Disability Deep Dive

What Happens After? Life Beyond the Film – with Patrice Jetter & Garry Wickham

Watch the video version on Spotify or YouTube: https://youtu.be/JMRIH_MmBqM Season Four of Disability Deep Dive opens with Keith and Jodi interviewing Patrice Jetter and Garry Wickham from "Patrice: The Movie" about life since filming, including increased public recognition, travel, and advocacy, while their day-to-day lives remain largely the same. They discuss why they agreed to share their story, how director Ted Passon ensured they felt in control and comfortable, and what they want viewers to understand about disability finances, the marriage penalty, benefit limits, and low-paid workshop labor. Patrice shares her "Movie Star Crossing Guard" nickname after winning an Emmy, and both emphasize staying positive and continuing to push for legal change. In the new segment "The Reef," Wheel Talk hosts Kelly Berger and Avery Roberts describe their shared rare congenital muscular dystrophy, how friendship and lived experience shape their podcast, and the value of being seen and understood. The "Deep Cut" highlights "The Ride Ahead," following Samuel Habib's transition to adulthood, mentorship, and themes of independence, accessibility, respect, communication, and self-determination. Patrice: The Movie - https://www.patricethemovie.com/ Wheel Talk with Kelly and Avery - https://www.ladieslivingrare.com/wheel-talk-podcast The Ride Ahead - https://www.rideaheadfilm.com/

• Transcript

Season Four Trailer

Season Four of Disability Deep Dive premieres on November 5th, and here's a preview of what's coming: We catch up with Patrice Jetter and Garry Wickham from "Patrice: The Movie" to talk about their love story, the rules affecting their independence, and what they've been up to since the film. Deaf pilot and aspiring astronaut Sheila Xu takes us behind the scenes of the effort to make space travel accessible to everyone. And with author Keah Brown, filmmaker Julie Wyman, and documentary director Ted Passon, we explore the responsibility of telling disability stories, whether you're sharing your own experiences or helping tell someone else's. Plus, we're introducing something brand new: The Reef! Short, five- to 10-minute interviews focused on one guest and one big question. We created it to make room for more voices, fresh ideas, and stories that deserve attention now, rather than waiting for another season. Follow Disability Deep Dive wherever you get your podcasts so you don't miss an episode. Or join us on YouTube to watch the conversations unfold. We've got a lot to explore together, and we can't wait to share it with you!

Special Episode: Live from the Family Cafe 2026

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YqYCgBZfvyE Jodi and Keith present a special Disability Deep Dive episode recorded live at the 28th Annual Family Cafe expo floor, featuring short interviews with Florida disability organizations and noting ambient convention noise. Lana Smith describes Pyramid's adult day training program (five Florida locations) focused on arts, performing arts, life skills, and community connection, correcting the "daycare" misconception. Dawn Moore and Cherie Hall explain Disability Rights Florida's outreach and common inquiries (education, healthcare access, Medicaid, APD), referral resources, transportation barriers, and ways to contact DRF. Katie Kaiser and Rachel Long discuss major issues (transportation, housing, accessibility), local groups, trainings, and how to connect via flsans.org and social media. Danielle West Lane outlines SSA's Go Digital campaign and My Social Security account functions and access. Aaron Victoria explains DRF's PAIMI program and mental health rights. Betty Cadet shares FIL's self-pay adult services. Ann-Marie Orlando explains UF CARD supports and how to register for assistance.

Reid Davenport on "Life After" and the Fight Over Disabled Quality of Life

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/INRjvz4emc4 For our final episode of Season 3, we interview documentary filmmaker Reid Davenport about his film "Life After," which revisits the 1983 case of Elizabeth Bouvia to examine ongoing debates about assisted dying, autonomy, and systemic abandonment of disabled people. Reid explains he was drawn to tensions between nondisabled and disabled progressives and to how media framed Bouvia's desire to die as caused by disability while ignoring factors like divorce, miscarriage, discrimination, isolation, poverty, and inadequate healthcare. He argues bodily autonomy is shaped by surrounding conditions and that people need the right and support to live as they choose before the right to die. The discussion highlights medical and state ableism, misjudgments about disabled quality of life, the need to center disabled voices, and concerns illustrated in the film about assisted suicide access in Canada amid poor support and care. Watch "Life After" on PBS Independent Lens: https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/life-after/ "Life After" website: https://www.lifeafterfilm.com/ Reid Davenport's website: https://www.reiddavenport.com/

Still Here: Disability Culture, Pride, and Fashion as Resistance with Meier Galblum Haigh

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HHWS6KTKcTU Keith and Jodi interview Meier Galblum Haigh, Executive Director of Disability Culture Lab, about the summer streetwear collection "We're Still Here: Fashion Against Fascism," shaped by conversations with more than 40 disabled people and a North Star visioning process exploring what "winning" and liberation look like. Meier explains Disability Culture Lab's mission to build disabled-led communications infrastructure because "bad stories lead to bad policy," and describes themes behind the collection—interdependence and care, disabled leadership and power, disabled joy, and the harms of oppressive systems—along with tensions around non-disabled parents driving harmful narratives. The Deep Cut segment reviews Netflix's "All the Light We Cannot See" through a disability lens, discussing authentic casting of blind/low-vision actors, shortcomings in character depth and historical context of Nazi violence against disabled people, the value of audio description, and the need for agency, complexity, access, and disabled involvement behind the camera. Disability Culture Lab Website: https://www.disabilityculturelab.org/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/disabilityculturelab BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/disabilitylab.bsky.social Store: https://shop.disabilityculturelab.org/

Who Gets to Be the Hero? Sebastian Grey on Merry Band of Misfits and the Fight to Center Disabled Characters

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DoefSSe9QW0 Hosts Keith and Jodi interview the married writing team behind the pen name Sebastian Grey about their debut novel, "Merry Band of Misfits," a heist story centering disabled characters as protagonists, including Vinnie, a man with Down syndrome, and his chosen family planning a bank heist to protect their home. They discuss their film/TV background, their goal to counter "inspirational side character" tropes, and why the heist genre highlights capability, moral ambiguity, and agency. The authors describe barriers in Hollywood and why they created their indie press, Bastion House, to control the message. They detail a Kirkus Review they call an "erasure" for centering the non-disabled brother Nicholas and mislabeling or omitting key disabilities, prompting them to speak publicly. In the "Deep Cut" segment, the hosts analyze the book's themes of autonomy, caregiving, ableism, community living, humor, and low expectations. Sebastian Grey: https://sebastiangreytheauthor.substack.com/ Bastian House Publishing: https://bastianhousepublishing.com/ Purchase "Merry Band of Misfits": https://books2read.com/merry-band-of-misfits

From Protest to EmpowHer: Stephanie Woodward on Mentorship, Power, and Disability Justice

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/s_hsDxHf4gQ Hosts Keith and Jodi interview Stephanie Woodward, CEO of Disability EmpowHer Network, an organization run by and for disabled girls and women to build leadership skills and confidence. Stephanie consults businesses on inclusion and shares disability-parenting misconceptions through social media while raising six kids, including one-year-old triplets. Woodward discusses disability rights protest as part of an advocacy cycle—"asking did not work"—and explains founding Disability EmpowHer Network after lacking disabled women role models and seeing barriers in education, employment, and leadership, emphasizing mentorship, community, and broader definitions of leadership (including self-advocacy in medical settings). In the Deep Cut, the hosts discuss CODA's portrayal of a Deaf family, Ruby's heavy burden of interpreting, access as a community responsibility, and the film's strengths and complications in centering a hearing protagonist. Disability EmpowHER Network: https://www.disabilityempowhernetwork.org/ Instagram: @disabilityempowhernetwork and @wctriplets TikTok: @disability_empowher and @wctriplets LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/disability-empowher-network

Visible and Unapologetic: Nila Morton on Disability, Desire, and Creator Culture

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/mSumRVieRjc Hosts Keith and Jodi interview Nila Morton, a Black disabled woman, content creator, social worker, and disability advocate, about visibility, fashion, desire, sex education, and how ableism and racism shape who is seen as desirable or fully adult; she describes pushback for discussing relationships and sex, the need to normalize disability in public, and how she sets boundaries while educating others. The episode's Deep Cut reviews the documentary "Patrice: The Movie," about Patrice Jetter and Garry Wickham facing benefits rules that penalize marriage and cohabitation, including the SSI $2,000 savings limit, loss of benefits tied to fundraising, accessible transportation barriers, and the looming threat of institutionalization. The hosts connect the story to policy efforts like the Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults Act and related SSI reforms. Find Nila online: https://linktr.ee/NilaNMorton

WCAG Explained: Mark Miller on Digital Accessibility

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/y6Jck3rU5FI On this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Jodi and Keith interview Mark Miller, founder and CEO of Inclusion Impact Accessibility and a contributor to the W3C Accessibility Maturity Model, about what it means for state and local governments to meet WCAG 2.1 Level AA and the implications of the DOJ Title II rule with an (now extended) April 24, 2027, deadline for entities serving 50,000+ people. Mark explains WCAG, common barriers across websites, documents, apps, videos, and kiosks; the inefficiency of retrofitting versus building accessibility into design, development, QA, and governance; and why overlays don't deliver "full compliance." The episode also discusses media representation, including CODA, Bridgerton, The Pitt, and a Deep Cut analysis of Todd Browning's 1932 film Freaks, weighing its historical visibility of disabled performers against harmful language, exploitation, and horror framing. Inclusion Impact Accessibility: https://inclusionimpact.co/ Mark Miller: https://inclusionimpact.co/mark-miller/

More Than a Moment: Jhónelle Bean on Tourette's, Communities of Color, and Advocacy

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/CdAXtUnGIeg On this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi speak with Jhónelle Bean, a disability advocate and ASL interpreter with Tourette syndrome, about the BAFTA Film Awards incident in which John Davidson involuntarily shouted the N-word onstage and how the public response split between denying Tourette's realities and dismissing Black harm; Jhónelle explains common misconceptions, describes Tourette's as a neurological tic disorder with a spectrum of motor and vocal tics (including but not limited to coprolalia), and discusses intersectionality, including added risks for Black people with Tourette's around policing and disbelief. The conversation emphasizes listening to lived experience, empathy, and accountability for media decisions, including reported editing choices. In the Deep Cut segment, they revisit "What's Eating Gilbert Grape," noting outdated stereotypes and body-shaming, and discuss the film's shallow treatment of caregiving, grief, Arnie's disability portrayal, and Bonnie's dignity, including the ending's "convenient" resolution. Jhónelle's social media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Jhonelle_bean TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@Jhonelle_bean YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jhonelle_Bean

Spencer West on Breaking Free, Self-Doubt, and Letting Go of Expectations

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/vXbGfHYwW1k In the first episode of Season 3 of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi speak with Spencer West—author, motivational speaker, advocate, and content creator—about his book "Breaking Free: Stop Following Expectations and Start Following Yourself" and the pressures of external approval, anxiety, self-doubt, and authenticity. West shares how college and coming out as gay challenged the "North American Dream," how therapy, meditation, and life experience help him stay grounded online, and why disabled people don't have to be constant educators, emphasizing boundaries and consent. The conversation addresses ableism, access barriers, and harmful "inspiration" framing, along with navigating disability and dating. In the Deep Cut segment, Keith and Jodi discuss why "Breaking Free" is a practical, conversational memoir-guide with prompts, focused on small changes, redefining purpose, asking for help, community care, and celebrating simple joys. Spencer West's website - https://www.spencer2thewest.com Breaking Free: Stop Following Expectations and Start Following Yourself - https://www.spencer2thewest.com/books

Season Three Trailer

Hi again, it's Jodi and Keith, hosts of Disability Deep Dive, a podcast from Disability Rights Florida. We are thrilled to announce that Season Three premieres on May 7th, featuring our special guest Spencer West. And this season we're not skimming the surface. We're digging into digital accessibility, desire and visibility, self-doubt, advocacy, protest, and the dangerous politics surrounding assisted dying. These are conversations about power, culture, justice, and what changes when disabled people lead the story themselves. Because disability isn't a single story. It's part of every story. So get ready for Disability Deep Dive Season Three out on May 7th. Watch us on YouTube, or listen wherever you get your podcasts. Make sure to subscribe so you don't miss what's next.

Interpreting the Beat: Making Music Visible with Amber Galloway

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/OAR134W1TGM In the final episode of season two of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi delve into the intersection of music, language access, and interpretation with renowned ASL interpreter Amber Galloway. Amber shares insights on her 25-year career making music performances accessible and visually expressive for Deaf and hard of hearing audiences. The episode also discusses broader issues of accessibility at concerts, educational advocacy, and Amber's latest project—a fully accessible retreat center called Soulful Spaces. The episode concludes with a "Deep Cut" segment analyzing an episode of Only Murders in the Building that offers a Deaf perspective, highlighting the importance of access tools in storytelling. Amber's website: https://www.ambergproductions.com Amber's TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/speakers/amber_galloway_gallego

Out Loud and Unapologetic: Squirmy & Grubs Take on Stigma and Storytelling

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cIVv3xsKT24 In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi engage in a compelling conversation with Shane and Hannah, the creators behind Squirmy and Grubs. They discuss the challenges and responsibilities of living authentically online amidst scrutiny and stigma. The duo talks about their journey as disability advocates, the importance of mental health, and the necessity of setting boundaries to protect their well-being. The episode explores how they navigate hateful commentary, decide what to share publicly, and remain true to their mission of changing societal perceptions of disability. Additionally, the discussion touches on the complex balance between visibility and privacy in their Deep Cut segment, which features an analysis of the film "I Didn't See You There." Interabled: True Stories About Love and Disability from Squirmy & Grubs and Other Interabled Couples - https://www.amazon.com/Interabled-Stories-Disability-Squirmy-Couples/dp/1250620716 Laughing at My Nightmare - https://www.laughingatmynightmare.com Squirmy and Grubs website - https://www.squirmyandgrubs.com/ Squirmy and Grubs on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/squirmyandgrubs

Rolling Across the World: Cory Lee on Adventure, Advocacy, and Access for All

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/w4DVZRNbk-Y In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Jodi and Keith interview Cory Lee, a travel writer and advocate who has traversed all seven continents while using a power wheelchair due to spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Cory discusses his inspiration for starting his blog, "Curb Free with Cory Lee," the challenges and lessons he's encountered in his travels, and his insights on global accessibility. The conversation also touches on how travel can foster empathy and the need for meaningful access in tourism. Additionally, the episode delves into the representation of autism in media, focusing on the show "Extraordinary Attorney Woo," and explores the impact of language, realism, and audience perception in disability narratives. Curb Free with Cory Lee: https://curbfreewithcorylee.com Cory's children's book "Let's Explore With Cor Cor": https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Explore-Cor-Cory-Lee/dp/0578670887

Bridging the Gap: Charles Redding on Global Solutions for Assistive Technology

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/a1gYqQ1iWpg This episode of Disability Deep Dive features a conversation with Charles Redding, Executive Director of Wheels for Humanity and the leader of CLASP (Consolidating Logistics for Assistive Technology for Supply Provision). They discuss shifting from charity to sustainable systems for delivering assistive technology globally, particularly in low and middle-income countries. Redding explains CLASP's role in establishing reliable supply chains to ensure access to high-quality, affordable assistive products and highlights their work in crisis settings. The episode also delves into the broader need for policy advocacy, investment in rehabilitation services, and the importance of inclusive disaster response. The discussion is followed by a review of the documentary 'Rising Phoenix,' which explores the history and impact of the Paralympic Games in redefining disability and athletic achievement. Momentum Wheels for Humanity: https://momentum4humanity.org CLASP: https://www.clasphub.org

Breaking Sound Barriers: Lachi on Music, Advocacy, and the Future of Entertainment

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZRm8tiM1JqE In the 100th episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Jodi and Keith celebrate the milestone by interviewing recording artist, songwriter, and advocate Lachi. They discuss her journey from performing on stage to leading the advocacy group RAMPD, her experiences in the music industry, and her efforts to make the industry more accessible. Lachi shares insights from her upcoming book, 'I Identify as Blind,' which aims to integrate disability into pop culture through humor and storytelling. The episode also features a discussion on the film 'Sound of Metal,' exploring themes of identity, disability, and community. Pre-order "I Identify as Blind": https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/761599/i-identify-as-blind-by-lachi-with-tim-vandehey/

Enough Is Enough: Preventable Deaths in Intellectual Disabilities - with Sara Ryan

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/_mk7zmUDYsk In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi delve into the harrowing crisis of preventable deaths among individuals with intellectual disabilities. Joined by UK Professor Sara Ryan, author of "Critical Health and Learning Disabilities: an Exploration of Erasure and Social Murder," they discuss the systemic issues and inaction that allow these tragic deaths to persist. Professor Ryan shares personal anecdotes and case studies, highlighting the concept of 'social murder,' where known harmful conditions remain unaddressed. In the "Deep Cut" segment, they review the BBC drama "When Barbara Met Alan," which portrays the real-life struggles and triumphs of disability rights activists in the UK. The conversation emphasizes the importance of ongoing advocacy, public engagement, and the crucial need for enforcement and attitudinal shifts to achieve true equality. They also explore the differences between the UK's Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), examining the impact of grassroots activism on legislative change. Sara Ryan's book, "Critical Health and Learning Disabilities: An Exploration of Erasure and Social Murder" - https://www.routledge.com/Critical-Health-and-Learning-Disabilities-An-Exploration-of-Erasure-and-Social-Murder/Ryan/p/book/9781032605005

Access, Not Applause: Sarah Todd Hammer on Moving Beyond Inspiration

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/mJ_MhtjSnhM In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi explore the theme "Access Not Applause" with guest Sarah Todd Hammer, an author, speaker, and consultant. Sarah Todd shares her journey with Acute Flaccid Myelitis, discusses the challenges and triumphs of moving from home to independent living, and underscores the importance of genuine access over superficial inspiration. They delve into practical tools and inclusive design in products and spaces while challenging common 'inspiration tropes' in disability narratives. The episode also highlights the documentary "Catwalk: From Glada Hudik to New York," showcasing a runway journey of models with intellectual disabilities emphasizing genuine joy, connection, and inclusion.

Little Imperfections, Big Conversations: Peet Montzingo on Growing Up Different

View the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_fKrzCuCYUQ?si=9La4y5V1MmIfrJR9 In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi are joined by Peet Montzingo, a creator, musician, and author, to discuss his book 'Little Imperfections: A Tall Tale of Growing Up Different.' Peet shares his experiences as the only average height member of a family of little people, his journey to online fame, and the importance of using humor and personal stories to shift perceptions about disability and difference. The episode also features a Deep Cut segment discussing the 2021 film 'Cyrano' starring Peter Dinklage, exploring themes of beauty, love, and representation. Tune in for a heartfelt and insightful conversation about family, identity, and the power of storytelling.