Demand and Disrupt

Sam talks to Olivia Scott, a world-class wheelchair -fencer, with aspirations of representing our country at the 2028 Olympics to be held in Los Angeles. Come along as Olivia describes her spinal cord injury and explains the differences between Paralympic and Olympic fencing. To learn more about Olivia's journey and contribute to her cause, visit her GoFundMe page . Thanks to Chris Ankin for use o...

Kimberly is joined by Tammy Herrod and Stefanie Putnam to talk about Canine Companions, a nonprofit organization that trains service dogs for people with disabilities. They talk about the benefits of having a service Dog and the work that goes into training a service dog. They also talk about the many ways that you — yes you — can get involved in raising puppies that will go on to have careers as...

Kimberly and researcher Kara Ayers have a nuanced discussion about the recent push by some state legislatures to allow disability parking spots to be used for pregnancy. They talk about what motivates such proposed laws, as well as what other policy actions could improve maternal health. Here’s the link to the accessible pregnancy action plan that Kara talks about in the interview: Accessible Preg...

This episode is a re-airing of a live book event to celebrate the publication of Tina Jackson’s memoir, My Silence Roars. Kimberly and Sam talk with Tina about being a lifelong disability justice advocate, and they talk with Dave Matheis about the history of the Advocado Press and the process of getting a book to publication. Learn more about My Silence Roars and get your own copy here. Thanks to...

Sam talks with Bethany Curry, who founded the Derby City Curling Club in 2018. She explains what curling is, how she came to fall in love with it, and how you can get involved as well. To find out more about the “Derby City Curling Club”, email Bethany at derbycitycurlingclub@gmail.com Visit the website at www.derbycitycurlingclub.com Thanks to Chris Ankin for use of his song, “Change.” The book &...

A terrific training ground for tomorrow's braille instructors can be found in Lexington, Ky. This week, Sam talks with Dr. Amanda Lannan, professor in the Visually Impaired Teacher Prep program at UK. They talk through the courses she teaches, the curriculum through which students learn braille and effective means of teaching it, and how to apply for admission into the program. For more informatio...

Kimberly Parsley, Sam Moore, Keith Hosey, and Carissa Johnson meet for another CAL Conversation. This time, they talk in depth about emergency planning and preparedness, with a few detours into the Kentucky Derby and casinos. I bet you’ll enjoy this one! Thanks to Chris Ankin for use of his song, “Change.” The book "A Celebration of Family: Stories of Parents with Disabilities." is avail...

Kimberly talks with Shea Ryan-Kessler, a graduate student in Western Kentucky University’s Kelly Autism Program. Shea shares her passion for helping people with disabilities, particularly those who are neurodivergent. If you have someone in your life who is about to embark on their college career, you won’t want to miss this one! Thanks to Chris Ankin for use of his song, “Change.” The book "...

Kimberly talks to Amanda Stahl, cofounder and director of the Independence Seekers Project. They talk about advocacy, activism, and the many ways that people can get involved and show up for their communities. Link to Independence Seekers Project Link to ADAPT Link to Kentucky ADAPT Facebook Thanks to Chris Ankin for use of his song, “Change.” The book "A Celebration of Family: Stories of Par...

Kimberly talks with Christina Espinoza and Nancy Savage about the Housing Futures Project at the Human Development Institute. The project helps people with intellectual disabilities live independently. To reach KATSNET by phone, call 859-218-7979 or find them on the web at Katsnet.org For the Assistive Technology Locator For The Buck Starts Here Funding Guide Other helpful links: Commonwealth Coun...

Kimberly talks to Eric Evans and Shalise Lisembee from Independence Place in Lexington about the ongoing affordable housing crisis. How did we get here, and how do we get out of it? They are experts on housing and are committed to helping people with disabilities navigate the current system. To speak to someone at Independence Place, call (859) 266-2807. Register for the “My Silence Roars” book la...

Kimberly talks with Sasha Rabchevsky, University of Kentucky professor and cofounder of the Kentucky Congress on Spinal Cord Injury. Their conversation delves into the landscape of research on spinal cord injuries and touches on both, the need for and difficulties of activism in the disability community. Sign up to Dr. Rabchevsky’s newsletter Visit the KCSCI Facebook page Visit the “Three Men and...

Kimberly talks with Milton Tyree, one of the founders of the supported employment network in Kentucky, about how the field has evolved and what changes need to occur in the future. They also talk about his post retirement work in India. Helpful links: International Social Role Valorization Association (ISRVA) Marc Gold & Associates (MG&A) Thanks to Chris Ankin for use of his song,...

Our guest this week has been a paraplegic since the age of 16, but hasn't allowed this to slow him down in the least!! Meet David Hartsek, a wheelchair athlete from Lexington, who this past July competed in his 41st consecutive Bluegrass 10K race. David will describe the nature of the incident which caused his paralysis, his career pursuits in the field of I.T., and his tremendous triumphs in whee...

The gang's all here! Kimberly, Sam, Carissa, and Keith get together to talk about how to be spontaneous as a disabled person. They talk about tips, tricks, and whether November is too early to put up the Christmas tree. Spontaneity Is a Stranger I Know By Grace W. Dow Thanks to Chris Ankin for use of his song, “Change.” The book "A Celebration of Family: Stories of Parents with Disabilities.&...

Kimberly talked with Cat Fribley, Executive Director of Birdability. They discussed the evolution of birdwatching as a hobby, accessible parks and nature spaces, and how you can get involved in expanding access for people with disabilities. Kimberly took an unplanned week off due to illness, but her conversation with Sam about all things Halloween was too good to skip. Enjoy! Birdability.org Thank...

Kimberly talks with Roving Reporter Keith Hosey and newly-named Disruptor In Chief Carissa Johnson about disability identity and representation. They grapple with the idea of being proud of themselves and their community while at the same time acknowledging that having a disability really sucks. Archinect News - With no wheelchair ramp, Tony Award winner Ali Stroker couldn't join her cast...

Kimberly talks with Jenny Smith, Branch Manager at the Kentucky Talking Book Library. They talk about the talking book library, its history, and who is eligible for services. Though KTBL is known for supplying reading materials for people with visual impairments, the benefits are available to people far beyond just that group. Give the episode a listen to see if you qualify. Visit the Kentucky Tal...

Kimberly talks with Amanda Mobley, Executive Director of the Center For Accessible Living, about the 2nd Annual Advocacy Summit coming up on October 16–17. They also discuss exciting new things happening at CAL. Plus, Kimberly and Sam play tourism trivia. Spoiler alert, Kimberly loses. Register here for the 2nd Annual Advocacy Summit Thanks to Chris Ankin for use of his song, “Change.” The book &q...

Our guest this week lost his right arm in a 1993 workplace accident, but that didn’t hinder his passion for golf in the least. Al Gentry founded the Kentucky Amputee Tournament in 1994, which has allowed individuals with various disabilities to enjoy competitive golf. Gentry also helped established the North American One-Armed Golfer Association. Pull up a seat as he describes the nature of his in...

Kimberly talks with Reese Williams about Dissociative Identity Disorder, the link between homelessness and mental illness, and the importance of places like Bridgehaven for people living with mental health disabilities. Plus Kimberly and Sam talk about a study showing higher rates of loneliness among people with disabilities. Visit Bridgehaven Mental Health Services Read more about the study on lo...

Kimberly talks to Carrie Sessarego, a blogger on a popular book review website. Carrie named her wheelchair the Blue Beetle, and she has found ways to individualize her mobility devices so that her personality shines through. In this episode, they talk about making mobility aids feel like more than medical devices, what makes healthy community, and whether audiobooks are actually reading. The answ...

Kimberly talks with Mary-Jo Lord, Coordinating Editor of Magnets and Ladders, a publication for people with disabilities to showcase various kinds of writing. The submission deadline for the fall/winter edition of Magnets and Ladders is August 15. To read the latest issue, visit Magnetsandladders.org Behindoureyes.org Video honoring the ADA's 35th anniversary Thanks to Chris Ankin for use...

Kimberly talks with Carissa and Keith about dealing with doctors, medical equipment, and the healthcare establishment as people with disabilities. They discuss a recent study that shows disabled people are discovering cancers at later stages because of the inaccessibility or difficulty of early cancer screening procedures for people with disabilities. Plus, Sam and Kimberly talk about disability p...

She first experienced vision complications at the age of 20, but never let this stop her from pursuing her aspirations...and we're beyond excited to welcome her to this episode of “Demand and Disrupt”!! She is Stephanie Levin of New Jersey, who holds titles ranging from PHD candidate, to student affairs assistant, to even recently published author! Her debut is entitled “Picking Up the Pieces: Fin...