You First: The Disability Rights Florida Podcast Disability Rights Florida

In this episode of You First, co-hosts Keith and Maddie speak with Indigenous activist and disability rights leader Vesper Moore about the Mad Movement, psychiatric survivorship, and envisioning a future of collective care. Vesper, deeply involved in mental health and disability rights activism, discusses their work in altering perceptions and legislation surrounding mental health both nationally and with international bodies. The conversation delves into the history of psychiatric survivor movements, the problematic nature of involuntary commitment, and the importance of community care over institutional care. Moore emphasizes the power of peer support and shares insights into the Kiva Centers, a peer respite group that offers an alternative to traditional psychiatric institutions. Furthermore, Vesper touches on their advocacy work against re-institutionalization and for more humane, community-focused approaches to mental health care, advocating for dialogue and solidarity within the disability rights movements. The episode concludes with a call for comprehensive community support systems and the significant role of peer-led initiatives in transforming mental health care. 
Content Warning: This conversation includes instances of ableism, saneism, racism, involuntary incarceration, and mentions violence against BIPOC, disabled people, and houseless folks. Discretion is advised.
Relevant Links: 
Vesper Moore’s website: https://bit.ly/4aG6VpE  Bethlem/Bedlem Hospital: https://bit.ly/49m8Bnp  Lunatics' Friend Society: https://bit.ly/4aGxzPu  Rusk State Hospital Revolt: https://bit.ly/43IIzcQ  Drapetomania (YouTube video): https://bit.ly/4aFSP7P  Hiawatha Insane Asylum: https://bit.ly/43IIENG  Taíno people: https://on.natgeo.com/49mEs7h  Kiva Centers: https://bit.ly/49mEvQv  CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out on the Streets): https://bit.ly/43JA1Co  Bandelier National Monument Kivas: https://bit.ly/43HCWf1 

In today's episode, we are joined by two international disability advocates, Rosangela Berman Bieler and Patricia Almeida. During our conversation, we discuss the importance and impact of global disability policy and rights work, including their work with the UN and UNICEF. They also discuss how other countries compare to the US regarding disability progress and inclusion, global accessibility initiatives, and the need for continued fighting for disability rights.
Relevant Links  
Disabled People's International for the Latin American Council  The Global Alliance for Disability in Media and Entertainment (GADIM)  Shutterstock Collaboration with GADIM  Simple as This Easy language Guide by Patricia Almeida  Dom Evans & FilmDis   United Nations Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities (CRPD)  United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child  UNICEF Programme Children with Disabilities  World Bank Disability  I Protect Myself   The Zero Project  Inter-American Institute on Disability and Inclusive Development  UN Down syndrome day Brazilian Soap Opera “Pages of Life” and Cladine, actor with disability 

In this week's episode, co-hosts Keith and Maddie talk with The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies' Co-Directors Shaylin Sluzalis & Germán Parodi. The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies (The Partnership) is the only U.S. disability-led, 501(c)(3) organization that prioritizes equity, access, disability rights, disability justice, and full inclusion of people with disabilities, older adults, and people with access and functional needs before, during and after disasters and emergencies. We chat about how their work started, how Floridians with disabilities can stay safe during hurricanes, how other emergencies disproportionately impact disabled people, and resources to take precautions during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and flu season.
Relevant resources:
The Partnership’s website: https://bit.ly/3uUvobE  Disaster hotline: https://bit.ly/48y9b0Y 800-626-4959 Hotline@disasterstrategies.org  Weekly stakeholder call and events: https://bit.ly/3ImOryI  The Partnership’s resources, including your rights during a disaster: https://bit.ly/49SXGCk  Local weather alerts: https://bit.ly/3wxqj9E  Having a plan & emergency kit list: https://bit.ly/3eTEXgh  Find your local emergency management office and resources: https://bit.ly/49WBGqg  Special Needs Registry Shelter: https://bit.ly/3IjgW07  Disability Information and Access Line: https://bit.ly/3Ij5dPd  or by phone 888-677-1199 Find your local Center for Independent Living: https://bit.ly/48D0S3N  DRF vaccine clinics: https://bit.ly/3qVCve6  DRF vaccine assistance: https://bit.ly/3kAlqo2  Masking bloc – local support groups, free masks, guidance, etc.: https://bit.ly/3uWBSXz 

In this episode of You First, we talk with Jen White-Johnson (she/they), a renowned artist, educator, and disability activist who uses the arts as a medium to champion the life, joy, and experiences of the disabled and neurodivergent community. Jen discusses their journey as someone diagnosed with ADHD later in life, the barriers for disabled Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) to getting a diagnosis, and the impact of their son being diagnosed with autism. They talk about the need for more disabled BIPOC representation in visual media, their efforts to bring disabled artists to the forefront, and how they work to deconstruct ableism in the classroom. Jen discusses their artwork that celebrates Disability Justice and celebrates Disability Joy through visual arts, digital design, zine-making, installations, and more.
Episode 62 Relevant links mentioned: 
Jen’s website Disrupt and Resist Exhibition Critical Design Lab Disability Solidarity Statement An Anthology of Blackness: The State of Black Design Disability Justice Culture Club  Anti-Ableist Art Educator Manifesto Homie House Press  Disability Visibility Krip Hop Nation Sins Invalid  Jen's Zine Workshops Black Feminist Future Collective

Two Disability Rights Florida education advocates, April Katine and Daysi Ortiz, join Keith in education planning for students with disabilities. The three discuss the importance of individual education plans (IEPs) and transition planning and offer tips on how parents can more effectively find success throughout the process. Tune in to learn about the various services available under IEP, how to prepare for IEP meetings, the significance of periodic re-evaluations, the importance of maintaining written records, and how to best collaborate with your child's IEP team.
Relevant links: 
Transition site  Education section of our website Find your P&A (if out of state) Florida Vocational Rehabilitation Florida Agency for People with Disabilities Florida Division of Blind Services Family Network on Disabilities The Family Cafe Blogs on education Previous podcast episodes

In this episode of You First, hosts Keith and Maddie talk with guests Neal Carter, Jess Moore Matthews, Sarah Blahovec, and Dom Kelly about disability-inclusive campaigning, strategies to reach disabled voters, and the significance of accessible elections. Today's episode is not about any specific candidates or voting laws. Instead, we focus on the broader culture of political campaigns, exploring why the disability community often feels excluded and what disabled organizers are doing to challenge this status quo. The discussion touches on the unique perspectives of our guests and their efforts to engage historically marginalized voters.
Relevant Links:
Neal Carter's bio Jess Moore Matthew's bio Sarah Blahovec's bio Dom Kelly's bio Disability Victory Backbone Leaders New Disabled South AAPD's REV UP Campaign Access the Vote Florida (REV UP chapter of Florida) Access the Vote Florida 2023 Disability Elections Summit