DisTopia

Dom discusses his struggle with internalized ableism as an African American man with a disability in America, highlighting challenges with societal expectations and self-worth. They emphasize the importance of reframing perspectives and advocating for inclusivity and innovation in the face of systemic barriers.  

In the latest episode of 4Wheels,  Dom recalls growing up disabled in the 1990s, facing ableism and societal barriers, Dom found solace in programs that connects physically and folks labeled as "otherwise health impaired" in Michigan combined with atypical media representations that helped him embrace disability. Experiences with loss and his parent's acceptance also helped shaped his perspective,...

In this episode, host Dom talks about the challenges of improving accessibility in his living situation and the journey to install a ramp. He discusses the importance of understanding and support for disabled individuals and invites listeners to share their experiences to foster a supportive community. For full transcript visit: disartnow.org/podcasts/4-wheels-episode-3-advocacy/      

In this podcast episode, Dominick Harper recounts his adventurous night at a concert with co-host Amanda Jurysta, both wheelchair users Amanda and Dom share humorous and insightful moments, highlighting the challenges of navigating a world not always built for people with disabilities. From wardrobe mishaps to the exhilaration of experiencing a concert, they highlight the importance of planning, t...

In today's powerful episode of 'Four Wheels', host Dominick Harper opens up about the challenges of self-advocacy as a disabled individual. He shares his personal experiences with inaccessible housing and the exhausting necessity of constantly fighting for basic needs. Join us for an insightful journey into the reality of living with a disability and the importance of awareness and action. Full tr...

In this episode of 4 Wheels, Dom examines adaptability, the hassles of moving, "accessible" housing, and how exhausting it is for #Disabled people to always have to adapt to our surroundings. Full transcript available at: https://www.disartnow.org/podcasts/4-wheels-episode-1-adaptability/  

In this special Sneak Preview of DisKumbaya, DisArt Cofounder Chris Smit introduces listeners to co hosts Amanda and Dominick. They discuss life, #disability and share a little bit about themselves. For a full transcript of this episode please visit https://www.disartnow.org/podcasts/diskumbaya-episode-1-intro/ . Image Description: Black and white image. The top right corner features the DisArt lo...

This coming episode we talk with the producer of Dani's Twins, disability policy expert and aspiring Dad: Andy Arias. We talk about the impact of creativity on policy, his reasons for producing Dani's twins, and why disabled people might just make slightly better parents than their able counterparts. Here's a hint: it's not based on our ability to teach a kid how to ride a bike.   For a full trans...

Begins with Dominick and Amanda introducing DisKumbaya. Chris asks a question and listeners hear a brief preview of their answer.   For a full transcript of this episode please visit   https://www.disartnow.org/podcasts/diskumbaya-episode-1-intro-teaser/ . Image Description: Black and white image. The top right corner features the DisArt logo in the foreground with an abstract blurred white shape...

Teaser for an upcoming episode in which In A Flash host, Jessica Stokes, talks with the producer of Dani's Twins, disability policy expert and aspiring Dad: Andy Arias. We talk about the impact of creativity on policy, his reasons for producing Dani's twins, and why disabled people might just make slightly better parents than their able counterparts. Here's a hint: it's not based on our ability to...

Description: Disabled moms aren't counted in most maternity statistics, and we aren't found on the pages of obstetrics textbooks. Enter Dani's Twins: a documentary about disability cultural advocate and quadriplegic mom Dani Izzie offering a rare and intimate look at the creativity, adaptation, and joy woven into disabled pregnancy and parenthood. This episode is the first of a two part series. In...

Description: Disabled moms aren't counted in most maternity statistics, and we aren't found on the pages of obstetrics textbooks. Enter Dani's Twins: a documentary about disability cultural advocate and quadriplegic mom Dani Izzie offering a rare and intimate look at the creativity, adaptation, and joy woven into disabled pregnancy and parenthood. This episode is the first of a two part series. In...

Guest: Moira Williams Host: Jessica Stokes Audio Producer: Taylor Kaigler Transcript by: Taylor Kaigler Music: Hammond by Waiting for Sound   Life is a cabaret…or at least moira williams' environmental justice activism is a cabaret. When people think about water justice, they imagine access to clean drinking water and an end to extractive practices; Guest moira williams proposes all that and a day...

What does environmental justice look like to you? Clean drinking water for all? An end to the disproportionate exposure of poor and multiply marginalized people to harmful waste and resource extraction? Guest moira williams proposes all that and a day at the beach.   Guest: Moira Williams Host: Jessica Stokes Audio Producer: Taylor Kaigler Transcript by: Taylor Kaigler Music: Hammond by Waiting fo...

Grab your popcorn! Cheryl Green and Thomas Reid take us to the theater and remind our senses of what it could be if we keep imagining more accessible worlds together. In disability community, we see access not as a checklist or a way to avoid getting sued. No, access is part of making vibrant communities and good art. Our guests today are experts in audio description a key piece of access for blin...

Grab your popcorn! Guests Cheryl Green and Thomas Reid take us to the theater and remind our senses of what it could be if we keep imagining more accessible worlds together.

In A Flash, a DisTopia Podcast, is a short, accessible, and sometimes irreverent podcast offering an introduction to topics important to disabled people and disability communities. This podcast is made for the Creativity in the Time of COVID-19: Art as a Tool for Combating Injustice and Inequity project at Michigan State University through the generous support of the Mellon Foundation. Episode 1:...

How do you talk to disabled people without saying the wrong thing? Start by "calling it what it is." A cane is a cane, not a fishing pole or a wizard's staff. [The cover for this podcast features a white person with curly, blowing red hair seated in a purple wheelchair. They wear glasses, red leather gloves, and a broad smile. Around this person is a bright pink circle that is accompanied by a pur...

Aiden Gamez and Kat Day, a mom and son, an artist duo, two individuals living with autism spent time with us nearly one year ago. The messages that they share are not bound by time. Kat describes their process of making art together, "we go into it accepting already that whatever comes out of it will be enough. We accept that I am enough and the Aiden is enough and that what we make together will...

Join us for a conversation with Thomas Reid about intersectionality, blindness, and the disability community. For a full transcript of this episode please visit https://www.disartnow.org/podcasts/ episode-68-thomas-reid

Heather Watkins shares nuggets of wisdom and insight as a proud Black disabled woman with Chris and Jill on this My Dearest Friends Project podcast episode. For a full transcript of this episode please visit https://www.disartnow.org/podcasts/episode-66-heather-watkins/

Chris and Jill enjoy chatting with musician and disability advocate Tyler Zahnke who has contributed to DisArt's programming in 2018 for the Process and Presence exhibition and in 2019 for Voices. For a full transcript of this episode please visit https://www.disartnow.org/journal/episode-67-tyler-zahnke/

Chris and Jill spend time with Riva Lehrer, friend, artist, author and activist talking about how the personal impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests. Interview Date: June 29, 2020. For a full transcript of this episode please visit: https://www.disartnow.org/podcasts/ episode-65-riva-lehrer

Jill and Pamela Quinn spent time talking about how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Pamela's work as a choreographer, dancer, and instructor for and with people with Parkinson's disease. For a full transcript of this episode please visit: https://www.disartnow.org/podcasts/ episode-65-pamela-quinn

Chris and Jill spent time talking with Sara Hendren about her new book title "What Can a Body Do?" that was released this past September. For a full transcript of this episode please visit https://www.disartnow.org/podcasts/ episode-63-sara-hendren