Finding Space

UC Berkeley Research, Teaching, and Learning (RTL)
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A podcast where UC Berkeley students, educators, and staff from the disability community tell their stories and call the campus community in on acts of advocacy and disability justice. Share your feedback: findingspace@berkeley.edu

Episodes

  1. Sep 28

    11: Beyond the Frame: Disability, Storytelling, and Accessible Filmmaking

    Beyond the Frame is an accessible film event that brings together disability perspectives and films that amplify disability stories. Held on October 29, 2025, at Banatao Auditorium, the event showcased six powerful short films: Signs and Gestures,, Before the Tunnel, I Loved to See You, How Do You See Me?, Breaking Normal, and After Heather. Designed to foster community and spark meaningful dialogue, the event concluded with a panel discussion featuring faculty and disability advocates. In this episode of Finding Space, you’ll hear about key themes that emerged from the discussion, including the power of storytelling to amplify disability experiences, the complexities of creative expression, and accessible filmmaking practices such as open captions and audio description. One film highlighted in the episode is Signs and Gestures, directed by Itandehui Jansen. The film tells the story of Clara, a florist who relies on smell, touch, and sound, and Simon, an art student. The two meet for a date without initially realizing that each has a sensory disability, creating an unexpected communication barrier. Notably, Signs and Gestures was intentionally planned and produced with audio description integrated from the start rather than added afterward. The result is a 12-minute immersive experience that offers a powerful example of what proactive accessibility can look like in filmmaking and how accessibility can be considered as part of the creative process from the beginning. A special thank you to our Beyond the Frame panelists Lisa Wymore, Rachel Collins, Melissa Male and Noah Jaffe for sharing their perspectives and helping continue this important conversation. We would also like to give a shout out to the Beyond the Frame Team. The team comprises Steve Johnston from Disability Access and Compliance, Tara Mason from the Center for Teaching and Learning, and Ann Wai Yee Kwong and Rachel Marks from the Disability Cultural Community Center. Review transcripts on our show webpage. Share your feedback with us at findingspace@berkeley.edu. Finding Space is brought to you by Research, Teaching, and Learning Commons (RTL) in UC Berkeley's Division of Undergraduate Education.

  2. Aug 25

    10: It’s Never Too Late: Recovery, Belonging, and Finding Space at Berkeley

    Recovery is rarely a straight path, and belonging can make all the difference. In this episode of Finding Space: Where Students with Disabilities Thrive, Iz Engel, a former UC Berkeley student and current staff member, shares their journey through recovery, identity, and healing. Together, we explore the role of the Collegiate Recovery Program, the importance of meeting students where they are, and how higher education can foster environments where students feel seen, supported, and empowered. This conversation is a reminder that change is always possible, and that it's never too late. Review transcripts on our show webpage. Share your feedback with us at findingspace@berkeley.edu. Finding Space is brought to you by Research Teaching, and Learning Commons (RTL) in UC Berkeley's Division of Undergraduate Education.

  3. Mar 23

    9: Small Fixes, Big Impact. A Smarter Way to Meet Title II

    In this episode of Finding Space, we’re reminded that meeting the updated ADA Title II digital accessibility requirements is not something instructors have to do alone. Maggie Sokolik, Director of College Writing Programs, shares a practical, collaborative approach: offer a hands-on workshop for your entire department, start small, and build accessible habits together. You’ll hear what “remediation” really means (in plain language), how tools like Ally in bCourses can support your work, and a powerful tip to reduce overwhelm: close old courses and project sites if students still have access—or make them accessible. Small steps. Shared effort. Real access for students. Resources: Accessibility in Teaching & Learning Resource Hub Ally (Accessibility Checker in bCourses) Ally Course Accessibility Report in bCourses (tutorial video) SensusAccess (primarily alt media conversions) Digital Accessibility Program (DAP) Digital Accessibility of Library Collections Workshops, Consultations, Finding Space podcast Centering Disability in Teaching Accessible PDF Files (including STEM documents, LaTex, & handwritten notes) Accessible Documents (Microsoft Word & Google Docs) Accessible Slides (Microsoft PowerPoint & Google Slides) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Review transcripts on our show webpage. Share your feedback with us at findingspace@berkeley.edu. Finding Space is brought to you by Research Teaching, and Learning (RTL) in UC Berkeley's Division of Undergraduate Education.

  4. Feb 24

    8: ADA Title II Update - Top 5 Things Instructors Can Do Now to Meet the New Requirements

    In this episode, we focus on what the updated Title II of the ADA means for higher education—and, more importantly, how faculty can get started without feeling overwhelmed. We’re joined by Anne Marie Richard, Assistant Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education and Chief Academic Technology Officer, for a grounded and practical conversation about the federal updates to Title II that go into effect in April 2026. Together, we walk through five concrete actions instructors can take now to begin aligning their courses with the new requirements—while honoring the real constraints, pressures, and care faculty and staff are already carrying. This conversation centers access and inclusion not as extra work, but as work deeply connected to our shared values and commitments. This episode reminds us: you’re not expected to do this alone. We highlight resources available to support instructors and share how to connect with our team for consultations and next steps. In this episode, we explore: What’s changing under the updated Title II requirements Five actionable ways faculty can begin now Why accessibility work is values-aligned, not just compliance-driven How institutions can support instructors through this transition Resources: Accessibility in Teaching & Learning Resource Hub Ally (Accessibility Checker in bCourses) Ally Course Accessibility Report in bCourses (tutorial video) SensusAccess (primarily alt media conversions) Digital Accessibility Program (DAP) Digital Accessibility of Library Collections Workshops, Consultations, Finding Space podcast Centering Disability in Teaching Accessible PDF Files (including STEM documents, LaTex, & handwritten notes) Accessible Documents (Microsoft Word & Google Docs) Accessible Slides (Microsoft PowerPoint & Google Slides) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 Review transcripts on our show webpage. Share your feedback with us at findingspace@berkeley.edu. Finding Space is brought to you by Research Teaching, & Learning (RTL) in UC Berkeley's Division of Undergraduate Education.

  5. Jan 26

    7: Pedagogy of the Pause — with Emily Nusbaum

    In this episode, core Disability Studies instructor Emily Nusbaum shares how she builds collective access into her courses—from day one. Instead of treating accommodations as individual, private transactions, Emily invites her students to co-design access practices together: shared note-taking, flexible ways to participate, an open Zoom room, and an access statement that frames support as everyone’s responsibility. Through stories from her classroom—students using wheelchairs and service animals, a learner attending from a grandparent’s apartment while caregiving, and a student who says they finally felt cared for—Emily shows how small shifts can transform the culture of a course. We talk about why slowing down isn’t a weakness, how “participation points” can reinforce ableism, and why accessibility is fundamentally relational, not just procedural. This episode offers concrete, realistic starting points for instructors who want to move beyond compliance toward a culture of collective access and disability justice in their teaching. In this episode, we explore: What collective access means in a university classroom Practices that help students feel genuinely “cared for” Rethinking participation, engagement, and assessment Using shared note-taking, open Zoom rooms, and access statements Why accessibility is a relational practice, not just a checklist Resources: Sample access statement from Emily’s syllabus Review transcripts on our show webpage. Share your feedback with us at findingspace@berkeley.edu. Finding Space is brought to you by Research Teaching, and Learning (RTL) in UC Berkeley's Division of Undergraduate Education.

  6. 10/28/2025

    6: Roll Model — with UC Berkeley alum Ryan Manriquez

    In this episode, alum, Ryan Manriquez, shares how a terrifying emergency-evacuation failure in graduate housing became a catalyst for change—prompting system-wide guidance, individualized evacuation planning, and a renewed focus on not leaving anyone behind. Ryan also highlights the role of the Disability Cultural Center, mentorship, and representation in creating real access. We discuss why accommodations don’t lower academic standards—they enable students to meet them—and how small shifts by faculty and staff signal belonging every day. Resources: Guidance on Instructor Preparedness for Classroom Disruptions and Emergencies - — Practical steps for faculty before, during, and after an incident; includes evacuation, communication, and continuity tips. Video: Accessibility Renovations at UC Berkeley — with Ryan Manriquez Review transcripts on our show webpage. Share your feedback with us at findingspace@berkeley.edu. Finding Space is brought to you by Research Teaching, and Learning (RTL) in UC Berkeley's Division of Undergraduate Education.

  7. 10/01/2025

    5. Lead Culture from Where You Are: Cultivating Collective Care

    In this episode, Marisella Rodriguez (Associate Director of Equity & Inclusion, ⁠Center for Teaching and Learning⁠), Carmen Varela (Executive Director, ⁠Disabled Students’ Program⁠), and UC Berkeley Chancellor Rich Lyons (⁠Office of the Chancellor⁠) discuss how leadership, collective care, and disability justice intersect across roles and responsibilities on campus. Together, they explore how culture is shaped not just by policy, but by everyday decisions, values, and human connection—and why meaningful change starts with all of us. Join the conversation: What role can you play in leading culture and cultivating collective care on campus? Correction: During the conversation, Carmen mentions that the Section 504 protests took place in the 1960s. The protests actually occurred in the 1970s. Review transcripts on our ⁠show webpage⁠. Share your feedback with us at ⁠findingspace@berkeley.edu⁠. Finding Space is brought to you by ⁠Research, Teaching, and Learning (RTL)⁠ in UC Berkeley's Division of Undergraduate Education.

  8. 08/25/2025

    4: My Dream for Berkeley: Student Success Without Lowering Standards

    What if every student had a real chance to succeed—without lowering academic standards? In this episode of Finding Space, Professor Dan Garcia from UC Berkeley’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences department explores his dream for Berkeley: a university where all students can bring their authentic selves and thrive. After 20 years in the classroom, Dan began rethinking traditional grading practices—deeply inspired by the book Grading for Growth. His shift toward more equitable, student-centered approaches led to the adoption of strategies like absolute grading, flexible deadlines, and exam retakes. These changes are designed to support all students, particularly disabled and neurodivergent learners, while still emphasizing academic mastery. This conversation challenges us to imagine a more inclusive university—one where learning is continuous, failure is not final, and success is accessible. Tune in to learn: Why grading on a curve can harm equity How “A’s for All (as time and interest allow)” reframes student success Practical, flexible grading policies that support diverse learners Why universal design principles benefit all students—not just some Review transcripts on our show webpage. Share your feedback with us at findingspace@berkeley.edu. Finding Space is brought to you by Research Teaching, and Learning (RTL) in UC Berkeley's Division of Undergraduate Education.

  9. 05/09/2025

    3. The Power of Relationships with Undergraduate Student Marlenne Perez

    Marlenne Perez shares her experience navigating UC Berkeley as a first generation, low income, independent undergraduate student with a disability. She shares how relationships with mentors, professors and student support staff enabled her to stay at Berkeley when she thought she might drop out, and she offers advice for faculty who want to support students with disabilities but aren’t sure where to start. Review transcripts on our show webpage. Share your feedback with us at findingspace@berkeley.edu. Finding Space is brought to you by Research Teaching, and Learning (RTL) in UC Berkeley's Division of Undergraduate Education.

  10. 03/27/2025

    2: Accommodations Can Transform Your Teaching - a Conversation with DSP Faculty Liaisons, Jonah Levy and Justin Davidson

    Faculty Liaisons to the Disabled Students' Program (DSP), Jonah Levy and Justin Davidson, talk with Marisella Rodriguez and Tara Mason from the Center for Teaching and Learning, explaining how they support their faculty peers in the accommodations process and why they build bridges between their faculty colleagues and staff at DSP and Disability Access & Compliance (DAC). They also share how accommodating students with disabilities has transformed their teaching for the better, and made their courses more satisfying to teach. Resources mentioned in this episode: Jonah and Justin’s instructor guide to DSP accommodations⁠ (you’ll also find their contact info here) Demystifying Accommodations⁠, the hour-long video conversation from Fall 2023 we excerpted for this episode. Review transcripts on our show webpage (https://rtl.berkeley.edu/finding-space-podcast) Share your feedback with us at findingspace@berkeley.edu. Finding Space is brought to you by Research Teaching, and Learning (RTL) in UC Berkeley's Division of Undergraduate Education.

  11. 02/24/2025

    1: Inclusive Excellence and the UC Berkeley Disabled Students' Program with Carmen Varela

    In this premiere episode of Finding Space, we dive into what UC Berkeley Disabled Students' Program (DSP) Executive Director, Carmen Varela wishes that every faculty member and support staff on campus knew about the DSP and the work they do.  Marisella Rodriguez and Tara Mason from the Center for Teaching and Learning talk with Varela, and they share what motivates their decades of work on behalf of people with disabilities, what is at stake for students who need accommodations, and why DSP specialists are some of the most creative resources on campus. Review transcripts on show webpage: https://rtl.berkeley.edu/finding-space-podcast Share your feedback: findingspace@berkeley.edu Finding Space is brought to you by Research Teaching, and Learning (RTL) in UC Berkeley's Division of Undergraduate Education.

  • 11 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

A podcast where UC Berkeley students, educators, and staff from the disability community tell their stories and call the campus community in on acts of advocacy and disability justice. Share your feedback: findingspace@berkeley.edu

Information

  • Creator
    UC Berkeley Research, Teaching, and Learning (RTL)
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    11
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © UC Berkeley Research, Teaching, and Learning (RTL)
  • Show Website
    Finding Space