Disability in the Public Square | An Our Ability Podcast

John Robinson
  • 5.0 (2)
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  • Updated Biweekly

Our Ability: Disability in the Public Square is a first-of-its-kind daily podcast that applies a disability lens to mainstream news, entertainment, and public policy. Each episode takes one story from the day's news cycle and asks the question no one else is asking systematically:   "Where are people with disabilities in today's story — and how are we being framed?" - John Robinson   The show treats disability not as a niche personal issue but as a civic, mainstream subject — as central to public life as race, gender, or class.

Episodes

  1. Jun 4

    Disability Employment NYS Session

    Blaise Bryant talks about the NYS legislature not advancing disability employment priorities this legislative session. He also explores the barriers for advancing progress and how this can change. June 4th 2026

    11 min

  2. May 29

    Inertia, Subminimum Wage and New York State

    Presently, New York State is in a state of inertia when it comes to eliminating subminimum wage for individuals with disabilities. This inactivity has increased in the past six months the number of individuals with disabilities from 400 to 1400 that are working below minimum wage. Assemblymember Phil Steck is the leading voice in the Assembly, trying to eliminate subminimum wage for individuals with disabilities. Unfortunately, other political leaders are caught in a state of inertia.

    13 min

  3. May 21

    Blaise's Introduction and Global Accessibility Awareness Day

    Blaise Bryant, as stated on LinkedIn, is a communicator, podcaster, advocate, voiceover artist, digital accessibility consultant, and Dad. Blaise joins Disability in the Public Square on Global Accessibility Awareness Day, WCAG 2.1 and what more we can do on accessibility.

    9 min

  4. May 20

    R-Word, Sydney Sweeney, The Rock and a Road with Bad Intentions

    Disability in the Public Square take a look at the "R-Word" and the use in today's society. A quick Google search shows you how often famous people are using the word and the implications for all of us.

    12 min

  5. May 19

    From Soap to Vintage License Plates, a New Disability Economy? | Pilot 1

    How is disability represented in society today? With over 20% of the world's population is individuals with disabilities, 20% of media coverage is not about people with disabilities. John Robinson and Blaise Bryant will discuss and reflect with humor and opinion what's going on today. From a new economy taking place in Colorado Springs, we discuss 'the efforts of Tony and Beth Feltman, co-owners of RM Soap Market and STORY by RM.'  Additionally, we look at New York State, Senator Patricia Fahey, and introducing new legislation to create a Disability Innovation Fund.

    10 min
  • 5 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Our Ability: Disability in the Public Square is a first-of-its-kind daily podcast that applies a disability lens to mainstream news, entertainment, and public policy. Each episode takes one story from the day's news cycle and asks the question no one else is asking systematically:   "Where are people with disabilities in today's story — and how are we being framed?" - John Robinson   The show treats disability not as a niche personal issue but as a civic, mainstream subject — as central to public life as race, gender, or class.

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