Disability Deep Dive

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 fro...

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...

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/intak...

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 rea...

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 recov...

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 guardi...

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 vo...

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...

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 po...