the real stories and bold ideas shaping how we understand disability today. We’ll sit down with guests like, Kyle —an educator teaching disability through pop culture, talk with Katie from the Center for Genetics and Society about ethics and technology, and hear from Erin and Jillian at Mascots Matter, working to end ableist school mascots and change the message for future generations. Plus, every episode includes This Week’s Deep Cut, where we spotlight a film, book, or song that adds depth to the conversation. Find Disability Deep Dive wherever you get your podcasts and join us for honest, human conversations about justice, identity, and disability.