KPFA - Pushing Limits

In recent years, significant progress has been made in both disability rights and Krispjin Parsons LGBTQ+ visibility. However, the intersection of these identities remains an area that is often overlooked. On today’s show, we welcome Krispjin Parsons, a gay man on the autism spectrum, who shares his personal journey navigating life at the crossroads of queerness and neurodiversity. Through candid reflections on both the challenges and triumphs he’s experienced, Krispjin sheds light on the often-invisible nature of this intersectional identity. This episode explores the richness and complexity within both the LGBTQ+ and disabled communities, and highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating the full spectrum of lived experiences. This program is hosted and produced by Jacob Stanton with editing assistance from Denny Daughters and Dominick Trevethan. The post The Intersection Between Disability & Queerness – Pushing Limits – July 11, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

What would you do if your world slowly started going silent—and you didn’t know why? This week on Pushing Limits, we bring you the story of Claire, a young student in Utah who began losing her hearing in fifth grade, despite having no family history of disability. When Claire was in fifth grade, she noticed the hearing in her right ear dropped, followed by her left ear. Now entering ninth grade, Claire reflects on her journey of obtaining hearing aids, a cochlear implant, and how she and her mother, Michelle, are learning to navigate a new language, a new identity, and a new understanding of access. Tune in as we ask what her audiologist and ENT did to help her, what made her decide to get a cochlear implant in her right ear, and how she learned to adapt to the cochlear implant. How do mother and daughter feel about learning American Sign Language? This week, Denny Daughters talks to Claire and her mother Michelle to answer all these questions and more. Plus, for a full transcript of the entire program, scroll down. The idea for this episode of Pushing Limits came from Denny’s wife, Deah Daughters. This show was hosted, edited, and produced by Denny Daughters. Audio transcription was by Nicole Struthers. Pushing Limits – Sudden Changes [Opening intro music] Denny: Hello, and welcome to Pushing Limits, KPFA’s program by and about people with disabilities. We air every Friday afternoon at 2:30 p.m. I’m your host, Denny Daughters. Today, I have two guests, Claire and her mother, Michelle. Both live in Utah. Claire will be going into ninth grade this fall. This is her final year of junior high. Claire’s mom, dad, and three siblings don’t have any disabilities. In fifth grade, Claire was a typical kid without any disabilities. That year, she lost her hearing. She went from having hearing aids in both ears to having a hearing aid in her left ear and a cochlear implant in her right ear. Welcome to Pushing Limits. Let’s start out with a brief introduction from both of you. Claire: I’m Claire, and I lost my hearing in fifth grade, so it’s been almost four years. Michelle: My name’s Michelle, and I’m Claire’s mom. Denny: How many people are in your family? Claire: I have two brothers, one sister. I’m the youngest. Denny: Do any of your family members have disabilities? Claire: No. Denny: Do you remember what you were doing when you lost your hearing, and what was it like for you after you lost your hearing? Claire: I remember very well. I was just playing Legos, and then it just dropped, and it started ringing, and it never stopped. So, I’d be like, “Mama, it’s still in my ear,” and I could still hear out my other ear. It’s kind of like a bunch of buzzing or like the ringing in your ears, but also sometimes it’ll sound like there’s a fly in your ear or something. We would put stuff in my ears trying to get a fly out, because I thought there was a fly in my ear. Michelle: She wouldn’t believe me that there was no fly in her ear and would ask me to check over and over – Claire: Every day. Michelle: — because she just felt like there was — Claire: It sounded like it. Michelle: — a fly, but it was ringing so loud that I was having to yell really loud for her just to be able to hear me. Claire: Yeah. Denny: When the buzzing in Claire’s ears wouldn’t go away, it took about a week for them to get in to see her pediatrician, and then it was two weeks after that for them to see the ENT. Here’s Michelle. Michelle: It started to ring, and we talked to her pediatrician – Claire: Oh, yeah. Michelle: — right away. Claire: I don’t remember that. Michelle: And he thought that maybe she had some fluid in her ears, and so we went and got that checked out, and it looked okay, but they put her on a medication in case there was some fluid that they couldn’t detect, and then he had us wait. At that point, when it didn’t come back, then he had us go see an ENT. We got her in pretty quickly. The thing that was tricky is that I started calling around to...

What happens when the care you need to survive just isn’t available? Across the U.S., millions of disabled people are facing a growing caregiver shortage—a crisis that makes independent living harder, sometimes impossible. For those with complex physical disabilities like Spinal Muscular Atrophy, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Kevin Schaefer This week on Pushing Limits, we talk with Kevin Schaefer—a disability advocate, writer, and podcast host living with SMA. Kevin is the voice behind the podcast, SMA News Today, and Embracing My Inner Alien, a column where he shares deeply personal, often humorous stories about navigating life in a body that relies on others for daily care. Tune in as we unpack what it means to depend on a support system that’s under threat of losing government funding, the difference in accessibility across the country, and why creating community matters more than ever. This program is hosted and produced by Dominick Trevethan. The post SMA: Weak Muscles—Stronger Voices – Pushing Limits – June 27, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

What happens when psychiatric hospitals use restraints and drugs in ways that violate the rights of disabled patients? What does it mean when unhoused disabled people are forced to navigate city services from tents on the sidewalk? And is the Bay Area transit system finally listening to disabled riders? This Friday on Pushing Limits, Eddie Ytuarte and Talia Mariano take you on a fast-paced tour through some of the most pressing disability rights developments in California. From providing an update on the damning report on College Hospital Cerritos—where Disability Rights California found dangerous conditions for psychiatric patients—to a firsthand look at the growing encampments of unhoused disabled people in Berkeley, they’ll break down what’s really happening on the ground. Plus, they’ll bring insights from a recent Metropolitan Transportation Commission disability conference, exploring how transportation policies are shifting—or stalling—for riders with disabilities. Tune in to stay informed, stay connected, and hear voices from the front lines of the disability rights movement. This program is hosted by Eddie Ytuarte and Talia Mariano. The post Disability Happenings – Pushing Limits – June 20, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

This Friday on Pushing Limits, we dig into the escalating attacks on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access (DEIA) under the Trump administration. As backlash spreads nationwide, what does it mean for the disability community? Desiree Delonia Our guest, Desiree Delonia, Director of DEIA at Disability Rights California (DRC), joins us to unpack what DEIA really is, why it matters, and how DRC is pushing back against efforts to dismantle it. Plus, we will catch up with one of our past guests, Jennifer Chassman, and discuss how her work as a DIEA practitioner has changed since Trump took office. This episode is hosted by Denny Daughters with production assistance from Jacob Lesner-Buxton, and contributions from Adrienne Lauby. Relevant Resources: Disability Rights California Jennifer Chassman’s Website Desiree Delonia’s Book Cal State East Bay’s Think by the Bay program Jennifer Chassman The post The State of DEIA Under Trump 2.0 – Pushing Limits – June 13, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

On this edition of Pushing Limits, we speak with Grace Fisher — a gifted artist, founder of Santa Barbara’s Inclusive Arts Clubhouse, and owner of the Grace Fisher Foundation. At 17, Grace’s life changed overnight when she was paralyzed from the neck down by Acute Flaccid Myelitis, a rare polio-like illness. During her rehabilitation, she discovered adaptive music and art — a turning point that would shape her future. In 2023, driven by a vision of creativity and community, she opened the Grace Fisher Inclusive Arts Clubhouse, which has become a vibrant center offering music, dance, and art classes for people with disabilities. Grace joins Pushing Limits collective member Bonnie Elliott for a conversation about art, disability, and what it takes to run an inclusive creative space. This episode is hosted by Bonnie Elliott, with production support from Jacob Lesner-Buxton and editing by Denny Daughters. Grace Fisher The post Inclusive Arts Clubhouse – Pushing Limits – June 6, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

How far can a California private psychiatric hospital go in violating the rights and safety of people with disabilities—without being held accountable? A new report from Disability Rights California (DRC) shines a harsh light on College Hospital in Cerritos (CHC), revealing a disturbing pattern of inappropriate restraint and seclusion, as well as questionable use of involuntary emergency medications. These are not isolated incidents—they point to systemic problems affecting some of the state’s most vulnerable residents. On this program of Pushing Limits, we’ll speak with Richard Diaz, the lead attorney on the investigation, to unpack the key findings and what they mean for psychiatric care across California. We’ll also examine how a lack of oversight, transparency, and disability rights enforcement contributes to ongoing harm in institutions that are supposed to help people heal. What can be done to stop it? What recourse do disabled residents have? And what role should we all be playing in demanding better? Tune in to find out. This program is hosted and produced by Eddie Ytuarte. The post Locked In and Let Down in Cerritos – Pushing Limits – May 30, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

A half-hour radio show providing critical coverage of disability issues and bringing the insight of the grassroots disability movement to the general public. The post Pushing Limits – May 23, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

A half-hour radio show providing critical coverage of disability issues and bringing the insight of the grassroots disability movement to the general public. The post Pushing Limits – May 16, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

A half-hour radio show providing critical coverage of disability issues and bringing the insight of the grassroots disability movement to the general public. The post Pushing Limits – May 9, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

A half-hour radio show providing critical coverage of disability issues and bringing the insight of the grassroots disability movement to the general public. The post Pushing Limits – May 2, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Ever visit a museum and feel like it wasn’t built with you in mind? Struggled to read the exhibit text, navigate a gallery space, or find someone who could help — all while being told the place was “accessible”? You’re not alone. And change is possible. Maia Scott This week on Pushing Limits, we’re joined by Maia Scott, a blind educator and disability advocate who’s working to transform how museums serve people with disabilities. Maia recently launched her own consulting business that focuses on partnering with museums and other cultural institutions to break down barriers whether they are physical or systemic. She brings her lived experience and creative insight to the conversation, sharing how inclusive design, tactile access, better signage, and staff training can open doors — not just for disabled folks, but for everyone. Whether you’re someone who’s felt excluded from these spaces, or you work in one and want to do better, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. This episode of Pushing Limits is hosted by Bonnie Elliott, produced by Jacob Lesner-Buxton, and edited by Denny Daughters. To learn more about Maia’s work, visit https://maiamaia.co/ The post Making Museums Accessible for All – Pushing Limits – April 25, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Struggling to get your landlord to install a ramp or let you keep a service animal? Ever been denied housing because of your disability, but weren’t sure what to do next? You’re not alone and there are protections in place. Angie Watson-Hajjem This week, Pushing Limits welcomes Angie Watson-Hajjem. She is the Fair Housing Coordinator of ECHO Fair Housing, which serves the San Francisco East Bay. Topics she will talk about include different forms of discrimination against people with disabilities, accommodations, recourse when discrimination occurs, plus the possible effects of Trump’s actions on the disabled community. As the Fair Housing Coordinator, Angie investigates housing discrimination complaints for residents in Alameda, Contra Costa, and Monterey County. She is a certified mediator and helps facilitate reasonable accommodation requests for disabled tenants. Angie holds monthly regional fair housing trainings online where tenants and housing providers can receive fair housing education and counseling. This program is produced and hosted by Eddie Ytuarte. The post Housing Accommodations, Discrimination, & Action – Pushing Limits – April 18, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Does the very system that supports you hold you back? There are a plethora of concerns regarding this administration and Social Security. Social Security is a life and death support in our community. Accordingly, disabled advocates have tried to improve Social Security for literally decades with limited success. We don’t have a choice, as we defend this Social Security, we must work to improve it. Did you know Social Security resource limits haven’t been updated since 1989? The SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act has been sitting in Congress for a year and a half. Why? On this week’s Pushing Limits program, we learn more about producer Denny Daughters’ experiences with Social Security. Joining us as we share our frustrations and lived experiences is another blind friend and podcast producer, Kevin Wassmer. Plus, producer Dominick Trevethan shares the financial constraints the current SSI income limits place on him as someone who relies on Medicaid services to live an independent life. From absurd income caps to the hoops we jump through just to survive — we get real about what needs to change. This program was hosted and produced by Dominick Trevethan with editing assistance from Denny Daughters. For more Information on the SSI Savings Penalty Elimination Act, click here. The post Social Security: Trapped by the System – Pushing Limits – April 11, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

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In California, 2.3 million people are covered by Medicaid. In addition to covering medical care, the program also helps with transportation costs, in-home care, and access to other community support for persons with disabilities and older adults. But that support is in jeopardy. Currently, Congress is trying to cut this program by $800 billion, which would lead to a major reduction in services. Our guest on this week’s program of Pushing Limits is healthcare advocate and Youtuber Jane Hash. She will talk about the impact of those cuts on her and other people with disabilities. Plus, Hash will speak frankly about how people with disabilities are struggling to survive in a country that doesn’t adequately fund the services we need. This episode of Pushing Limits is written and produced by Jacob Lesner-Buxton. It is hosted and edited by Dominick Trevethan with assistance by Adrienne Lauby and Denny Daughters. Relevant Resources: Jane Hash’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@JaneHashCNHP Latest info on ways to protect Medicaid: https://justiceinaging.org/ Jane Hash The post The Consequences of Cuts to Medicaid – Pushing Limits – March 28, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

A vital legal protection for people with disabilities is under attack. But a coalition from 15 states is fighting back, filing a lawsuit to stop the Trump administration’s attempt to gut Section 504 of the federal code. This crucial regulation has been a cornerstone in the battle against discrimination in employment, housing, and more. Claudia Center, legal director at the Disability Rights and Education Defense Fund, joins us to break down what’s at stake and how this legal battle could impact the rights of millions. Tune in to Pushing Limits this Friday at 2:30 PM to learn more about the fight to preserve Section 504 and what you can do to support disability rights. This program is hosted and produced by Edward Ytuarte. The post The Legal Fight for Section 504 – Pushing Limits – March 21, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Despite epilepsy being the fourth most common neurological condition, affecting one in twenty-six people globally, there’s a widespread lack of awareness surrounding this disability. This is in large part due to its low visibility in daily life. Many individuals living with epilepsy exhibit little to no visible symptoms that would signal their epilepsy to the people around them. Such is the case with the two guests on this week’s program, Hanna Wight and Mary Cadd. When most people think of a seizure, they typically associate it with what is called a “Grand Mal Seizure,” which involves a complete loss of consciousness and motor control. However, as we explore in this program, seizures and other epileptic events affect individuals in a myriad of ways. In this conversation, we explore how Hanna and Mary navigate their personal and professional lives while living with Epilepsy. This condition affects relationships, work, driving, and many other aspects of our guests’ daily lives. Mary and Hanna both advocate for increased empathy and awareness of this disability. It is important for the public to know how to respond effectively while being non-intrusive when someone has a seizure. This program was hosted and produced by Jacob Stanton with audio editing by Denny Daughters and Dominick Trevethan. Mary Cadd Hanna Wight The post Epilepsy Enlightenment – Pushing Limits – March 14, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

A half-hour radio show providing critical coverage of disability issues and bringing the insight of the grassroots disability movement to the general public. The post Pushing Limits – March 7, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

A half-hour radio show providing critical coverage of disability issues and bringing the insight of the grassroots disability movement to the general public. The post Pushing Limits – February 21, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.