Podcasts about disability community

At seventeen, Chelsie Hill was a competitive dancer with her sights set on a career as a professional performer, until a car accident with a drunk driver left her paralyzed and changed everything overnight. Her first question to the doctor wasn't about walking again; it was whether she could still dance. On this episode of She Pivots, Chelsie talks about rebuilding her identity after the accident, the moment she decided to stop waiting for permission to chase her dream, and how she turned her own search for community into the Rollettes, a wheelchair dance team that's grown into one of the largest networks for women and girls with disabilities in the world. From performing in Kelly Clarkson's "Invincible" video to dancing at the opening ceremony of the Paris Paralympics, Chelsie shares how dance became the thing that carried her through the injury, marriage, motherhood, and building a space made for women like her from the ground up. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to She Pivots 00:46 Guest Intro: Chelsie Hill 08:48 The Fateful Car Accident 13:54 Adapting to a New Reality 25:06 The Birth of the Rollettes 31:34 Navigating Dance in LA 37:30 Meeting Her Husband 39:10 Navigating Pregnancy With a Spinal Cord Injury 45:00 Building a Community of Disabled Moms 46:36 The Rolettes Experience 47:27 Reflecting on Chelsie's Journey 48:18 Podcast Production Credits You can follow Chelsie on Instagram @chelsiehill, and the Rollettes at @rollettes_la. Check them out at their website www.rollettesdance.com. Happy National Dance Day, and Happy Spinal Cord Injury Awareness Month! Be sure to subscribe so you never miss a pivot story, leave us a rating (it really helps!), and share this episode with a woman in your life who you think needs a little inspiration. She Pivots is a podcast created by host Emily Tisch Sussman to highlight influential women voices, share stories of bold career moves, and inspire women with interviews about career reinvention and how personal pivots can redefine professional success. Join our Substack community! Subscribe here for exclusive content and to connect with other pivoters: shepivots.substack.com Learn more about the inspiring women in our pivoter community by following us on instagram @ShePivotsThePodcast, and check out our website shepivotspod.com for resources and updates. She Pivots is proud to be an iHeart podcast.Support the show: https://www.shepivotsthepodcast.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it really look like for the Church to make room for EVERY person in the Body of Christ? Not just make room for them to attend—but to belong, serve, lead, and use the gifts God has placed inside of them?Today on the Anchored by the Sword podcast, I'm sitting down with Nadia Ibrahim Mossberg, author of Divinely Disabled: A 30-Day Devotional to Discovering God's Heart for the Disability Community.Nadia was born with cerebral palsy, and as a teenager she wrestled deeply with the realization that her disability was going to be part of her life. Growing up, she didn't see many people with disabilities represented around her, and there were parts of that journey she carried quietly. But God used the joy and faith of a camp counselor to draw Nadia toward Him and begin showing her that her life had purpose.And what a purpose it has become.Nadia went on to spend 22 years working in federal policy, including positions with the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Department of Defense. Her own experiences navigating barriers to employment and independent living helped fuel her passion to advocate for other people with disabilities.In this conversation, we also talk honestly about another place where barriers still exist:The Church.Nadia shares about ableism, inaccessible spaces, misunderstanding disability, and even the spiritual harm that can happen when someone is told, “If you just had more faith, you would be healed.”We also talk about what inclusion can actually look like. Here's the thing—it doesn't always require a huge disability ministry, an enormous budget, or some complicated plan.Sometimes it looks like giving someone a ride.Inviting them to lunch.Making a Bible study accessible.Listening when someone tells you what they actually need instead of assuming you already know.And maybe most importantly, asking:“How do YOU want to serve?”Because people with disabilities are not simply people the Church is called to care for.They are part of the Church.They have spiritual gifts.They have callings.They have wisdom and experiences that the rest of the Body needs.Whether you are part of the disability community, love someone who is, serve in church leadership, or simply want to become better at loving the people God has placed around you, I truly believe this conversation will challenge you.And maybe that's exactly what we need.Bio:Nadia Ibrahim Mossburg, born with cerebral palsy, uses her degrees in English, journalism, and social work, as well as her experience as a senior advisor in disability policy, to improve disability policy at the national, state, and local levels. For over two decades, she has advocated for greater equity, better employment, emergency management, public health, and public transportation. Over more than three decades, she has also led Bible studies and served on many teams at her church. Nadia and her husband, Mathew, live in the Nashville area with their three cats and Watson, Nadia's third service dog, who is enjoying retirement.Anchor Verses:John 9: 1-7 Connect with Nadia: Instagram: divinelydisabledSubstack: https://divinelydisabled.substack.com/ LinkedIn: nadiaimossburg**And as always, if this episode challenges or encourages you, please rate and review Anchored by the Sword and SHARE this conversation. *****Anchored in His Promises Women's Workshop — November 14, 2026Join us for a powerful day of worship, encouragement, connection, and truth as we remind our hearts that God is faithful to every promise He makes. Anchored in His Promises is happening Saturday, November 14, from 9:00 AM–3:30 PM, featuring incredible speakers, practical teaching, and time to dig deeper into what it means to hold onto God's promises no matter what season you are in.Learn more and grab your ticket at Anchored in His Promises Women's Workshop

Edward Mitchell was a victim of a hit-and-run bicycle accident in 2003 when he was hit by a truck, thrown into a ditch, and found by his little brother. Edward has quadriplegia with an incomplete spinal cord injury at the C5 and C6 levels. Edward obtained his bachelor's degree in 2009 from Lane College, a private HBCU, and his MBA in 2011 from Union University. That hasn't slowed him down; he works as Executive Director of the Statewide Independent Living Council of Tennessee while serving on numerous boards. In 2018, Edward was selected as an inaugural ABLE Advisor for the Able National Resource Center. ABLE Accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities. In the summer of 2018, Edward was confirmed by the Republicans & Democrats of T.N. to testify before the Washington, D.C., Senate Special Committee on Aging. The hearing was titled, “Supporting Economic Stability & Self-Sufficiency as Americans with Disabilities ​and their Families.Timeline of the conversation.​01:00 Edward Mitchell's backstory.​01:41 What are Able Accounts?​04:51 Home and Community-Based Services and the Role it plays in the Disability Community.06:08 Disability Advocacy Organizations in TN: Disability Rights TN, Tennessee Disability Coalition, ARC TN, and Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities​08:24 Centers of Independent Living10:10 Statewide Independent Living Council11:50 Conclusion

Chaz Molder is a native son of Columbia, Tennessee. He graduated from Columbia Central High School, the University of Tennessee, and the University of Memphis Law School. He also served as his high school and college student body president. He was elected as the Mayor of Columbia, in 2018, becoming the youngest mayor in his city's 200+ year history. Since then, Chaz has delivered for his community, revitalizing downtown Columbia, investing in public safety, and prioritizing community engagement, all while passing seven balanced budgets without increasing property taxes. He knows what it takes to win in tough places — he's done it twice before. Now, Chaz is ready to win again and bring Tennessee values to Congress. Chaz is married to Elizabeth Fitzhugh, a Ripley, Tennessee native, and they are raising their three kids in Columbia.Timeline:01:52 Homage to Dolly Parton03:31 Chaz Molder's BioHis positions on:07:00 School Vouchers and Education10:00 HealthCare12:30 AI Data Centers14:32 Chaz Molder's support of the Disability Community and home and community-based services.17: Call to Action: #GOTV

We call our news highlight program Disability in MAGA Land. That's because, frankly, the news for people with disabilities these days is almost completely related to bad decisions by the right-wing Trump Administration. But sometimes… Sometimes, we see the world differently than many other lefty KPFA listeners and programmers. In this program for instance, we join Canadian conservatives to raise an alarm about a plan to enlarge those who are eligible for Physician Assisted Suicide. And, in another item, we see how disability rights can intersect with abortion rights in a peculiar way. Listen to these and other news highlights from the Disability Community. Tell us what you think at pushinglimits@kpfa.org   Produced by Eddie Ytuarte.  Hosted by Eddie Ytuarte and Adrienne Lauby. First Disability Pride March in New York City, {Photo courtesy of United Nations)       Sources and Other Information about today's stories: Program transcript coming soon. Disability Justice and Palestine https://uptonrebecca.substack.com/p/disability-justice-and-palestine Rebecca Upton recommends the following organizations to support and/or follow: HEAL Palestine The Atfaluna Society for Deaf Children Disability Divest Disability Justice for Palestine Collective Article Footnotes: Beutels, F., & Verhoeven, M. (2025). Contextualizing disability: Settler-colonial power and the production of impairment in Palestine. DiGeSt – Journal of Diversity and Gender Studies, 12(1). https://doi.org/10.21825/digest.95437 Goodarzi, H., Badri, T., & Javadzadeh, H. R. (2023). War, forced displacement, and lack of healthcare in the Gaza Strip. Trauma Monthly, 28(5), 945-946. doi.org/10.30491/tm.2023.427311.1665 Hamamra, B., Mahamid, F., & Mayaleh, A. (2025). Childhood under siege: Battling malnutrition, disease, and despair during genocide in Gaza. Journal of Health, Population and Nutrition, 44(1), 321. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41043-025-00321-y Sen, S., & Asi, Y. (2024). Coming to terms: Gaza and disability. Disability & Society. Advance online publication. doi.org/10.1002/nad.12187   Surrogate mother gives birth over “parents objection”  https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/aug/12/surrogate-mother-texas-gives-birth https://abc13.com/story/mckenna-west-surrogates-fight-parental-rights-dallas-could-discourage-surrogacy-use-texas-lawyers-say/19702274/   Canada May Allow Mentally Disabled People Medical Assistance To Die   https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/maid-mental-illness-canada-9.7240830 https://www.cbc.ca/news/health/maid-mental-disorder-committee-report-government-9.7238589   California Strengthens Hate Crime Protection https://thearcca.org/news-room/press-releases/ Photo from: https://www.pickpik.com/hospice-wrinkled-hand-elderly-old-senior-patient-110996 Trump Withholds Billions from California https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VKs61x5FxE https://healthlaw.org/news/californias-final-2026-2027-budget-delays-the-worst-medi-cal-cuts-but-still-harms-millions-of-californians/ Cat Training Helps Kids With Disabilities – and Their Cats  https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/16/14/2133 The post Disability In MAGA Land – August 21, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

In this "Community Spotlight Edition" of "Ask the Expert," Landy Thomas of SRNA spoke with Cindy Ranii about living with transverse myelitis (TM). Cindy described her diagnostic journey, rehabilitation, accessibility, and financial challenges [00:53]. She discussed returning to work briefly before retiring, emphasizing the importance of support, love, and community [08:51]. Cindy shared her path from wheelchair tennis to international wheelchair table tennis, and her pursuit of Paralympic qualification through point-based global competition [13:17]. She also discussed writing and self-publishing her book, Parakeet Races and Other Stories, inspired by family memories and her experience with TM [31:58].Cindy Ranii is a 79-year-old retired educator who lives with her wife Shelly and service dog Hollis in Santa Cruz, California. In 2005, her life changed drastically when she was diagnosed with transverse myelitis (TM). Within four days, she went from golfing, playing tennis, and working vigorously as the Superintendent of a local high school district to being a paraplegic (T-3 complete).Six months after her diagnosis she was back at work, using a wheelchair fulltime. Eighteen months later she decided to retire to have enough energy to enjoy her family (four children and 13 grandchildren) and to rebuild an active lifestyle. She competed in wheelchair tennis and then pursued table tennis with her eyes on the Paralympics. Currently she is training to compete in the 2028 LA Paralympics in wheelchair table tennis, saying, “My quest is to be the oldest Paralympian in history. It's a long shot; but why not!”Cindy has written numerous articles regarding living with a disability for New Mobility Magazine and authored a memoir, Parakeet Races and Other Stories, which is available through Amazon: https://rebrand.ly/cindy-ranii 00:00 Welcome00:53 Cindy's Diagnosis Overview01:37 Early Symptoms and ER Rush06:07 Hospital Transfer and TM Diagnosis08:51 Rehab Reality and New Life11:27 Accessibility Costs and Support13:17 Paralympic Table Tennis Quest17:52 Disability Community and Pride20:25 Finding Resilience Through Sport22:34 Mentors and New Athletic Path28:27 Work Return Then Retirement31:58 Writing Her Memoir37:09 Closing Reflections

Cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme are the largest source of savings in the federal budget, leaving many in the disability community angry and anxious about what's to come. The details of which participants will lose their supports, and whether state governments will fill those gaps, are still being worked out. - Крупнейшим источником экономии в федеральном бюджете стали сокращения в рамках Национальной схемы страхования людей с инвалидностью (NDIS). Эта мера вызвала негативную реакцию у многих людей с инвалидностью. Еще одним объявлением в рамках бюджета стало выделение 1.2 млрд долларов в общины Коренных народов и программу «Сокращение разрыва» в течение пяти лет.

Cuts to the National Disability Insurance Scheme are the largest source of savings in the federal budget, leaving many in the disability community angry and anxious about what's to come. The details of which participants will lose their supports, and whether state governments will fill those gaps, are still being worked out.

April 6, 2026- We explore how the governor's budget proposal might impact New Yorker's with disabilities with Michael Seereiter, president and CEO of the New York Alliance for Inclusion and Innovation.

The Illuminate Market this weekend brings together market stalls, food trucks, creative workshops, free live performances and fun family activities. 

This week on Vision New England's Church in Action, we talk with Mary Swank from Valley Community Baptist Church about how churches can love their communities through disability ministry, foster care, and local partnerships. Be inspired by what God is doing through ordinary faithfulness—listen now!Follow Us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visionnewenglandFacebook: https://facebook.com/visionnewenglandWebsite: https://www.visionnewengland.org

In this 65th episode the Triple Vision Team tackles the complicated issue of Medical Assistance in Dying, or MAID. In 2021 Canada's parliament revised its MAID legislation to allow for MAID in circumstances other than a death being foreseeable and imminent. As a result, MAID is now available to Canadians who have a "grievous and irremediable medical condition", which can include a serious and incurable illness, disease, or disability. This change has opened the doors to many ethical discussions about possible implications for the disability community. We invite Dr. Mahadeo Sukhai into a conversation about this. Mahadeo is well qualified on this topic as Chief Operating Officer of IDEA - STEM, an organization which focuses on accessibility and inclusion of persons with disabilities in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and health care. He is also an Adjunct professor in the School of Medicine ophthalmology at Queen's University, as well as faculty in the Business Administration Technology program at Ontario Tech University, and in Inclusive Design at OCAD University."If we believe, in the disability community, that we have a right to oversight of our own bodies, then we have to acknowledge that if someone's been given all of the information they need and this is a choice that they choose to make, we as a disability community can't object. We can say, are we sure that there's been appropriate levels of information provided. We can say, are we sure that there's been appropriate consideration for all of the barriers and how those barriers exist and how those barriers play into lived experience. But ultimately, if we're sure the person is making a choice, and its their choice to have made, we can argue with the outcome of the choice, because it might not be what we would choose, but we can't necessarily argue with the fact that they have the choice."

Recording artist and musician Lachi dropped a new book earlier this year entitled “I Identify as Blind: A Brazen Celebration of Disability Culture, Identity, and Power.”   Host Jacob Shymanksi catches up with Lachi to chat about her journey with disability culture, identity and accessibility.   This episode was produced by Andrika De Lanerolle.   Note: Audio excerpted with permission of Penguin Random House Audio from I IDENTIFY AS BLIND by Lachi, excerpt read by the author. Lachi ℗ 2026 Penguin Random House, LLC. All rights reserved. Audiobook Café is broadcast on AMI-audio in Canada and publishes two new podcast episodes a week on Fridays and Saturdays at 1 p.m. ET. Follow Audiobook Café on Instagram @AMIAudiobookCafe We want your feedback!Be that comments, suggestions, hot-takes, audiobook recommendations or reviews of your own… hit us up! Our email address is: AudiobookCafe@ami.ca About AMIAMI is a media company that entertains, informs and empowers Canadians with disabilities through three broadcast services — AMI-tv and AMI-audio in English and AMI-télé in French — and streaming platform AMI+. Our vision is to establish AMI as a leader in the offering of accessible content, providing a voice for Canadians with disabilities through authentic storytelling, representation and positive portrayal. To learn more visit AMI.ca and AMItele.ca.Find more great AMI Original Content on AMI+Learn more at AMI.caConnect with Accessible Media Inc. online:X /Twitter @AccessibleMediaInstagram @AccessibleMediaInc / @AMI-audioFacebook at @AccessibleMediaIncTikTok @AccessibleMediaInc Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this epsiode I chat with Heather Henderson, a disability advocate from Columbia, TNTimeline:1:00 Introduction2:30 Information and Misinformation4:30 Learning the Systems that support the Disability Community.9:00 Advocacy: Proactive (planning) vs Reactive?12:00 Unapologetic Advocacy14:00 Accountability from Systems that serve the Disability Community14:30 : What is on the Horizon for Heather in 202616:30 Heather, beginning in Architecture and Design - Her mentor, Steve Jacobs.18:00 Resources that ACTUALLY serve the Disability Community. 21:51 Rural vs Urban Needs23:00 Listening to families - Stakeholder vs End User.27:00 Thinking about UNIVERSAL design before houses are built30:30 Resurfacing of Derogatory Terms aimed at the Disability community.31:00 Words of Encouragement and Conclusion.

#realconversations #amputee #soccer #Wisconsin #WorldCup#coach #adoption #Hoosiers #disabilityCONVERSATIONS WITH CALVIN WE THE SPECIES hosted by CalvinSchwartzMeet SCOTT MARTIN; “I knew some of Scott Martin's backgroundfrom my research. Sometimes you have pre-conceived notions and expectations.Scott lost his arms and legs to a flesh-eating disease. He was a verysuccessful soccer player and coach. He's back to coaching and wrote a memoir,‘Play from Your Heart: A Journey Through Loss, Resilience and the BeautifulGame.' Scott is gracious, warm, effusive, and eloquent. And brilliant. Andwondrously human. We bonded. We share adoption in our lives. I have a son. Scotthas five children. Scott's life journey is a movie to be made. This was aprecious and powerful interview. I like to insert words. Ethiopia. Romania.Amputee. World Cup soccer. The movie Hoosiers. Depression and a brick wall.Malpractice. Enough said. Scott Martin will make your day. He made mine.”  Calvinhttps://www.youtube.com/c/ConversationswithCalvinWetheSpecIEs700 Interviews/Videos  9200 SUBSCRIBERSGLOBAL Reach. Earth Life. Amazing People.  PLEASE SUBSCRIBE **SCOTT MARTIN; Soccer Coach; Educator; Advocate forDisability Community; Author, Play from Your Heart' (memoir); LIVE fromWisconsinYouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R9XITRzyRcBIO: Scott Martin is an award-winning soccer coach,educator, and advocate for the disability community. Holding an advancednational coaching license, he has spent over 30 years coaching at the selectyouth, high school, and college levels, earning Coach of the Year honors fourtimes and leading multiple teams to state championships. His expertise hasconnected him with top coaches in the U.S. and internationally.Beyond the field, Martin is a dedicated educator inWisconsin and the host of the Life's a Road Trip podcast, where he highlightsstories of resilience and disability advocacy. After surviving alife-threatening illness that led to the loss of his hands and feet, he becamea powerful voice for amputee abilities and prosthetic advancements. Hiscontributions to research at the University of Washington and Johns HopkinsUniversity have helped shape innovations in the field.Recognized for his advocacy, Martin serves as a GlobalAdvisor for Billion Strong, a worldwide disability organization. His journeyhas been featured in Chicken Soup for the Soul: The Power of Positive, and heis the author of Play from Your Heart (Library Tales Publishing), a memoir thatchronicles his remarkable path of perseverance, reinvention, and the unwaveringspirit that has guided him forward.LINK: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-martin-lifesaroadtrip/**WE ARE ALSO ON AUDIOAUDIO “Conversations with Calvin; WE the SpecIEs”ANCHOR https://lnkd.in/g4jcUPqSPOTIFY https://lnkd.in/ghuMFeCAPPLE PODCASTSBREAKER https://lnkd.in/g62StzJGOOGLE PODCASTS https://lnkd.in/gpd3XfMPOCKET CASTS https://pca.st/bmjmzaitRADIO PUBLIC https://lnkd.in/gxueFZw  

Nieta Greene is the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Disability Community for Democracy, Inc., an organization focused on safeguarding the rights of individuals within the disability community and providing a platform for political engagement founded on intersectional disability justice. She is a resilient and proud Disabled Puerto Rican, Black, gender non-conforming, gay woman. Nieta openly champions her identity as she advocates for inclusivity and belonging on behalf of those unable to voice their concerns. During this episode, Nieta talks about: Her experience growing up with multiple disabilities in the 1980s, and becoming involved in disability and LGBTQ+ advocacy  Founding Disability Community for Democracy, Inc. after the 2024 U.S. election Systemic challenges that disabled people face in the United States (employment, healthcare, housing, etc.) and how politics impacts those challenges  The importance of coalition building How to increase the disability community's political power in the United States Learn more about Nieta and Disability Community for Democracy at DisabilityCommunityForDemocracy.org, subscribe to Nieta's Substack Nothing About Us Without Us and find social media and other links on Linktree. Contribute to Carolyn's tip jar to support the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast's disability advocacy. Watch the video of this interview on YouTube. Read the episode transcript. Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player. Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes. *Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Virginia disability advocates will ask for additional funds they say governor Glenn Youngkin failed to include in his outgoing budget. And a federal judge may affirm that need at a hearing Wednesday. Brad Kutner has this report.

This is the inspiring and emotional story of what can happen when a disability community comes together to use their voice for change. Through following the Colorado state legislation, HB25-1017 (Community Integration Plan for Individuals with Disabilities), this documentary features the voices of local changemakers with disabilities and allies in leadership. With lived experiences at the front-and-center, this community will motivate you to be the change you want to see!

Hear Esra, 17, in Vermont and Rachel, 20, in Tennessee share how a particular organization has had a positive impact on each of their lives. Esra explains how volunteering and then working in an elder daycare program has allowed her to build intergenerational connections, and Rachel describes how her own sense of belonging and purpose as a teenager were nurtured by volunteering in a program to support adults with disabilities. Each episode in this season features teens and twentysomethings from the 2025 Springtide Ambassadors Program reflecting on their experiences and ideas with organizational involvement. Throughout six episodes, hear 12 different young people from across the US in conversation with one another and with Marte Aboagye, the Head of Engagement at Springtide Research Institute. You can find the latest Springtide research and resources, covering young people ages 13 to 25, at springtideresearch.org 

What started as an idea born from personal experience has become a movement. The founders of Dateability, a dating app designed for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses, join Morgan to talk about their journey, from navigating health challenges to creating a space where everyone can experience love without stigma. They share what it means to choose joy, how their platform is changing lives, and the exciting milestone of Dateability’s first wedding in 2026.

What started as an idea born from personal experience has become a movement. The founders of Dateability, a dating app designed for people with disabilities and chronic illnesses, join Morgan to talk about their journey, from navigating health challenges to creating a space where everyone can experience love without stigma. They share what it means to choose joy, how their platform is changing lives, and the exciting milestone of Dateability’s first wedding in 2026.

On this episode of Wednesdays with Wheels, I'm joined by my good friend Heather, who's a strong voice in the disability community. We're talking about something that's hitting way too close to home lately—New York State's CdPAP program. This program was supposed to help folks with disabilities get the in-home care they need to live independently, but now the state is making it harder than ever to access.Heather breaks it all down: what's changed, why it's such a problem, and how it's affecting both the people who need care and the caregivers who help them live full, independent lives. It's a conversation we need to be having.If you or someone you love relies on this kind of support, or if you just want to understand what's really going on, tune in—you won't want to miss this one.

In this week's episode I sat down with Mark Povinelli. Mark is an activist as well as an actor on stage and screen. He is currently portraying Benjamin Lay, shepherd, sailor, revolutionary, the British Empire's first revolutionary abolitionist, and someone whose story for too long has not been told, in the Off-Broadway production of The Return of Benjamin Lay. We discuss who Benjamin Lay was, how this show came to be, the importance of telling this story at this time, much more. Join The Patreon: Click Here Get your tickets to see The Return Of Benjamin Lay (Use the discount code"LPA"): Here Follow The Return Of Benjamin Lay Play: Instagram: @benlayplay Follow Mark: Instagram: @markpovinelli IMDb: Mark Povinelli Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires: Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/ United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/ Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin

In this week's episode I sat down with Rachel Wherley, Erin Elswood, and Shelby Holloway, the co-directors of the Mascots Matter campaign. Mascots Matter is an independent grassroots advocacy initiative calling for the retirement of offensive disability mascots. We discuss the origins of the “m” slur and its continued, harmful use through to present day, the founding of Mascots Matter and its advocacy efforts thus far, why discriminatory disability mascots are not just a local issue and much more. For reference, this conversation was recorded on March 18, 2025. Also, the “m”-slur will be used in context when explaining it as a slur as well as referring to these mascots. It is important to note that neither myself nor my guests condone the use of this word nor is it a part of our vocabularies. Follow And Support Mascots Matter: Website: https://mascotsmatter.net Donate Here Instagram: @mascotsmatter Facebook: Mascots Matter Follow Rachel: Instagram: @thatlittlemom TikTok: @thatlittlemom Follow Erin: Instagram: @erinkaseyhughes Follow Shelby: Instagram: @shelbyhollowayy TikTok: @shelby_holloway Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin

In this week's episode I sat down with Melanie Waldman. Melanie is a multi-award-winning filmmaker with the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, a member of SAG-AFTRA, an on-air talent member at QVC, host of the Disability Reality Podcast (which, yours truly, will be making an appearance on very soon talking all things on Bravo), and she STILL somehow finds time to teach adaptive yoga to the disability community & beyond! We discuss disability as a collective and the healing power of connection within, turning adversity into joy, the opportunities that arise from authenticity and much, much more. Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires: Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/ United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/ Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf Follow Melanie: Instagram: @whereswaldman TikTok: @whereswaldman Listen to Disability Reality Podcast: Spotify Apple Podcasts Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin

In this week's episode it is just me and the microphone as I sit down to answer your questions about my ongoing surgery recovery journey, healing in a world that was not necessarily designed for me, ending the chapter that was my twenties and preparing to enter the chapter that will be my thirties. Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires: Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/ United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/ Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin

In this episode I sat down with Violet aka hi its vi. Violet is a disability advocate, filmmaker, and content creator with almost 100 thousand followers on TikTok. Violet's advocacy focuses on the representation of people with dwarfism in the media. For context, we recorded this episode on February 3rd following remarks made by the President and the media about people with dwarfism. This is a conversation unpacking how society perceives, acts toward, and talks about people with dwarfism as well as the relationship between disability organizations and politics. Trigger warning for harmful rhetoric. Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires: Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/ United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/ Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf   Follow Violet: TikTok: @hi.itsvi Instagram: @hello.itsvi Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin

Episode Title: The Unseen Struggles and Solutions for the Disability Community with Devon Wieters   In this episode, I sit down with the passionate and inspiring Devon Wieters, a survivor with cerebral palsy and an advocate for the disability community.   Devon shares powerful insights into his personal journey and sheds light on the complex challenges faced by people with disabilities, particularly surrounding Medicaid and societal misconceptions.   Here's what you can expect from this conversation:   ✅ Medicaid Waivers Demystified – Discover the often-overlooked aspects of Medicaid waivers, including how current policies can hinder the independence of those with disabilities. ✅ The Marriage and Income Penalty – Devon explains how current laws prevent many people with disabilities from achieving both financial independence and the ability to marry. ✅ Misconceptions About Disabilities – From romantic relationships to mental health, Devon challenges common stereotypes and provides a new perspective on the lives of people with physical disabilities. ✅ Advocacy and Action – Learn how you can support legislation like the SSI Restoration Act and the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act, crucial steps toward reforming disability services. ✅ A Personal Touch – Hear from Devon about the importance of helping others, a message that resonates deeply with us all.  

In this week's episode I sat down with Keely Cat-Wells. Keely, a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and Presidential Leadership Scholar, has been a dedicated advocate for disability rights since becoming Disabled in her teens. She is the CEO of Making Space, a talent acquisition and learning platform and co-founded Making Space Media, producing content that centers Disabled voices. We discuss investing in disability, the success of creating pipelines to companies such as NBC, Indeed, and Hello Sunshine, making outer space accessible and much, much more. This episode was recorded before the LA fires. Learn more about and support the Mascots Matter Campaign using the link here: https://bit.ly/4h6XN16 Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires: Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/ United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/ Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf Follow Keely: Instagram: @keely_cat_wells LinkedIn: Keely Cat-Wells Website: https://keelycatwells.com/ Follow Making Space and Making Space Media: Instagram: @_making_space__ , @_making_space_media Website: https://www.making-space.com/   Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin

In this week's episode I sat down with Julia Métraux. Julia is Mother Jones' disability reporter, where she covers disability, chronic illness and mental health as it relates to politics. Her experience is influenced by her lived experience with vasculitis, a TBI, ME/CFS and hearing loss. We discuss what it means to be a disability reporter, how reporting on disability has evolved over time, issues and stories she is looking out for in the upcoming administration and much, much more. Follow Julia: Instagram: @julia.metraux BlueSky: @metrauxjulia Newsletter: Julia Métraux Website: https://juliasmetraux.journoportfolio.com Mother Jones: Julia Métraux Mentioned Articles: The New Yorker Business Insider Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires: Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/ United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/ Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin

In this week's episode I sat down with Marissa Bode. Marissa is an artist and actor who made history in her feature-film debut as Nessarose in the film Wicked, being the first actor that is also a wheelchair user to play the part. We discuss her audition process, what Nessa means to her, the importance of seeing disabled characters authentically portrayed on screen and stage and much, much more. And yes, there will be spoilers. Follow Marissa: Instagram: @marissa_edob TikTok: @marissa_edob YouTube: Marissa Bohdee   Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin

Individuals with disabilities often encounter significant hurdles in accessing quality healthcare due to limited accessibility options and a scarcity of available services. In this episode of Parenting Impossible, I address the challenges individuals with disabilities face in accessing quality healthcare, including limited services and barriers like Medicaid restrictions. I advocate for policy changes to enhance resources and emphasize the importance of building community to share experiences and solutions. By shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance, focusing on strengths, and setting personalized goals, individuals can better navigate these hurdles. I also highlight the value of education, online resources, and mindfulness in creating a supportive network that fosters growth and advocacy. In this episode, you will hear: Why advocating for policy changes is crucial to increase accessibility and support. How to shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset when setting goals. The importance of individualized planning for individuals with disabilities. Why building a community is important in supporting individuals with disabilities.   Engage with us: Join our community: Circle of Care Visit:  https://annettehines.com Read Butterflies and Second Chances LinkedIn: @annette-hines-snc  Instagram: @parentingimpossible Facebook: @SpecialNeedsCompanies Twitter: @SpecialNeedsCo   Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.  

Send us a textSpeech is something many of us take for granted, but for millions in the disability community, it can be a daily source of struggle and frustration.Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools, such as sign language, are essential for those with speech disabilities to communicate. What if technology could help give a voice to those in need?In this episode of HealthBiz Briefs, Dougal Hawes, CEO of Smartbox Assistive Technology, explores how their AAC technology is empowering individuals with speech difficulties to communicate and live more independently.This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/caretalk and get on your way to being your best self.As a BetterHelp affiliate, we may receive compensation from BetterHelp if you purchase products or services through the links provided.

I'm back! After a brief hiatus I am back on the microphone to catch you all up on what has happened in the too many minutes that we've been apart. I share how my recovery has been going, talking about the ups, the downs, the moments of joy, of frustration, and everything in between, before sharing what my plans are for the future of Always Looking Up as we head into the new year. Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin

Join me for one of my show's most inspiring interviews yet with the incredible Ali Ingersoll, whose life took a dramatic turn after a diving accident left her a C6 quadriplegic. Ali shares her adventurous pre-accident life, her harrowing recovery journey, and her inspiring work as a disability rights advocate. Most importantly though, she shares why victimhood is a choice and how we can use the power of perspective and taking responsibility for ourselves as the key to changing our lives for the better - no matter the adversity that we face. Get ready to laugh, tear up and be beyond inspired by the incredible, Ali Ingersoll.  Learn more about Ali and connect with her here: https://aliingersoll.com/  CLICK HERE to ORDER Kate's book "Okay. Now What?" - How to Be Resilient When Life Gets Tough. Want to download a free chapter of my book to give it a read first? CLICK HERE. Want to Kate to speak at your event or workplace? Visit https:https://www.kategladdin.com/ Check out Kate's personalised life coaching programs: https://www.kategladdin.com/coaching    Introduction to the Episode (00:00:00)   Kate Gladdin introduces episode 18 and welcomes guest Ali Ingersoll. Ali's Colorful Background (00:01:06)   Ali shares her unique upbringing and experiences traveling around the world. Moving to China (00:03:37)   Ali discusses her spontaneous move to China and experiences there. Life-Changing Accident (00:06:53)   Ali recounts the shallow water diving accident that left her paralyzed. Initial Recovery Challenges (00:07:50)   Ali describes her recovery journey, including medical challenges and surgeries. Struggles and Resilience (00:08:36)   She shares her ongoing struggles, including health issues and mental health challenges. Connecting with the Disability Community (00:11:17)   Ali explains how connecting with the disability community changed her life. Advocacy Work (00:12:13)   Ali discusses her advocacy efforts for health equity and disability rights. Navigating Personal Life (00:12:27)   Ali talks about her dating life and the intersection of personal experiences with advocacy. Combining Advocacy and Business (00:13:56)   Ali shares her journey to becoming a disability strategy consultant and speaker.  Conclusion of Ali's Journey (00:15:14)   Kate reflects on Ali's inspiring journey and the lessons learned along the way. Ali's Surgery Experience (00:16:45)   Ali describes a failed surgery and the emotional impact of her recovery journey. Finding Community (00:17:44)   Ali shares how connecting with others on Facebook helped her feel less isolated during recovery. The Importance of Support (00:18:27)   Ali emphasizes the need for community support and understanding from those who have shared similar experiences. Choosing Empowerment (00:19:10)   They discuss the significance of choosing to empower oneself instead of adopting a victim mentality. Belief Systems and Life's Challenges (00:19:25)   Ali reflects on whether everything happens for a reason, emphasizing personal interpretation of life's events. Mentorship and Listening (00:21:00)   Ali talks about mentoring women with similar experiences and the importance of listening to their needs. Processing Grief and Loss (00:22:09)   The speakers discuss the complexities of grief and how personal experiences shape their perspectives. Life's Unexpected Paths (00:24:11)   Ali considers how her life would have been different without her accident but finds meaning in her current path. Redefining Happiness (00:24:39)   Ali's TED talk focuses on the concept of "happy enough" and the societal pressures surrounding happiness. Taking Responsibility (00:25:33)   Discussion on taking 100% responsibility for one's life and the impact of mindset on personal growth. Emotional Hostage Situations (00:28:24)   Ali describes how negative thoughts can trap individuals in their own lives, hindering progress. Humor in Difficult Times (00:31:22)   The importance of humor and light-heartedness in coping with serious life challenges is highlighted. Legacy and Impact (00:32:32)   Ali expresses her desire to leave a legacy that positively impacts others rather than focusing solely on personal achievements. Social Media and Doomscrolling (00:33:06)   Ali discusses her use of social media, including a phase of doomscrolling. Happiness vs. Purpose (00:33:27)   Kate reflects on the difference between external validation and finding internal peace after loss. Hope Among Holocaust Survivors (00:34:24)   Ali shares insights from studies on Holocaust survivors and the power of hope during adversity. Altruism and Selfishness (00:35:11)   The speakers debate whether altruism is selfish if it benefits both the giver and receiver. Finding Meaning in Grief (00:36:07)   Kate explains how her sister's death led her to seek underlying problems and create a charity. Risk Assessment in Adventure (00:37:40)   Ali describes her approach to risky activities, emphasizing research and acceptance of consequences. Cultural Differences in Grief (00:38:01)   The conversation touches on varying beliefs about death and how they influence behavior. The Power of Perspective (00:40:19)   Kate shares a story about a farmer illustrating the unpredictability of life events and responses. Curiosity as a Life Principle (00:41:06)   Ali encourages being insatiably curious and learning from diverse experiences and conversations. Friendship Dynamics (00:41:47)   The speakers discuss the unrealistic expectation of finding everything in one friend. The Importance of Resilience (00:42:31)   Kate emphasizes the choice between being a victim of circumstances and maintaining resilience. Connecting with Ali Online (00:43:19)   Ali shares her blog and website for listeners to connect with her and her work.

Our guest this week is Chris Hunter of Orlando, FL a father and grandfather, who has devoted much of his career to serving families with special needs, to help plan their financial future.  Chris and his wife, Jane, have been married for 40 years and are the proud parents of an adult daughter and four grandchildren. Chris is from Canada.  He has a civil engineering degree from New Brunswick University and a MBA from York University.  For 15 years, Chris worked for LafargeHolcim as a professional engineer.  The next 15 years he worked as a financial advisor for Merrill Lynch.  Since 2009 he has been a financial advisor, vice president & investment officer at Wells Fargo Advisors.Chris has been very intentional about serving families touched by disability in a way that separates him from most of the advisor community. His is story of compassion and care.  And we'll hear his story on this week's episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show LinksPhone – (407) 592-4939Email - Chris.Hunter@wellsfargoadvisors.comLinkedIn -  https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrishunterorlando/Website - https://fa.wellsfargoadvisors.com/chris-hunter/Special Fathers Network - SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  

In this special episode Jillian sat down with Ariella Elm. Ariella is a content creator on TikTok who covers politics, local and global news. With Election Day just around the corner we discuss voting and accessibility and making sure that disabled voices are heard and disabled votes are counted. Election Resources: https://vote.gov https://www.ada.gov Find Out How to Vote in Your State - AAPD Follow Ariella: TikTok: @ariellaelm Instagram: ariella.elm Threads: @ariella.elm Twitter/X: @AriellaElm YouTube: Ariella Elm Substack: https://ariellaelm.substack.com  Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin

In this special episode it is just me and the microphone as I share a little life update as I will be having surgery in the matter of days which means the podcast will be on a bit of hiatus. I then discuss what it has been like to live and exist in my body during this time, the impact it has had on my physical, mental, emotional, and social health before looking ahead to the future, talking about what I'm looking forward to and working towards. Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin

In this week's episode I sat down with Steven Verdile. Steven is the founder of Squeaky Wheel Media, a nonprofit organization that empowers disabled writers to use humor to combat ableism, and the first-ever satire publication focused on disability. We discuss the ways in which traditional comedy spaces are inaccessible, why it was so important to build a team of writers with voices that are authentic and genuine, how The Squeaky Wheel consistently finds the right balance of laughter and reality, and much, much more. Follow Steven: Instagram: @sillyverdile Twitter: @StevenVerdile Website: https://www.stevenverdile.com Follow The Squeaky Wheel: Instagram: @thesqkywheel Website: https://thesqueakywheel.org Facebook: The Squeaky Wheel Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.

In this week's episode I sat down with Sophia Herzog Gibb. Sophia is a two-time medal-winning Paralympian, having competed as a swimmer in the 2016 and 2020 Paralympic Games in Rio and Tokyo. She is now joining NBC as a contributor covering the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. We discuss the excitement and media coverage surrounding this year's Paralympics, important language you need to know, how she prepared to take on this role, what it means to her to be the first little person commentator at NBC, and much, much more. Follow Sophia: Instagram: @sophiaherzog Twitter: @SophiaHerzog Follow Team USA: Instagram: @teamusa TikTok: @teamusa Twitter/X: @TeamUSA YouTube: Team USA  Website: https://www.teamusa.com Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.

Dave Recaps the Abilities Expo in Houston for the GSS Show.  What is the greatest trade show for the Disability Community? The Abilities Expo of course! Dave Stevens recaps the Houston show with some amazing new products that can change the lives of many with seen and unseen disabilities. Check out the show! Brought to you by Serendipity Yacht Cruises and Events and Your Home TV and All Wheels Up www.yourhometv.com www.sycruises.com www.allwheelsup.org

In this week's episode I sat down with Tiffany Yu. Tiffany is the CEO & Founder of Diversability, an award-winning social enterprise to elevate disability pride, the Founder of the Awesome Foundation Disability Chapter, and the author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Smashing Stereotypes, Forging Change, and Building a Disability-Inclusive World. We discuss the creation and evolution of Diversability, the work that happens in community and solidarity, being an amplifier of other disabled voices and much, much more. Follow Tiffany: Instagram: @imtiffanyyu Twitter: @ImTiffanyYu LinkedIn: Tiffany A. Yu, MSc TikTok: @imtiffanyyu Website: https://www.tiffanyyu.com Buy The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: Yu & Me Books Amazon Barnes & Noble Books-A-Million Bookshop  Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.

In this week's episode I sat down with Kayla Hamilton. Kayla is a Texas-born, Bronx based performance maker, dancer, educator, and consultant. She is a Bessie Award-winning dancer and her performance, choreographic and disability arts work has been presented by institutions across New York City and the U.S. In July of 2024 she announced the creation of Circle O, a new cultural organization established by and for Black Disabled and other multiply marginalized creatives. We discuss her journey to becoming a dancer, creating space in places where disability is often not welcome, the stories that can be told and the voices that can be heard through the art of movement and much, much more. Buy Tickets: Open Call: Kayla Hamilton at The Shed HERE Follow Kayla: Website: https://www.khamiltonprojects.com/k-a-y-l-a-h-a-m-i-l-t-o-n Follow Circle O: Instagram: @circleo_org Website: https://www.circleo.org Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.

In this week's episode I welcomed back Aubrey Smalls. Aubrey is an actor, filmmaker, and content creator with dwarfism who uses his platforms to educate people about what it means to be a little person and dwarfism history. We discuss how the historical beliefs, behaviors, perceptions and prejudices towards people with dwarfism have persisted and evolved through to present day in a world where conversations are now being driven by algorithms and the mainstream media and how it impacts the dwarfism community. Follow Aubrey: Instagram: @theaubreysmalls , @dwarfismhistory TikTok: @aubreysmalls Website: https://www.dearaverageheightpeople.com Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin.

Hello Brave Friends! This is a Summer Re-Run of one of our favorite Ask Us Anything episodes from Seasons 5 and 6. Call in to our SpeakPipe to ask YOUR questions and tune in next season, starting in September 2024, for many more. This is another Ask Us Anything episode in which YOU, the listener, get to write or call in and, you guessed it, ASK US ANYTHING! Today we're discussing the topic of comparing. Whether it's our stories, our parenting styles or our child's outcomes, comparing, it seems, is just human nature. It's a tool we use to identify and connect with others who are like us but can also turn competitive and ugly. How do we support and honor each other's journey's without feeling better or worse off than our sisters? Whether you have questions as a parent to a child with complex medical or mental health needs or you're someone looking to support a care-giving parent, we would LOVE to hear from you. If you have any topic requests or if you would like to ask a question, leave us a message here.Find more information about Life Coach, Susanna Peace Lovell here.Find more information about Kimberly Kooy, LMFT here.  Find the UNSEEN list of ways you can support care-givers here. Brave Together is the podcast for We are Brave Together, a not-for-profit organization based in the USA. The heart of We Are Brave Together is to strengthen, encourage, inspire and validate all moms of children with disabilities and other needs in their unique journeys. JOIN the international community of We Are Brave Together here.Donate to our Retreats and Respite Scholarships here.Donate to keep this podcast going here.Can't get enough of the Brave Together Podcast?Follow our Instagram Page @wearebravetogether or on Facebook.Feel free to contact Jessica Patay via email: jpatay@wearebravetogether.orgIf you have any topic requests or if you would like to share a story, leave us a message here.Please leave a review and rating today! We thank you in advance!Disclaimer

In this week's episode I sat down with Daisy Friedman. Daisy is a writer and director based out of New York City. Her history as a multi-organ transplant recipient has drawn her to create work that centers on the intersections of tradition, intimacy, embodiment, and disability. We discuss the spaces in between disabled and not, the power in telling disabled stories that are raw, visceral, and personal, the making and importance of her acclaimed short film As You Are, spoilers ahead, and much, much more. Watch As You Are: https://www.shortoftheweek.com/2024/05/07/as-you-are/ Follow Daisy: Instagram: @daisyfriedman_ Website: https://www.daisyfriedman.com Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com/ Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin

In this week's episode it is just me and the microphone as I sit in my thoughts and feels and reflect on the Little People of America national conference that just took place in Baltimore. I explain what the national conference is, reflect on what the week meant to me and yes, there was certainly some laughter and perhaps tears. Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com/ Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin

On this rebroadcast episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Disability Belongs formally known as respect ability Senior Vice President Entertainment and News Media Lauren Appelbaum sits down with Award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski for a conversation about how this nonprofit organization is fighting stigmas and advancing opportunities for people with disabilities. Tune in as we chat about the mission of RespectAbility, The RespectAbility Report, Inclusion in Hollywood, How Pixar Connects with Disability Community, Working with Emmy-winning DocuSeries Born This Way, Toolkit of resources for disability community, and much more! This episode originally aired January 14, 2018 --- Listen full episode here. Episode 587 ShowNotes & Links:

In this week's episode I sat down with Pamela Rae Schuller. Pamela is an internationally known disability and mental health advocate, and professional stand-up comedian. We discuss how she combines comedy and storytelling with a message about inclusion and mental health, how certain humor has to be earned, being powerfully snarky, underestimating our younger selves and much, much more. Follow Pamela: Instagram: @pamelacomedy YouTube: Pamela Comedy Website: https://pamelacomedy.com/ Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com/ Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin