Out & About
Speaking appearances, community events, conferences, other podcasts and webinars that push boundaries and shape a more inclusive future.
Latest Appearances
January 31, 2025
Battle for Disability Rights
Recently, I had the opportunity to appear on the Lean to the Left with Bob Gatty, where I discussed my lifelong fight for disability rights and raised concerns about how political decisions—like Donald Trump’s proposed freeze on federal spending—pose serious threats to programs like Medicaid that so many in our community rely on. Advocacy isn’t just a passion for me—it’s a necessity to protect the rights and well-being of marginalized communities, especially those living with disabilities.
Read more here | Watch episode on YouTube | Listen on Spotify or Apple Podcasts | Download Episode Transcript (PDF)
November 3, 2024
Disability After Dark Podcast | Episode 373
It was a pleasure to sit down with my old school friend and Disability After Dark Podcast Host Andrew Gurza to talk about my experience with congenital Muscular Dystrophy, why I live in a hospital, my podcast 21st Century Disability and so much more!
Listen to the episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
September 9, 2024
Discussing I Am Potential (2015 Film) on the Invalid Culture Podcast
It was a pleasure to discuss the film "I Am Potential", a movie based on the true story of Patrick Henry Hughes on the Invalid Culture podcast. The movie explores the struggles and triumphs of Patrick and his family, particularly his father, who had to adjust his (beer league basketball) expectations and dreams for his son.
Our conversation discusses the film's portrayal of disability, the performances of the actors, and the film's context within the broader landscape of disability representation in media. We also discuss the film's focus on the father's involvement in a local basketball league, the family's financial struggles and wrap with a discussion about the film's depiction of a charity telethon.
Listen on Spotify: Part 1 and Part 2 or Listen on Apple Podcasts: Part 1 and Part 2
May 30, 2024 | Ottawa, Ontario
Accessibility Fair and Living Library
My producer, Sandy Barron, and I had pleasure of attending The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre’s Accessibility Fair and Living Library. At the event we discussed what accessibility means to us at Twenty-First Century Disability. We had a number of conversations with their staff about how they can improve accessibility for their patients.
The Accessibility Fair brought together organizations by and for People with Disabilities to network and share information with clinicians, staff, and community members of The Royal. An essential part of the event featured an accessibility-themed “living library.” Living library participants shared insights and expertise about creating more accessible spaces and services that can contribute to improving the mental, physical, and substance use health of People with Disabilities.
