You First: The Disability Rights Florida Podcast

In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi are joined by Dr. Lisa Meeks, founder of the Docs with Disabilities Initiative. They explore how medical education can better support learners and clinicians with disabilities, discussing the initiative's origins, challenges faced by disabled learners, and practical steps for creating inclusive environments. They also examine the impact of disability representation on patient care and delve into a related TV show, The Pitt, highlighting a neurodivergent resident's approach to care. This episode underscores the importance of storytelling, policy transparency, and inclusive practices in transforming medical training and care. Docs with Disabilities Initiative: https://www.docswithdisabilities.org 

In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi explore the power of blind-led media with Aaron Richmond, creator of Aaron's Opinion podcast and YouTube channel. Aaron shares his motivations behind starting his podcast, the unique tagline “Help one person today, help one million people tomorrow,” and the importance of blind and disabled voices in media. The discussion touches on challenges in maintaining consistent content, building a community, and the role of media in shaping societal understanding of disabilities. The episode wraps up with a special deep cut featuring the music video Lift Me Up, celebrating Judy Heumann's legacy and showcasing accessible pop culture. Aaron’s Opinion on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aaronsopiniontv Life Me Up video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmr4H9NpTKk

In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi explore the intersections of school mascots, disability, and advocacy. They are joined by Erin Elswood and Jillian Curwin of Mascots Matter, who provide insights into the harm caused by ableist mascots in schools and their campaign to eliminate them. The conversation covers personal experiences, challenges faced, and the importance of storytelling in shifting perspectives. The episode also features a discussion on the children's book Little Imperfections: A Tall Tale of Growing Up Different, emphasizing the importance of embracing differences. Listen to learn more about the campaign, its successes, and the ongoing efforts to create inclusive school environments. Mascots Matter website: https://mascotsmatter.net/ Little Imperfections website: https://littleimperfectionsbook.com/

In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi explore the complex interplay between disability science, technology, and ethics with guest Katie Hasson, Associate Director at the Center for Genetics and Society. The conversation delves into the ethical concerns surrounding genetic technologies, the medical vs. social model of disability, and the risk of eugenics in current bioethical practices. Katie also highlights the Center's work in ensuring social justice and equity in biotechnologies, and emphasizing the importance of including disabled voices in policy discussions. The episode concludes with a discussion on the documentary 'Fixed: The Science/Fiction of Human Enhancement,' which examines the impact of biotechnology on the disabled community.

In this inaugural episode of our rebranded podcast, Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi introduce the new format and address the importance of discussing innovative ways to educate about disability through pop culture. Guest Kyle Romano, a professor at the University of South Florida, shares his experience teaching a unique course on disability and pop culture, sharing with us the impact of representation in media on public perceptions of disability. The episode also features a new segment, "This Week's Deep Cut," which spotlights the Hulu show Ramy for its authentic portrayal of disability through the character Steve Way, a disabled actor who brings genuine representation to the screen. The episode emphasizes the importance of real, lived experiences in shaping disability education and advocacy.

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!

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: Conscious Being Magazine Disability Review Magazine EmpowerEd: Using Real Case Examples to Look Deeper into IEP Management Disability Media Network

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: Dr. Anita Marshall's Website GeoSPACE Program The International Association for Geoscience Diversity

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

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: Routledge Companion to Disability and Media Representing Disability in an Ableist World: Essays on Mass Media The Fantasy of Disability: Images of Loss in Popular Culture Disability and Social Media: Global Perspectives Salon: Sia's directo

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-VO

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: https://linktr.ee/matthewcortland Data for Progress: https://www.dataforprogress.org Disability Rights program at the Ford Foundation: https://www.fordfoundation.org/work/challenging-inequality/disability-rights Disability Scoop article

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: https://nationalpartnership.org/ National Partnership for Women & Families social media: Twitter: https://x.com/npwf, or @npwf Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/npwf/, or @npwf Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalpartnership/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@npwf?lang=en, or @npwf Marissa's Twitter: @mditkowsky (https://x.com/mditk

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: https://x.com/discojourno Disabled Journalists Association LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/disabled-journalists-association Disabled Journalists Association Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disabledjournalists Disabled Journalists Association Facebook: https://www.facebook.com

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! Please vote for 'You First: The Disability Right

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! Please vote for 'You First: The Disability

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 Long COVID Basics (CDC) Living with Long COVID (CDC) Guidance on “Long COVID” as a Disability Under the ADA, Section 504, and Section 1557 Accommodating Employees with Covid-19 or Long Covid Penn Medicine Launches Region’s First Post-COVID-19 Neurological Care Clinic Long COVID-19: Symptoms and Stories National Institutes of Health: Long COVID MaskBloc.org: Mask

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: https://bit.ly/3x6hCUt Jennifer Gray’s bio: https://bit.ly/3KvALSQ New Disabled South: https://bit.ly/3HzJsdg Ariana Aboulafia’s bio: https://bit.ly/3KBv9X7 Center for Democracy & Technology: https://bit.ly/3RiYyJx New Disabled South’s Study on the Benefits and Challenges of Autonomous Workplace Technology on Disability Rights and Labor Rights: https://bit.ly/4bLRA8a Center for Democracy & Technology’s Projec

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: x.com/AndrewPulrang Follow Gregg Beratan on Twitter: x.com/GreggBeratan Disability Rights Florida Voting Resources: https://bit.ly/3UN9bp6 Access the Vote Florida: www.Acce

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 moveme