KPFA - Pushing Limits

What does it mean to advocate for disability rights on a global stage—and how do different countries approach disability access and inclusion? Saran Tugsjargal Join Pushing Limits this Friday as we talk with Saran Tugsjargal, a student at Rice University who identifies as neurodiverse. In high school, Saran made history as the first student commissioner on the California Advisory Commission on Special Education, where she advocated for policies that benefit students with disabilities. Today, she continues that work at Rice, serving on several disability advisory commissions and representing people with disabilities from the United States at international conferences around the world.  In the second half of the show, we’ll air Part 2 of our interview with Andra Jones Klein. Having lived in both the United States and Canada, Andra shares her experiences navigating disability in two different healthcare and social systems. She’ll also discuss what it takes to create welcoming environments for people with chemical intolerance—and why awareness and small changes can make a big difference.  This episode is hosted and edited by Denny Daughters and produced by Jacob Lesner-Buxton.  Relevant Resources Link to part 1 of Andrea’s interview Andrea’s e-mail: ajorganizes@gmail.com   Saran Tugsjargal’s social media handles:  Instagram: moonperfect Linkedin: Saran Tugsjargal  The post Voices for Access: From California to the World – Pushing Limits – March 13, 2026 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 27, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be afraid of the very foods that are supposed to nourish you because no matter what it is you eat, you get violently ill? To be told “You look healthy”, “Drink more water”, “Sounds like stress” by doctor after doctor so many times that you start to question your own sanity? To lose your job due to your inability to tell your new employer the reason why you’re sick all the time — an answer you yourself will not get for another three years? Jamie Zimmerman Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, yet it remains widely misunderstood and severely under-researched. This week on Pushing Limits, we take a deep dive into the life of Jamie Zimmerman, who was only recently diagnosed but has been living with endometriosis symptoms for most of her life. Join us as Jamie shares her journey to diagnosis, the challenges of being believed, and what living with endometriosis really looks like. She is a disability advocate, a yoga teacher, Development Director at a nonprofit organization in Portland, Maine supporting, empowering, and amplifying the voices of immigrant women, but would likely most identify with the role of writer. Her essays, some of which are about her chronic illness journey, have been published in multiple journals. Jamie holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from Oregon State University, a Master of Science in Applied Gerontology, and a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. This program was produced and hosted by Bonnie Elliott. Interview and recording assistance were provided by Jacob Lesner-Buxton. Editing was done by Denny Daughters and Dominick Trevethan. The post The Endo Game – Pushing Limits – February 13, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

In the midst of a national outcry against ICE tactics, an organization supporting people living with developmental disabilities is speaking out. The response to tactics used by United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including abuse against both immigrants and native-born residents, is growing larger and louder. Jordan Lindsey The ARC of California’s board of directors has joined in with a carefully written statement opposing harmful and discriminatory immigration enforcement practices. The statement cautions people with disabilities and their families about threats posed by ICE agents and calls for 6 immediate changes. Pushing Limits welcomes The ARC-CA executive director, Jordan Lindsey, to discuss this statement and the need to prepare state residents against continued harassment by ICE agents. Yes, people with disabilities may be even more prone to abuse than those from the non-disabled community. The ARC of California has three offices in the state to serve people with developmental disabilities. This program is produced and hosted by Eddie Ytuarte. For a full program transcription, click here The post Disability Rights & ICE: The ARC Speaks Out – Pushing Limits – February 6, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

Record scratch — your favorite DJ is back on the turntables! Join Denny Daughters on Pushing Limits this Friday for another edition of Musicians With All Types of Disabilities, a spotlight on artists whose talent and impact span genres and generations. This time we feature performers connected to blindness, dyslexia, multiple sclerosis, and bulimia nervosa. Denny digs deep into his music collection to bring you a half hour of standout tracks from the 1970s through the 1990s — music, history, and disability culture all in one show. Tune in and turn it up. This program is hosted and produced by Denny Daughters. For a full program transcription, click here The post Disabled Musicians: 70’s – 90’s – Pushing Limits – January 30, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

How do new technologies, shifting laws, and global politics affect the lives of disabled people — sometimes in ways we don’t see coming? Pushing Limits continues its coverage of breaking developments in the disability community. This week, we look at the growing role of artificial intelligence in schools, state budget concerns, and new disability-related laws. Also under the microscope is the lingering impact of Trump-era policies. Plus, don’t miss a sobering look at why it can be especially dangerous to be disabled in Myanmar. This program is co-hosted by Talia Thompson Mariano and producer Eddie Ytuarte. Stories in this program with links for further exploration: 1. Teachers use AI for IEPs (Individualized Education Programs)   https://cdt.org/insights/from-personalized-to-programmed-the-use-of-generative-ai-to-develop-individualized-education-programs-for-students-with-disabilities/?ref=disabilitydebrief.org 2. Sign language in Britain https://bda.org.uk/bsl-is-not-for-sale/?ref=disabilitydebrief.org 3. Disability in Myanmar        https://www.ohchr.org/en/documents/thematic-reports/ahrc61crp1-hidden-crisis-disability-rights-post-coup-myanmar-advance 4. State summary of some legislation plus budget https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/public-policy/2025-end-of-session-wrap-up 5. State cuts disaster aid https://laist.com/news/climate-environment/state-cuts-program-for-people-with-disabilities-in-disasters-advocates-alarmed 6. Trumps attack on disability attorneys  https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/12/14/americans-disabilities-trump-budget-cuts/87686476007/ 7. Transpersons  https://dredf.org/protect-trans-rights/  8. “Life After” film For a full program transcription, click here The post Shifting Ground: Disability, Policy, and Power – Pushing Limits – January 23, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

What defined disability in the headlines this past year — progress, controversy, or both? Bob Kafka This Friday, Pushing Limits looks back at some of the most talked-about moments in the disability world. From a clergyman seeking a federal lawsuit after preaching that disabled people shouldn’t marry, to the mixed bag of disability policy coming out of California’s state government. And we’ll dig into a debate that sparked plenty of opinions: should pregnant women be allowed to park in blue zones?  Join Pushing Limits for a year-end wrap-up you won’t want to miss.  This program is produced by Adrienne Lauby and hosted by Talia Mariano and Eddie Ytuarte.  Stories in this program with links for further exploration: 1. Conditions for Disabled People in Venezuela Special report on humanitarian needs of persons in situations of disability in Venezuela – July 2025 – Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) Venezuela – Disability – Expat Focus https://www.internationaldisabilityalliance.org/countries/VEN 2. Diminished Democracy is Diminished Disability Justice https://www.disabilitydebrief.org/debrief/this-should-not-be-happening/ 3. Should Pregnant Women Use Disabled Parking https://www.handicapmd.com/handicap-parking-blog/legal-rights-for-pregnant-women-seeking-disabled-parking-permits 4. ICE Raid near Day Program for Developmentally Disabled Adults https://thearcca.org/ice-raid-near-the-arc-of-ventura-county-day-program-in-oxnard-raises-urgent-concerns-for-disability-safety/ 5. Federal court nominee says disabled people should not marry https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2025/12/indiana-southern-district-federal-judge-nominee-justin-olson-disabled-people-marriage-benefits-cancellation-medicaid-ssi/ 6. Autistic Barbie Doll https://www.timesnownews.com/health/why-mattels-first-ever-barbie-with-autism-is-sparking-global-conversation-on-inclusion-article-153439447 7. Alice Wong and Bob Kafka – Rest In Power Disability Vulnerability: https://disabilityvisibilityproject.com/book/disability-vulnerability-spring-2026/ https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/15/alice-wong-disability-rights-activist-dies-aged-51 https://nursing.ucsf.edu/news/memory-alice-wong-disability-rights-activist-writer-and-ucsf-changemaker https://time.com/7336976/disability-justice-alice-wong/ Pushing Limits Interview with Alice Wong https://kpfa.org/episode/pushing-limits-july-15-2016/ Personal story ~ meeting Bob Kafka:  https://adapt.org/1984-washington-bob-kafka/ Obituary:  https://www.kut.org/politics/2025-12-29/bob-kafka-austin-disability-rights-advocate-dies-tx Bob’s home chapter of ADAPT celebrates his passing: https://adaptoftexas.org/ Pushing Limits interview with Bob Kafka prior to the passage of Obama Care (Affordable Care Act):   https://kpfa.org/episode/58204/ 8.  2025 State wrap-up–new laws and budget 2025 End of Session Wrap Up | Disability Rights California 9. Teachers use AI for IEPs (Individualized Education Programs)  https://cdt.org/insights/from-personalized-to-programmed-the-use-of-generative-ai-to-develop-individualized-education-programs-for-students-with-disabilities/?ref=disabilitydebrief.org 10. Sign Language Problems with AI From the British Deaf Association though Disability Debrief https://bda.org.uk/bsl-is-not-for-sale/?ref=disabilitydebrief.org 11. “Life After,” movie. A Disabled Filmmaker Looks at Physician-Assisted Suicide (Free) Independent Lens, PBS https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/life-after/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCH-51YqMMs For a transcription of the entire program, click here Alice Wong The post Political Wrap-Up – Pushing Limits – January 16, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

What happens when disabled artists, activists, and scholars finally have a space of their own? Pushing Limits radio presents its first program featuring the San Francisco Disability Cultural Center. This new venue will host a wide range of activities—from art exhibits and “café crip check-ins” to a collective quilt and a space for disabled and disgruntled academics to air it all out. Plus, the renowned Superfest Disabled Film Festival is now under the auspices of the San Francisco Disability Cultural Center, marking a major new chapter for disability culture in the Bay Area. Tune in so you don’t miss any details! This program is hosted and produced by Eddie Ytuarte. For a transcription of the entire program, click here The post Claiming Space: SF Disability Cultural Center – Pushing Limits – January 9, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

Andrea Jones Klein What happens when the fight for justice isn’t accessible to everyone — even the people doing the organizing? And how often do we overlook disabilities we can’t see, but that profoundly shape who gets to show up? Join Pushing Limits this Friday as we talk with social justice organizer Andrea Jones Klein. For more than five years, Andrea has worked at the intersections of climate justice, political liberation, and health equity — all while living with chemical intolerance. In this conversation, Andrea discusses the ableism she encounters in organizing spaces, explains what chemical intolerance is, and shares simple, practical steps people can take to make public spaces more accessible for those with her disability. To get in contact with Andrea, you can e-mail her at andreajonesklein@gmail.com This program was produced by Jacob Lesner-Buxton. It was hosted and edited by Dominick Trevethan. For a full transcription of this program, click here The post Social Justice and Ableism – Pushing Limits – January 2, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

What really happened behind the scenes at Pushing Limits in 2025? In our end-of-the-year special, host Denny Daughters turns the questions on the Pushing Limits crew themselves. What did they love about this year? What did they learn? And what are they hoping for in the year to come? But that’s not all! Don’t miss the montage of all the guests from last year. Plus, hidden in this special is a secret about how the year end montage was made—something we’ve never shared before. Laugh, reflect, and uncover what you weren’t supposed to know. We’ll see you real soon! This program was hosted and produced (all year long) by Denny Daughters. The post 2025 in Review – Pushing Limits – December 26, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

How do we build a city where seniors and disabled people don’t just survive, but actually thrive? And what does it take for an organization to stay ahead of the curve when so many in our community are struggling for housing, transportation, and basic dignity? Shaya French Join Pushing Limits as we sit down with Shaya French, Director of Organizing for Senior and Disability Action — a long-standing, progressive San Francisco organization often a step ahead of others serving the disability community. We’ll explore SDA’s work on housing, transportation, health care, and its innovative anti-ICE organizing efforts. And honestly… you’ve got to appreciate an organization whose goals include “to be creative and have fun.” Tune in for a lively and informative conversation. If you’d like more info about Shaya and SDA, check out their website here This program is hosted and produced by Eddie Ytuarte. The post Organizing for Access – Senior and Disability Action – Pushing Limits – December 5, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

How accessible is your daily commute, really? And when public transportation falls short, who’s out there fighting to fix it? Join us on this week’s Pushing Limits as Denny Daughters interviews Warren Cushman, a systems change advocate with Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL) in Hayward. Warren shares the work he’s doing with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission, as well as his advocacy with AC Transit and BART. We also dive into his efforts around housing justice and mental health support—two issues deeply intertwined with disability rights. This show was hosted and edited by Denny Daughters. For more information, contact CRIL at (510) 881-5743 or visit crilhayward.org. You can reach Warren directly at warren.cushman@crilhayward.org The post Disability Advocacy at the Local Level – Pushing Limits – November 28, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

For most people, “the happiest place on earth” means Disneyland. But for the kids who attend Cottage Rehabilitation Hospital’s annual Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp, true magic happens somewhere else entirely—on the courts, fields, and pool deck of UC Santa Barbara’s Recreation Center. Cynthia Muñoz This week on Pushing Limits, we’re joined by counselors Cynthia Muñoz, who lives with cerebral palsy spastic diplegia, and Brian Rathfelder, who lives with a spinal cord injury. They share what it’s like to mentor kids navigating the same challenges they once faced, the behind-the-scenes hustle of creating a fully adaptive, sport-oriented day camp, and the unforgettable moments that make this community feel like a second family. Tune in to discover why this one-week camp leaves a lifelong impact on everyone who rolls through its doors. This program is hosted, edited, and produced by Dominick Trevethan. Brian & Campers The post Behind The Magic: Junior Wheelchair Sports Camp – Pushing Limits – November 21, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

For many veterans, the hardest fight begins when they come home—navigating disability, trauma, and a system that too often turns its back on them. For more than half a century, Swords to Plowshares has been serving and uplifting military veterans across the Bay Area. What began as a small grassroots effort to support Vietnam veterans—many of them living with disabilities and facing rejection from traditional institutions like the Veterans Administration—has grown into one of the nation’s leading veteran service organizations. Elena Kim This week on Pushing Limits, we spotlight Swords to Plowshares, a vital force for veteran rights and disability justice. Tune in as we explore their powerful history, ongoing advocacy, and how they continue to help veterans rebuild their lives with dignity and purpose with the help of Elena Kim, Chief Operating Officer. As the former City of San Francisco’s Director of Veterans Services, human intelligence collector from 2005-2010 during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Master Degree holder in Legislative Affairs, Elena oversees Swords to Plowshares‘ operations and programs. This program is hosted and produced by Eddie Ytuarte.   The below image is from: https://www.flickr.com/people/37922399@N05 California Disabled Vets. December 2010 from Virginia State Parks staff The post 50 Years Strong: Swords to Plowshares – Pushing Limits – November 14, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Seniors and people with disabilities both advocate for home care, housing, and transportation but, for decades, only lonely voices urged the two groups to collaborate. . . until now! Our guests this Friday, Christina Mills and Cynde Soto, talk about the factors that contributed to the historical division between senior and disability advocates as well as current efforts to build solidarity between both groups. Christina is the director of the California Association of Area Agencies on Aging (C4A). Her organization works to educate government leaders on aging and disability-related policy and to advocate for a stronger social safety net. Cynde is a board member of the Long Beach chapter of the Gray Panthers. Since 1974, the chapter has advocated for social and economic justice for those with disabilities and older adults. Also, we will feature information about a free online drum circle for those with disabilities and allies. It will be on Friday, December 5th, at 1 PST on Zoom. To sign up, email jlesner@accesscentralcoast.org This episode of Pushing Limits is hosted and edited by Denny Daughters. It was written and produced by Jacob Lesner-Buxton. Relevant Resources Long Beach Gray Panthers California Association of Area Agencies on Aging (C4A) The post Partnership Between Senior and Disability Advocates – Pushing Limits – November 7, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

There’s been a haunting of political developments this month that directly impact the disability community—many deeply concerning. On this week’s Pushing Limits, co-producers Adrienne Lauby and Eddie Ytuarte break down the latest news and what it means for people living with disabilities nationwide. From more troubling moves by Trump to the silence of major disability organizations on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, we dig into what’s being said—and what isn’t (insert Michael Jackson ”Thriller” laugh)! This program is hosted and produced by Adrienne Lauby and Eddie Ytuarte. The post Political Wrap-Up – Pushing Limits – October 31, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 15 million people worldwide are living with a spinal cord injury (SCI). These injuries are often sudden and life-changing—leaving many newly injured individuals overwhelmed and searching for support. Andrew Skinner On this week’s episode of Pushing Limits, we speak with Andrew Skinner, a man who decided to make that transition—from able-bodied to living with a spinal cord injury—a little easier for others traveling the same path. After his own injury in 2004, Andrew recognized a huge need for accessible equipment and resources for those newly injured. What began as a small effort grew into the Triumph Foundation, now the largest disability-support nonprofit in Southern California. Since its founding in 2008, Triumph has impacted the lives of over 10,000 individuals with disabilities and provided more than $2 million in assistance to people facing financial hardship or gaps in medical coverage. Tune in to hear Andrew’s story, the origins of Triumph Foundation, and how his work continues to empower the disability community today. This program is hosted and produced by Bonnie Elliott. It was edited by Denny Daughters and Jacob Stanton. Additionally, recording assistance was provided by Jacob Lesner-Buxton. The post ”Triumph“ for Spinal Cord Injured – Pushing Limits – October 24, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Did you know that between 150 and 300 people died weekly from COVID during the summer of 2025 in the U.S.? If you were watching the mainstream media or getting news from the White House, this data may surprise you. According to them, COVID is old news and in the rearview mirror of history. However, today’s guest and disability advocate Polly Garcia is committed to educating their community about the virus. In the interview, she will address how the disability community has been impacted by COVID and the steps organizations can take to begin to address the community trauma that came with the pandemic. Polly has worked at the Centers for Disease Control and with various communities throughout the United States on issues related to public health. She is also an artist and mindfulness practitioner, who is getting her master’s in Negotiation, Conflict Resolution, & Peacebuilding. Plus, stick around to the end to hear published poetry from M. S. Marquart. This episode of Pushing Limits is produced by Jacob Lesner-Buxton and hosted and edited by Dominick Trevethan. Links to information about today’s guests, information about COVID, and other public health issues created by Polly: https://new.express.adobe.com/webpage/i8rSk4bmpsY6E Polly’s company – Cosmovisión LLC https://www.pollygarcia.com/ Poems by M. S. Marquart https://sites.google.com/view/msmarquart If you’d like to join Jacob’s monthly zoom meeting, Nothing Without Us, please reach out to him at jakeoaktown@gmail.com The post Telling the Truth about COVID = Act of Resistance – Pushing Limits – October 17, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

Executive actions, budget cuts, layoffs, and legislation—all within the first six months of the Trump administration—have severely curtailed disability rights and services, including access to Medicaid and the right to a free, appropriate public education. That’s the finding of a recent report by the Center for American Progress, authored by Casey Doherty and Mia Ives-Rublee—who will be our live guests on Pushing Limits this week. Co-producer and host Eddie Ytuarte comments: “The Trump regime is as intent on going after the disability community as it is on targeting non-White communities, universities, immigrants, and politically progressive people and organizations.” Don’t miss the rest of this important report reveal and discussion. This program is produced and hosted by Eddie Ytuarte. The post First Six Months – Lasting Damage – Pushing Limits – September 19, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.

This Friday on Pushing Limits – Join hosts Adrienne Lauby and Eddie Ytuarte as they dig into the latest in disability political news. Adrienne and Eddie bring their sharp analysis and on-the-ground knowledge to the stories that matter most to the disability community. Don’t miss this timely and important conversation. Photos with attributions and some context for each: All from Flickr  1 Traveling Together Disability Awareness Week, University of Illinois, Springfield Illinois licensed as CC BY-NC-ND 2.0. Traveling Together   Finger Pointing https://www.californialaborsolutions.com/understanding-disability-discrimination/ Finger Pointing “Together and Strong”  USAID/Georgia’s Disability Advocacy Project Participants in USAID/Georgia’s Disability Advocacy Project, implemented by the Coalition for Independent Living. Photo Credit: Lasha Kuprashvili, Coalition For Independent Living. This photo was a winner in the Democracy, Human Rights and Governance photo contest. Together and strong The post Disability Politics From The Frontlines – Pushing Limits – September 12, 2025 appeared first on KPFA.