You First: The Disability Rights Florida Podcast

Disability Rights Florida

The purpose of You First is to discuss the rights of individuals with disabilities, putting your rights first. Host Keith Casebonne tackles important issues with knowledgeable guests, accounting first-hand experiences and discussing available resources for persons with disabilities. This podcast is produced by Disability Rights Florida, a not-for-profit corporation working to protect and advance the rights of Floridians with disabilities through advocacy and education. You can learn more about Disability Rights Florida on our website at DisabilityRightsFlorida.org.

  • 1 hour 6 minutes
    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.

    12 February 2026, 12:00 pm
  • 1 hour 1 minute
    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."

    29 January 2026, 12:00 pm
  • 57 minutes 1 second
    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.

    15 January 2026, 12:00 pm
  • 49 minutes 11 seconds
    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.

    1 January 2026, 12:00 pm
  • 1 hour 5 minutes
    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.

    18 December 2025, 12:00 pm
  • 51 minutes 29 seconds
    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.

    4 December 2025, 12:00 pm
  • 51 minutes 6 seconds
    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.

    20 November 2025, 12:00 pm
  • 1 hour 19 seconds
    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.

    6 November 2025, 12:00 pm
  • 1 minute 11 seconds
    Season Two Trailer

    Hi, it's Jodi and Keith, the hosts of Disability Deep Dive, a podcast from Disability Rights Florida. It's where real conversations about life, culture, and leadership meet the lived disability experience.

    In Season One, we unpacked tough questions with advocates, creators, and researchers -- you know, people changing how we think about access and belonging. And now we're back with Season Two on November 6th, and the conversations are getting even better. And this time, you can see us: Disability Deep Dive is now a video podcast. You'll still get the same thoughtful conversations, but now with faces, laughs, and all those in-between moments that make the dialogue real.

    From music to travel, influence to interpretation, our guests are reimagining what's possible and how change really happens. We explore how stories shape systems and how lived experience drives innovation. Because disability isn't a single story, it's part of every story.

    So get ready for Disability Deep Dive Season Two out on November 6th. Listen or watch wherever you get your podcasts. And subscribe so you don't miss what's next.

    23 October 2025, 11:00 am
  • 55 minutes 59 seconds
    Docs with Disabilities: Rethinking Inclusion in Medical Education – with Dr. Lisa Meeks

    In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi are joined by Dr. Lisa Meeks, founder of the Docs with Disabilities Initiative. They explore how medical education can better support learners and clinicians with disabilities, discussing the initiative's origins, challenges faced by disabled learners, and practical steps for creating inclusive environments. They also examine the impact of disability representation on patient care and delve into a related TV show, The Pitt, highlighting a neurodivergent resident's approach to care. This episode underscores the importance of storytelling, policy transparency, and inclusive practices in transforming medical training and care.

    4 September 2025, 11:00 am
  • 35 minutes 14 seconds
    Accessible Voices: Building Community Through Blind-Led Media – with Aaron Richmond

    In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi explore the power of blind-led media with Aaron Richmond, creator of Aaron's Opinion podcast and YouTube channel. Aaron shares his motivations behind starting his podcast, the unique tagline "Help one person today, help one million people tomorrow," and the importance of blind and disabled voices in media. The discussion touches on challenges in maintaining consistent content, building a community, and the role of media in shaping societal understanding of disabilities. The episode wraps up with a special deep cut featuring the music video Lift Me Up, celebrating Judy Heumann's legacy and showcasing accessible pop culture.

    21 August 2025, 11:00 am
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