KPFA - Pushing Limits

The rise of right-wing power in the U.S. is the culmination of a 50 year plan to seize the reins of government power in the U.S. It has succeeded in the Supreme Court and, who knows, could take the Presidency and both House and Senate at Tuesday’s election. As the plan becomes actualized, the Heritage Foundation has gifted us with the next step – a plan for a radical restructuring of our legal and regulatory bodies written in a document called Project 2025. Unless you are inclined to policy wonky-ness, it’s hard to tell how the Project 2025 changes could affect people with disabilities. Fortunately for us, our guest for this program has the knowledge and experience to translate these bureaucratic maneuvers into the devilish details that are set to make our lives much more difficult. Claudia Center is the Legal Director of Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund (DREDF). She litigates cases that increase civil rights and civil liberties for persons with disabilities, and represents the disability community in legislative, policy, amicus, and appellate work. Claudia Center Project 2025 lays out drastic cuts to Medi-Caid (MediCal), the end of equity in K-12 schooling for disabled kids, less eligible injuries for Veteran services, and so much more. Halloween will be over by the time this program airs but it’s not too late to be very scared. Want to know more? Our community members are working to make it easy for you: 1. Claudia Center’s analysis with page numbers in the Project 2025 document.so you can read what it says yourself. 2. Instragram post by DREDF. 3. Lainey Feingold’s great hub with all the Project 2025 content from a disability perspective. Produced and hosted by Adrienne Lauby. Audio Editing by Adrienne Lauby and Denny Daughters. Production assistance by Tina Pinedo. The post Devilish Details for Disabled People: Project 2025 – Pushing Limits – November 1, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

When we think of disability, we often associate it with stereotypical signifiers such as wheelchairs, handicap placards, and walking canes. We see these things when we are in public and they communicate to us that the person these things belong to lives with a disability. But, what happens when we don’t see these signifiers That is exactly what we’re going to get into on this week’s program. Our guest this week is Theresa Rodgers and she lives with three invisible disabilities. They include Epstein-Barr Virus, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, and a MTHFR Gene mutation. She will explain how each of these disabilities impact her in ways that nobody sees, including her work as a writer. Theresa also touches on how society treats those with invisible disabilities as though they are able bodied. This program was produced and hosted by Jacob Stanton with editing assistance from Denny Daughters and Dominick Trevethan. Relevant Resources: Epstein-Barr virus Chronic Fatigue Syndrome MTHFR Gene mutation Theresa Rodgers The post Invisible Disabilities – Pushing Limits – October 25, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

This Saturday, the longest running disability film festival in the world begins. Whether online or in person, you’re sure to see diverse, unabashed and engaging cinema. In the two decades of Pushing Limits, we’ve watched the ethos of disability organizing from the 1970s be embraced by a new generation of disabled cultural workers and organizations. Superfest’s parent, the Longmore Institute at S.F. State, with its new disability cultural center is one keeper of these flames. Our guest this week, Dr. Emily Beitiks, interim director for the Longmore Institute, has seen these happy developments close and personal. Eddie Ytuarte hosts. SUPERFEST Superfest Disability Film Festival is coming October 17-20, and whether you are joining in person in the Bay Area or online anywhere in the world, you need to be a part of it! Superfest is the longest running disability film festival in the world. Since 1970, it has celebrated cinema that portrays disability through a diverse, unabashed and engaging lens, and we can’t wait to come together as a community to take in this much-loved disability cultural event for its 38th festival, hybrid for the second year, with new levels of access. EMILY BEITIKS: Emily Beitiks received a Ph.D. in American Studies with a focus in Disability Studies at the University of Minnesota. She has served as adjunct faculty at five universities, centering disability studies in her curriculum. Dr. Emily Beitiks From 2012 to the present, she has worked at the Longmore Institute on Disability at San Francisco State University, serving as Interim Director for three years. While there, she developed her praxis as a scholar-activist of disability to promote creative forms of access for the arts and generate spaces that promote disability culture, serving as project director for a touring exhibition “Patient No More,” and serving as co-director of Superfest Disability Film Festival. She exists in this world because her mother’s sudden disability diagnosis prompted her to have a child, and her first-hand experiences of disability have grown throughout her 20 years of experience working in the disability community. 2024 Superfest Disability Film Festival Flyer The post Superfest & The Longmore Institute – Pushing Limits – October 18, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

Project 2025 calls for massive changes in our government, and as usual, massive change would bring massive problems for people with disabilities. We talk about the hidden, and not so hidden, effect of this plan on our community. Project 2025, created by the Heritage Foundation has been called the blueprint for the next Trump administration. Within the document’s 900+ pages are calls for banning abortion, dismantling Medicare, taking down the Department of Education and giving the president the power to fire government employees who aren’t loyal to him. Gianna Lacofano Today we will hear perspectives on Project 2025 from four people with disabilities. Gianna Lacofano and Amanda Harrinauth will discuss the plan’s possible impact on people with autism, such as themselves. Donna Regal and Judy Jackon will also discuss the document from the perspective of an older adult with chronic health conditions. Additionally, Pushing Limits collective members will discuss what Project 2025 says about people with disabilities. This program was produced by Jacob Lesner-Buxton, edited by Denny Daughters, and hosted by Talia Thompson-Mariano. Links to information featured on today’s program: California Alliance for Retired Americans: CARA Copy of Project 2025 Register to vote in California Ca easy voter guide Website of Amanda Harrinauth The post Project 2025 – Disability Issues, Pushing Limits – October 11, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

How would you live your life if you knew you were going to die by the time you were 30? Would that affect the choices you make, the relationships you have, the way you look at every day? Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) is a degenerative neuromuscular condition that is the number one genetic killer of babies. It is extremely rare and the probability of being born with it is about 0.0001. On today’s program, we’re going to learn all about this disease that until recently was not even being tested for. Joining us is a 25-year-old entrepreneur and social media influencer, Victor Guerra. Victor lives with type two SMA and has made it his life’s mission to be a successful entrepreneur and SMA advocate. We will be talking with him about what it’s like to live knowing you won’t live a “normal life” and that you probably will not live past 30 years old. Want to learn more about SMA? You can do so here This program is hosted and produced by Dominick Trevethan with editing assistance from Denny Daughters. Victor Guerra The post SMA: A Deep Dive – Pushing Limits – October 4, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

Please donate online at kpfa.org or by calling 1800-439-5732 The post Special Fund Drive Programming – September 27, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

Today’s episode of Pushing Limits is preempted by fall 2024 special fund drive programming. The post Special Fund Drive Programming appeared first on KPFA.

Today’s episode of Pushing Limits is preempted by a 2024 fall fund drive special. The post Special Fall Fund Drive Programming appeared first on KPFA.

“Hola, mi nombre es Nohemy y hoy seré su intérprete”, or “Hello, my name is Nohemy and I’ll be your interpreter today”. That’s what Nohemy says to her clients as an interpreter for her local court system. Nohemy 1 On this week’s program, she will be sharing with us how she found this career path despite living with a rare neuromuscular condition called Spinal Muscular Atrophy. We will also be discussing how it has affected her ability to work over her lengthy and diverse career given the fact that SMA is a degenerative disease, which until recently, had no treatment. If you’d like to learn more about SMA or donate to research funds, you can do so here. This program was produced and hosted by Dominick Trevethan with editing assistance by Denny Daughters. Nohemy 2 The post Interpreting Life With SMA – Pushing Limits – September 6, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

Sometimes, the best way to get ready is to stay ready. Those of us in the disability community know especially well how life can throw us curveballs, and we’ve got to be ready for anything. On that note, join us this Friday, August 30th, as we talk about emergency preparedness. Denny Daughters will interview Sheela Gunn who is an Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at The Center For Independent Living here in Berkely. They talk about the differences between an emergency and a disaster. If it seems overwhelming to you, it doesn’t need to be. There are little things you can do to prepare for an emergency. They’ll discuss what to bring with you to an emergency shelter and share how to build a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit. Additionally, the lists that Denny uses can be found here. More Resources To get in touch with The Center For Independent Living, their website is www.thecil.org Their main phone number is (510) 841-4776 Sheela Gunn’s work number is (510) 422-5068 To email the emergency preparedness team: disasterhelp@thecil.org This show was hosted, edited and produced by Denny Daughters. The post Emergency Preparedness – Pushing Limits – August 30, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

Spoiler alert: the world is inaccessible. Often, those in the disability community and with access needs struggle to go where they want to when they want to. We often have our entire days planned out around our needs. Additionally, it’s difficult to decide to go somewhere if you don’t know how accessible it is. Our guest today is making an effort to fix this problem by using technology. Elysia Everett Elysia Everett is a technologist and founder of the free to use app and website, Friendly Like Me. Her app is review-based; it is similar to yelp, but specifically designed for people with access needs to use to rate and review businesses based on their accessibility. With a career in technology and law in her back pocket, she feels she is uniquely qualified to tackle this issue with the disability community. Listen in as she describes her inspiration for starting Friendly Like Me, as well as the conversations that she has one on one with business owners. As she says, the biggest issue that she comes across is a lack of understanding, whether it be on an airline or within the walls of a brick-and-mortar building. Additionally, if you would like to hear the full conversation after this program, feel free to listen to it on the podcast, The Disability Myth. This program is hosted and produced by Dominick Trevethan. The post Friendly Like Me – Pushing Limits – August 23, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

Well, it’s time to dust off the old philosophy of ethics textbook. This week’s program takes a look at the Eugenics movement in the United States with Michael Rembis, Director of the Center for Disabilities at the University at Buffalo. Michael Rembis According to his profile on the University at Buffalo’s website, “Rembis’ research interests include the history of institutionalization, mad people’s history, and the history of eugenics. He has also studied and written about contemporary issues concerning mental health and mental illness and mass incarceration.” Eugenicists frequently posed people with disabilities and non-white people as inferior, with devastating consequences including incarceration in institutions, and forced sterilization. Even ‘Progressive’ individuals backed various forms of the Eugenics movement. The Nazi regime under Hitler was influenced by American Eugenicists. Additionally, although Eugenics still has continuing effects, this week’s program will explore how the disability community has mobilized in combating this destructive movement. This program is hosted by Edward Ytuarte. The post Disability & Eugenics – Pushing Limits – August 16, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

Becoming a lawyer is probably one of the most difficult professions one could choose to pursue. For example, one must overcome a character and fitness exam as well as the notorious BAR exam. Now, imagine dedicating countless hours to studying law, fueled by a passion for justice and a dream of becoming an attorney, all while knowing that an unseen barrier could shatter that dream. This Friday, join us for a compelling and eye-opening program featuring Val U Baul French, a law student from Kansas who identifies as neurodivergent. Val U Baul French Val will share their journey through the demanding world of law school, shedding light on the unique challenges and instances of aversive ableism they face as a student with a disability. Tune in as Val discusses the very real possibility that, despite their hard work and dedication, their path to becoming a lawyer could be blocked if the bar association questions their mental competence. Don’t miss this important conversation about resilience, advocacy, and the fight for inclusivity in the legal profession. This program is hosted by Talia Thompson-Mariano, produced by Jacob Lesner-Buxton, and edited by Dominick Trevethan and Denny Daughters. The post Val VS The Bar – Pushing Limits – August 9, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

Well, let me tell you something, brothers and sisters! This Friday at 2:30, talk about disability and wrestling will be running wild on Pushing Limits! Many might not associate pro wrestling with disability, but our guests, Daniel Broz and Alexander Sing, will shed light on how disability has been portrayed in pro wrestling over the years. From matches involving little people and wrestlers discussing their mental health to partnerships with the Special Olympics, wrestling is one of the few forms of popular entertainment where disability is prominently featured. Join us as we dive into these stories and explore the intersection of wrestling and disability. Whether you’re a die-hard wrestling fan or new to the ring, this episode promises to be a knockout! So, grab your popcorn and drinks because we are ready to rumble! This program is hosted by Jacob Stanton, produced by Jacob Lesner-Buxton, and edited by Denny Daughters. Daniel Broz Alexander Sing The post Disability Smackdown – Pushing Limits – August 2, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

Are you ready to dive into some of the most crucial legal battles impacting the disability community today? On this week’s program we welcome back Michelle Uzeta, a staff attorney from the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, to break down landmark cases that could reshape the landscape of disability rights in America. In Grants Pass, the United States Supreme Court ruled that fining and jailing people experiencing homelessness for sleeping outside when they have nowhere else to go is not unconstitutional. Accordingly, she will be updating us on Guthrey v. Alta California Regional Center, a ruling that will decide whether regional centers and their vendors are subject to the anti-discrimination provisions of the ADA. Michelle Uzeta This program is hosted and produced by Eddie Ytuarte. The post Disability & Law – Pushing Limits – July 26, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

Our expert, Connie Arnold has worked to improve In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) for over 35 years and she uses IHSS attendants for her own independence. She’s agreed to come answer your questions about this ubiquitous state program – the one many of us depend upon, appreciate, and want to dropkick to hell. Connie Arnold Send your questions before the show, or call us when we’re on the air at 510-848-4425 or 800-958-9008… If you struggle to get your social worker to provide the hours that you need to stay independent if you need nurses to do home medical care If your care comes from family members If you hire your attendants from Craig’s List If you have a Home and Community Based Alternative Waiver If you’re brand new to the program In short, if you have any questions about any part of this $24 billion dollar a year social service, this radio program is for you. Connie Arnold graduated from U.C. Berkeley with a degree in Social Welfare and from Sonoma State University with a Master’s degree in Health Services & Public Administration Policy. She routinely, some say obsessively, attends state meetings, reads legal and policy documents, and tells the unvarnished truth. Adrienne Lauby produced this program. She and Shelley Berman will host. The post In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Call-In appeared first on KPFA.

What comes to mind when you think of mental health? Therapy? Trauma? Disability? If you happen to think of all three than this program is for you. According to the CDC, “Adults with disabilities report experiencing frequent mental distress almost 5 times as often as adults without disabilities”. Who better suited to help disabled individuals navigate those unique challenges than those who also share them? On this episode of Pushing Limits, we will be talking to two mental health professionals who have disabilities. Kit Mcmillion is a peer support specialist who uses her lived experiences with mental health challenges to assist others. We will also talk to Jennifer Lincoln, a trauma therapist with cerebral palsy and spinal stenosis. Additionally, Pushing Limits collective member Shelley Berman will provide a commentary on mental illness related to her family. This episode is hosted by Bonnie Elliot and produced by Jacob Lesner-Buxton with editing from Denny Daughters. Jennifer Lincoln The post Social Workers With Disabilities – Pushing Limits – July 12, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

For a disabled person who needs a ride, paratransit sounds great. You call them up, someone comes in a wheelchair accessible van and away you go! But, the reality is not that simple! Despite the fact that more vehicles are used for paratransit than any other type of public transportation, a plethora of issues plague paratransit services. What happens when your paratransit pickup is late and you’re late for the meeting? What happens if your driver drastically exceeds the speed limit? And, why are so many of the vans so poorly maintained? According to a bus service in Rochester N.Y., “paratransit is a shared ride public service intended to serve as a safety net.” It’s for “individuals who, because of their disabilities, are unable to ride the ADA compliant RTS {Regional Transit Services] fixed-route bus for some or all their travel”. But, is the safety net really that safe? Nearly 70 thousand vehicles were available for typical peak paratransit services in the U.S. in 2013 – more than all the buses and trains combined. So, why isn’t paratransit a shining star in the lives of people with disabilities? Helping us navigate all these complexities and more is disability advocate Christine Fitzgerald. More specifically, she is the community advocate for Silicon Valley’s Independent Living Center. As a member serving on the Committee for Transportation and Mobility Access, she works at the local, state, and governmental levels to ensure that people with disabilities have their access and transportation needs met. Christine Fitzgerald This program was hosted and produced by Dominick Trevethan with editing from Denny Daughters. Useful Links: Silicon Valley Independent Living Center 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Paratransit What is Paratransit? The post Paratransit Problems – Pushing Limits – July 5, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

On a progressive college or university campus, we might assume students with disabilities are well served. But, around the county, we often hear a different story. In this program we look to a disabled leader of a local center for answers: What is the role of a campus disability resource center? How can they improve their services? How dedicated are institutions of higher learning to success for a quarter of their students? Students with disabilities in educational settings have unique and individualized needs that must be addressed to ensure their academic success. These accommodations are crucial for enabling students to thrive in their studies alongside their non-disabled peers. As courses evolve to become universally accessible to all students, the reliance on specific accommodations will diminish. Additionally, it is essential to recognize the importance of disability advocacy and awareness both within the campus community and in broader society when considering the current state of disability. So, how dedicated are institutions of higher learning to a quarter of the demographic? Kimberly Starke – Dean of the Disabled Resources Department at Santa Rosa Junior College Offering her insights from the institution side today is Kimberly Starke, Dean of the Disabled Resources Department at Santa Rosa Junior College. Prior to overseeing this department, Kimberly worked with students as a Speech-Language Pathologist and has over 16 years of experience working with the disability community. This program was hosted and produced by Jacob Stanton with editing assistance from Denny Daughters. The post Disabled Student Services – Pushing Limits – June 28, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.

Rehab Session in Khan Younis. ©Photo by HI. The war in Gaza has captured the attention of much of the world, and unfortunately, it seems there is no end in sight. The Pushing Limits gang realizes that these catastrophic events occurring most heavily impact the disability community – and worse yet, are creating new disabilities with each passing hour. On today’s program, we invite you to join us for true, real-time stories of people with disabilities trying to survive an ongoing genocide as we host Elizabeth Johnson Sellers from the international organization, Humanity and Inclusion to discuss what is happening to the disability community in Gaza. Elizabeth holds a B.S. from Murray State University, where her studies focused on journalism and marketing. This program is hosted and produced by Eddie Ytuarte. More about Humanity and Inclusion Humanity & Inclusion and its partners in Gaza have provided aid to more than 3,500 people since October 7. They focus on people with disabilities. Their office, located in the Rimal neighborhood in Gaza City, was destroyed in an Israeli bombing strike on January 31. Here’s more about the destruction of their office. No warning given! For more information on Humanity and Inclusion, check them out here. The post Disability in Gaza – Pushing Limits – June 21, 2024 appeared first on KPFA.