Neuro Rainbow Project's New Podcast DisElectAbility

DisElectAbility: A Deep Dive into Disability Activism with Paula PetersIn this episode of DisElectAbility, host Autisticly Aar speaks with disability activist Paula Peters from Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC). Peters discusses the impact of winter fuel allowance cuts on older disabled individuals, the contentious assisted dying bill, and the worrying push towards austerity measures by the current Labour government. She emphasizes the need for increased financial support, accessible housing, and NHS services underpinned by progressive taxation. Peters also stresses the importance of collective activism and the potential role of independent candidates in representing disabled people. She calls for solidarity and urges listeners to engage in various forms of activism to bring about change and support DPAC’s crowdfunded initiatives.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:30 Guest Introduction: Paula Peters00:57 Impact of Labour Government Policies on Disabled People03:07 Assisted Dying Bill Concerns07:00 Social Care Crisis and the Need for Reform28:01 Political Homelessness Among Disabled People34:07 Activism and Campaigning for Disabled Rights40:18 Upcoming Events and Final Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Guest:Ashleigh Talbot – Co-founder of What The Trans?!, journalist, activist, disabled trans woman living with MS.Bex Foulsham - non-binary trans woman who is a member of the Liberal Democrats and campaignerIn this powerful episode of DisElectAbility, host Aar Jae Williams is joined by Ashleigh Talbot, co-founder of the independent trans news podcast What The Trans?!. Together, they explore the current political, social, and media landscape affecting the UK’s trans and disabled communities. The conversation spans the deeply controversial Supreme Court ruling in For Women Scotland v. Scottish Ministers, the impact of the Sullivan and Cass reviews on trans healthcare, the role of right-wing US influence in shaping UK policy, and the devastating proposed cuts to disability benefits like PIP under the Labour government.Ashleigh, a wheelchair user and MS patient, brings a razor-sharp critique of media transphobia, the NHS’s failures in supporting marginalised identities, and the performative neutrality of mainstream journalism. The episode also features a heartfelt voice note from trans activist Bex Foulsham responding to the Supreme Court ruling, emphasizing the psychological toll and erosion of legal protections for trans people in the UK.From media myths to grassroots resistance, this is a call to action: resist, organize, support one another, and push back against a growing wave of ableism and transphobia.EMAIL: [email protected] ASHLEIGH ON BLUESKY: https://bsky.app/profile/ashleigh.whatthetrans.comFIND MORE ABOUT WHAT THE TRANS?!: https://whatthetrans.com/SIGN PETITION ON THE SUPREME COURT RULING: https://www.change.org/p/overturn-the-uk-s-new-legal-definition-of-a-woman Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Economic and Policy Impacts on Disabled People: A Conversation with Robert BucklandIn this episode of DisElectAbility, the Disability Politics Podcast, host Aar Jae/Eira-Auri Williams engages in a detailed discussion with Robert Buckland, former MP and cabinet minister, focusing on disability and autism policies in the UK. They explore the economic policies over the past 15 years, the impact of austerity on disabled people, and Buckland's work with the autism employment review. Buckland also shares his personal connection to autism, insights from his political career, and perspectives on current political challenges and government actions. The episode emphasises the need for improved support, inclusivity, and policy reform to better meet the needs of disabled people in the UK.Email: neurorainbowproject.comFollow on Bluesky: @neurorainbwoproject.com Visit: neurorainbowproject.com/diselectability for more Please like subscribe follow and share episode content:00:00 Introduction to Electability Podcast00:49 Overview of British Politics and Disability02:23 Economic Policies and Their Impact on Disabled People06:38 Political Activism and Social Media13:41 Interview with Robert Buckland14:07 Robert Buckland's Political Journey and Autism Advocacy18:38 Challenges and Achievements in Autism Support25:15 Reflections on Government Policies and Future Directions57:13 Closing Remarks and Future Episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Intersection of Politics and Fandom: An Interview with Dr. Phoenix CS AndrewsIn this episode of Diselectability, Aar Jae Williams (Eira-Auri) interviews Dr. Phoenix CS Andrews, author of 'I Heart Politics,' which explores the theory of political fandom culture and its impacts in the age of mass-market popular culture. Dr. Andrews, who is disabled and neurodivergent, shares insights on how autism and ADHD influence his perspective on political engagement. The discussion delves into the intersections of fandom, populism, conspiracy theories, and the broader implications for disabled and marginalised communities. Additionally, they touch on Dr. Andrews' personal journey with late diagnoses of several disabilities and the unique challenges and experiences that come with it. The episode also explores how disabled people navigate political spaces, the representation of neurodivergent and transgender individuals in media, and how supportive fandoms provide community and identity. Upcoming episodes will feature interviews relevant to disability and politics, including a talk with former government minister Robert Buckland on government policies affecting disabled people.For more from Dr. Andrews please and his book visit thatdocphoenix.com and https://linktr.ee/iheartpolitics Any personal quieries, feedback or responses to anything discussed email: [email protected] to the new patreon channel visit patreon.com/rainbowpacifier or support via ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/neurorainbowproject For more visit neurorainbowproject.com00:00 Welcome to Diselectability Politics Podcast01:14 Introducing Dr. Phoenix C. S. Andrews02:45 Exploring Political Fandom Culture03:53 Subscription and Social Media Information05:28 Dr. Andrews' Personal Journey08:07 Understanding Neurodivergence10:57 Challenges in Education and Employment26:29 Living with Cerebral Palsy34:17 Adapting Sports for Disabled Individuals41:46 Facing Accessibility Challenges42:17 Visibility and Advocacy42:59 Guide Dog Discrimination44:17 Politics as Fandom46:50 Writing 'I Heart Politics'50:50 Defining Fandom and Populism01:01:44 Negative Fandoms and Conspiracy Theories01:10:50 Impact on Marginalized Communities01:14:43 Changing Attitudes and Future Prospects01:19:02 The Political Capitalization of Concepts01:20:02 Impact of Famous Figures on the Autistic Community01:21:20 Media Representation and Stereotypes01:22:33 Challenges of Neurodivergent Representation01:23:15 Misconceptions and Stereotypes01:25:16 Navigating Social Interactions01:39:07 Fandoms and Community Building01:46:39 Accessibility and Inclusion in Fandoms01:49:42 Hopes for Change in Neurodivergent and Queer Communities01:54:48 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Disability Politics with Brendan Roberts: Neurodivergence and Political EngagementThis episode features Brendan Roberts, a 23-year-old from Torfaen with autism and dyspraxia. Brendan discusses his experiences in various professional roles, including at the Department of Work and Pensions and Voices from Care Cymru, where he has significantly influenced Welsh government policy. He also delves into his political journey with the Liberal Democrats, his advocacy for social justice, including LGBT+ rights, and the importance of diverse voices in politics. The episode highlights the challenges and systemic barriers faced by neurodivergent and disabled individuals in the workplace and political arena, emphasizing empathy and accessibility.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:31 Podcast Content Overview02:59 Guest Introduction: Brendan Roberts10:51 Brendan's Professional Journey13:33 Challenges of Being Neurodivergent19:05 Experiences with the Benefits System20:38 Empathy and Understanding in the Workplace22:24 Brendan's Political Involvement22:42 Discovering Politics and Joining the Lib Dems23:34 Campaigning and Running for Office23:56 Becoming a Candidate and Party Roles25:05 Reflections on Welsh Independence and Party Politics26:17 Motivations and Honest Conversations in Politics27:28 Brexit and Party Policies28:22 Challenges and Optimism in Welsh Politics32:02 Roles and Achievements in Care Cymru35:52 Working with Welsh Government and Cross-Party Efforts40:50 Reflections on Coalition Years and LGBT+ Advocacy43:10 Accessibility and Representation in Politics48:20 Future Hopes for Disabled and Neurodivergent People53:20 Closing Remarks and Social Media Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Empowering Youth Voices: An Interview with Troy Njenje-MbangaIn this episode, the host, Autisticly Aar, interviews Troy Njenje-Mbanga, a 21-year-old ambassador and youth activist from West Oxford Wakefield. Troy shares his journey of advocating for inclusion and the rights of young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). He discusses his personal experiences with autism, the support he received, and the importance of youth participation in activism. Troy highlights his involvement with organizations like iWill and Reach Out To All, focusing on social issues such as education, climate change, and mental health. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in accessing support services and the need for improved mental health resources.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:46 Meet Troy: Advocate and Activist01:24 Troy's Personal Journey with Autism02:53 Challenges and Coping Strategies08:26 Involvement in Advocacy Groups11:49 Campaigns and Key Issues13:01 Improving Education and Inclusion22:39 Mental Health Support for Young People32:54 Political Engagement and Voting39:17 Final Thoughts and Contact Information Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode description:Paula Peters: A Lifelong Activist for Disability RightsIn this heartfelt and compelling interview, Paula Peters recounts her journey as a disability rights activist starting from the age of eight. Paula discusses her personal struggles with hypermobility syndrome and the fight to keep hydrotherapy services available in Southeast London. She delves into her experiences within the mental health system, challenges with employment, and the impact of political decisions on disabled individuals. Peters highlights her involvement with Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC), emphasizing their campaigning efforts, the importance of collective activism, and their fight against austerity and privatization of the NHS. The discussion also explores her views on the current political climate and the necessity of continued activism to secure the rights and dignity of disabled people. Trigger warnings include mentions of mental health struggles, psychiatric abuse, and the impacts of austerity measures.Find out more about DPAC: https://dpac.uk.net/about/Timings of episode running order:00:00 Introduction to Paula Peters00:15 Early Activism and Hydrotherapy Campaign01:42 Mental Health Struggles and Advocacy04:22 Joining DPAC and Fighting Austerity14:53 Challenges in the Workplace17:52 Issues in Mental Health System22:24 Impact of Political Decisions on Mental Health27:43 The Need for Systemic Change31:28 Concerns Over Lifelong Disabilities and Government Reforms35:06 The Impact of Political Parties on Disability Rights38:51 Upcoming Day of Action and Campaign Demands42:57 Challenges in Voting and Political Representation53:01 Future Hopes and Continued Campaigning Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Disability and General Elections: A Talk with Activist Ciara McCarthyJoin Ciara McCarthy, an award-winning disability activist, as she discusses the importance of disabled people's involvement in the general election. Ciara addresses challenges like voter accessibility, manifestos, political engagement, and the need for more representation of disabled individuals in politics. She emphasizes the significance of understanding party policies, the impact of COVID-19 on the disabled community, and the importance of mental health services. Throughout the conversation, Ciara advocates for better education on political systems and encourages voter participation, especially among young and disabled voters.Episode Running Order:00:00 Introduction to Disability Politics Podcast02:26 The Importance of Voting for Disabled People04:02 Challenges in Political Accessibility05:36 Manifestos and Their Impact on Disabled Voters09:24 Personal Political Views and Priorities11:26 COVID-19 and Its Impact on Disabled Communities20:05 Voter ID and Political Participation22:16 Encouraging Disabled Representation in Politics24:56 Education and Political Awareness41:34 Mental Health Services and Transitioning49:56 Final Thoughts and Call to ActionFind out more about how to vote at this UK election (applies for UK citizens and of UK nationality only and are registered to vote): https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/election-2024Find who is standing in your local constituency: https://whocanivotefor.co.ukIf you know more about the podcast: https://neurorainbowproject.com/diselectability Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Embracing Neurodiversity in Politics: Kathy Macy's StoryKathy Macy is the Liberal Democrats PPC for Colne Valley standing against candidates from Green Party, Labour Party, Reform UK, Conservative and Unionist Party and Yorkshire Party. This podcast covers disability politics.In this episode of Dis Elect Ability, we sit down with Kathy Macy, a soon-to-be PhD graduate and Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Coordinator at the University of West England. Kathy shares their journey as an autistic individual deeply involved in British politics, discussing their research on autism in the Stone Age, their political activities, and their belief in the importance of neurodiversity and inclusivity in contemporary society.00:00 Introduction to Katharine Mac03:07 The Importance of Neurodiversity03:58 Personal Experiences with Autism09:01 Political Involvement and Advocacy18:30 Liberalism and Personal Beliefs30:19 Roles and Responsibilities in the Party32:23 Internal and External Campaigns32:41 Benefits and Inflation40:18 Disclosure and Representation47:02 Voter Apathy and Political Engagement01:03:17 Coalition Politics and Future HopesGet involved and get in touch if you want to be involved email [email protected] or contact @neurorainbowproject on social media and use the hashtag #DisElectAbility Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Get to hear the preview of the brand new podcast launching June he 4th ahead of the UK general election that sets to make sense of what the disabled people want from politics and what is at stake for neurodivergent people in this generational political moment Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.