The Wheelchair Activist

Transcript and Youtube version [CC].This month, Emma is chatting with musician, advocate, and author, Lachi! They discuss Lachi's work in the music industry, her commitment to authenticity, her upcoming book, I Identify As Blind, and so much more!Lachi is a world touring recording artist and author, award winning music executive, globally renowned disability inclusion advocate, host of PBS series Renegades, and Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) National Trustee. Born legally blind, Lachi created RAMPD (Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities), collaborating on disability-inclusive solutions with the likes of Netflix, Live Nation and more, while bringing career opportunities to music creatives with disabilities. Named a USA Today Woman of the Year, an ADCOLOR Innovator and included on both the Billboard Pride and Forbes Accessibility 100 lists, Lachi’s cultural activism has landed her spots on national ads and TEDx stages, discussions with the White House, NPR, and the BBC, and features in People, TIME Magazine, Good Morning America and the New York Times.Learn more...LachiGlam CanesRAMPDPre-Order I Identify As BlindFollow Lachi on Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, BlueSky, and YouTube @LachiMusicIf you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting by sharing this episode, rating the show, contributing to our GoFundMe, or buying me a coffee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcript and Youtube version [CC].This episode, Emma interviews the founder of Purpl, Georgina Colman! Being disabled is expensive. Purpl is working to offset the average £1,095 of additional costs disabled people spend per month by being the UK’s first discount platform built by disabled people, for disabled people.Georgina Colman is the founder of Purpl, the UK’s first dedicated discount platform for disabled people. Living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and ADHD, she has a deep understanding of the financial and practical challenges that come with disability. Her mission is to help the disabled community offset these extra costs through exclusive discounts, while also ensuring people are aware of the benefits and services they’re entitled to. Through Purpl, she is building not just a savings platform, but a movement focused on empowerment, inclusion, and practical help for everyday life.Learn more about Purpl and join using Emma's link: www.purpldiscounts.com/creator/thewheelchairactivistCheck out Emma and Georgina on the D-30 Impact List: mydiversability.com/d30If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting by sharing this episode, rating the show, contributing to our GoFundMe, or buying me a coffee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcript and Youtube version [CC].July is Disability Pride Month and it's felt different and complicated this year. Emma is speaking directly to listeners in this first-ever solo episode sharing her reflections on Disability Pride Month, the current attacks on disability rights, and the contradictions it all brings to surface.Mentioned in this episode...• Diversability D-30 Disability Impact List• Stylist Article "This year’s Disability Pride Month isn’t a celebration – it’s a protest"• Ramping Up Rights by Rachel Charlton-Dailey• Sitting Pretty by Rebekah TaussigIf you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting by sharing this episode, rating the show, contributing to our GoFundMe, or buying me a coffee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcript and Youtube version [CC].This episode, Emma chats with Anna Landre about a very important topic - how climate change impacts disabled people, where they're left out of climate action, and how the lack of inclusive disaster planning and response costs disabled lives.Anna Landre is an award-winning activist and researcher focusing on what she calls the disability law "implementation gap:" when good laws on paper fail to translate into better outcomes for disabled people in practice. She works across fields including humanitarian response, social care, transport access, disability culture, and more. Anna is a PhD Candidate at the UCL Global Disability Innovation Hub, where she studies and maps Disabled People’s Organizations (DPOs) globally. She is also the Global Research and Response Lead at The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies, where in Ukraine she spearheaded the first-ever wartime evacuation mechanism for disabled people.Learn more and take action at disasterstrategies.orgFollow Anna on Instagram and learn more about her at AnnaLandre.com.If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting by sharing this episode, rating the show, contributing to our GoFundMe, or buying me a coffee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcript and Youtube version [CC].We're discussing all things AI and Disability on this episode The Wheelchair Activist!Emma speaks with Christine Hemphill, a researcher, designer, and innovator specialising in disability and age-inclusion. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Open Inclusion, a UK-based, globally active research agency leading in disability and age-informed market, social, design, and innovation research. Emma and Christine discuss both the negative and positive ways AI is impacting disabled people and how the technology needs to include more diverse perspectives through inclusive data sets.Learn more about Open Inclusion at OpenInclusion.comGuess what? The Wheelchair Activist submitted to the British Podcast Awards and the Independent Podcast Awards! The total entry fees came to £755, which is a significant cost for an independent, disabled-led podcast. If you’ve enjoyed the show or believe in what it stands for, please consider chipping in to our Podcast Award Fundraiser. Every donation helps share disabled stories with a wider audience and challenges the idea that award-worthy storytelling only comes from big-budget productions.You can also show your support by sharing this episode, rating the show, contributing to our GoFundMe, or buying me a coffee!  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcript and Youtube version [CC].This episode of The Wheelchair Activist, Emma chats with Tiffany Yu about her new book! Tiffany is a disability advocate, content creator, and the author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto. The book is now available in both the UK and the US. Enjoy Emma and Tiffany's conversation about topics that the book covers including the definition of ableism, how to build a disability-inclusive world, navigating advocacy as a disabled person, and so much more.Order Tiffany's book The Anti-Ableist Manifesto at www.tiffanyyu.com/book.Follow Tiffany on Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting by sharing this episode, rating the show, contributing to our GoFundMe, or buying me a coffee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcript and Youtube version [CC].Welcome back to The Wheelchair Activist! We are kicking off season four with an incredible guest, David Holmes. David worked as a stunt double for the Harry Potter films and acquired a spinal chord injury after an accident on set of Deathly Hallows part one. His story is told in the HBO documentary "The Boy Who Lived" and David's book, also titled "The Boy Who Lived." David joins Emma on this episode to discuss his stunt work on Harry Potter and other films, the magic of storytelling, and his journey with acquiring a disability.Learn more about David and follow him on social media at https://linktr.ee/davidholmes83Watch David's documentary "The Boy Who Lived" Read or listen to David's book "The Boy Who Lived"If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting by sharing this episode, rating the show, contributing to our GoFundMe, or buying me a coffee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcript and Youtube version [CC].For the final episode of season 3, Emma interviews Rebekah Taussig and Sophie Bradbury-Cox about their journeys as disabled mothers. They discuss societal stigma around disabled motherhood, barriers to accessing medical care during pregnancy, and the particular joys of parenting with a disability.Learn more about Rebekah at www.rebekahtaussig.comLearn more about Sophie at www.fashionbellee.comIf you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting by sharing this episode, rating the show, contributing to our GoFundMe, or buying me a coffee! Stay tuned for season 4 coming in March 2025! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcript and Youtube version [CC].This episode, Emma interviews journalist and content creator Lucy Edwards! They discuss her recent collaboration with Barbie, how she became an entrepreneur, advice for disabled content creators and consultants, plus more! Learn about Lucy and check out her content here: https://linktr.ee/lucyedwardsIf you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting by sharing this episode, rating the show, contributing to our GoFundMe, or buying me a coffee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcript and Youtube version [CC].This episode, Emma interviews actor and singer, Jenna Bainbridge! She is currently performing on Broadway in the new Tony award winning musical, Suffs. Learn more about Jenna at www.jennabainbridge.com and learn more about Suffs at suffsmusical.com.If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting by sharing this episode, rating the show, contributing to our GoFundMe, or buying me a coffee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcript and Youtube version [CC].This episode, Emma interviews two couples! First, you'll hear from Chloe and Alex (@SticksAndCopper on social media) about their experience as an interabled couple. Then, you'll hear from Carrie and Alex about their relationship as an engaged couple who both are disabled.If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting by sharing this episode, rating the show, contributing to our GoFundMe, or buying me a coffee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Full Episode TranscriptWatch this episode on Youtube [CC]In the Season Three premiere of the Wheelchair Activist Podcast, join Jillian Curwin—a disability advocate and fashion enthusiast. Jillian discusses her frustrations with the fashion industry's inclusivity, emphasizing the ongoing journey for true representation. The episode explores disability representation, highlighting both progress and challenges. The conversation takes unexpected turns, touching on topics like the new Willy Wonka movie and the upcoming Snow White film. Tune in for a genuine exploration of inclusivity in the fashion industry and unexpected conversations that matter.Learn more about Jillian:Jillian on InstagramJillian's podcast Always Looking UpJillian's website Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Transcript and Youtube version [CC].Coming right off of the highly anticipated film's premiere weekend, this episode features actress Marissa Bode who plays Nessarose in the new film adaptation of the musical Wicked! Emma and Marissa chat about the Wicked audition process, how Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo surprised Marissa when she got the role, previous portrayals of Nessa, the importance of authentic casting of disabled characters, and much more! Follow Marissa Bode on Instagram @marissa_edob.Stay tuned for our final episode of season 3 dropping next month. If you enjoy this podcast, please consider supporting by sharing this episode, rating the show, contributing to our GoFundMe, or buying me a coffee! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Full Episode Transcript and Youtube version [CC].This episode, Emma speaks with actor Zak Ford-Williams! They discuss his breakout role as Lord Remington on the most recent season of Bridgerton, disability representation in period dramas, and his acting career thus far. Zak Ford-Williams trained at the Manchester School of Theatre, graduating in 2020. His theatre credits include: The Real & Imagined History of the Elephant Man (Nottingham Playhouse); A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story (Nottingham Playhouse/Alexandra Palace); We Were Told There Was Dancing, Nothing (Royal Exchange Theatre); Coram Boy, Attempts on Her Life, Play, The Duchess of Malfi, 'Tis Pity She's a Whore, The Seagull, Time and the Conways (Manchester School of Theatre). His screen credits include: The Hardacres (Channel 5); Bridgerton (Netflix); Better (Sister Pictures/BBC); Wolfe (Sky); Midsomer Murders (ITV); Mobility (BBC Three); Battery (104 Films). Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Full Episode Transcript and Youtube version [CC].Happy Pride Month! This episode of The Wheelchair Activist, Emma speaks with Annie Segarra, Ezra Johnson, and Jasper Williams about the intersections of being a part of both the disabled and LGBTQIA+ communities.Annie Segarra is a dedicated activist, content creator, and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community; she is queer and gender fluid and alternates between, she/they/he pronouns. Living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and other co-occurring conditions, she is well-known for her advocacy work in disability rights, as well as, body positivity, mental health, and social justice, using her engaging videos and insightful discussions to raise awareness. Ezra Johnson is a Campaigns and Communications Officer at Transport for All. He started working there after becoming disabled, developing a seizure disorder and chronic pain which changed his life drastically overnight.Jasper Armitage-Williams is a profoundly Deaf wheelchair user and openly trans man. As a queer man, he's been involved in LGBTQ+ activism since 2012 when setting up his school's support group. In 2021, he founded WheelieQueer, offering disability benefits support, inclusion training, and pride accessibility consultancy. With a background as a former trans officer at Bangor University and LGBT+ officer for NUS Wales, Jasper brings extensive experience to advocacy. Most recently, he was shortlisted for two Scope awards for his dedication to disability activism.BSL interpretation for this episode was provided by CoSign. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Full Episode Transcript: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hq4CW9apOvepm5Saurz5kOmU3S-okTqc/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=106641314972831086485&rtpof=true&sd=trueYoutube version [CC]: https://youtu.be/dwW75ZNCehEThis episode of The Wheelchair Activist, Emma speaks to author Melissa Whitney about disability representation in romance novels. Melissa is a legally blind woman who explores themes of disability, mental health, trauma, and family in her novels. Her debut novel titled In the Hello and in the Goodbye was just released in April, and she has another book coming out in July called Finding Home.US and UK listeners can order In the Hello and in the Goodbye and pre-order Finding Home on Melissa's website: www.melissawhitneywrites.comFollow Melissa on Instagram at @Melissa_WhitneyAuthor Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses mental health and related sensitive topics. Please take care while listening.Full Episode TranscriptWatch this episode on Youtube [CC]This episode of The Wheelchair Activist is all about mental health and disability. Given the importance of the topic, this episode is split into two parts. First, Emma interviews Fern Lulham-- A blind public speaker and mental health counselor. They discuss the intersection of disability and mental health, the barriers disabled people face when seeking mental health services, Fern's perspectives as a therapist with a disability, and much more. Then, you'll hear clips sent in by two listeners, Fuchsia and Mel, sharing their mental health journeys as disabled women.Learn more about Fern at FernLulham.com and on Instagram, Facebook and X at @missfernlulham. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dom was born with a severe form of Osteogenesis Imperfecta (more commonly known as Brittle Bones). He had more than 25 broken bones during birth, is of short stature and uses a powered wheelchair for his mobility.Dom joined the Purple Goat agency team in February 2021 as Head of Strategy - the world's first and only disability-led and disability focused agency looking to create the most inclusive, representative and forward thinking marketing campaigns in the world by integrating disability knowhow and lived-experience.The agency has seen tremendous growth over the last couple of years, with international clients including Meta, Virgin Media, the EU and Starling Bank. They wholeheartedly adhere to the mantra of "Nothing about Us, Without Us."Dom’s first real exposure to the world of Media came when he starred in C4’s award winning documentary ‘Crip on Trip’ - documenting the travels of him and his non-disabled school mates interrailing around Europe. After studying Management at Warwick Uni in the UK, Dom secured a place on the C4 Graduate scheme. This led him to work at the sports TV production company Sunset+Vine as a producer working across output including the landmark Paralympic coverage in 2012 and 2016. He has since worked in various digital media, marketing and communications roles, which led him to founding Tiny Man Digital, a digital marketing agency that helps diverse companies shine online.He is also the founding editor of the Disability Power100 - Power List of Disability, which inspires the younger generations of people with disabilities by showcasing a list of powerful leaders in diverse industries.Follow Dom on InstagramFollow Dom on Twitter Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewheelchairactivist.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alan Benson is a disability rights activist and campaigner, with a particular interest in accessible travel. As a wheelchair user Alan has a firm belief in a pan impairment approach based on a lifetime of lived experience of discrimination and barriers. He credits much of his knowledge and success to the amazing, supportive online community. As Chair of Transport for All and Deputy Chair at London Travelwatch he is a passionate advocate for public transport, for which he was awarded an MBE in 2022. He is also a trustee at Ruils, the independent living charity and a Fellow at the Royal Society of Arts. Prior to this Alan spent a 25 year career running IT teams building and running large computer systems supporting thousands of users all over the UK.He lives in Richmond-upon-Thames where, in 2022, he was proud to be awarded Freedom of the Borough, though he remains disappointed that this does not actually give him the right to drive geese over Richmond Bridge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewheelchairactivist.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peta Hooke is the creator and host of The I Can’t Stand Podcast. She is thirty-something living in Melbourne, with Cerebral Palsy. Peta is a passionate advocate for the disability community through educating non-disabled people on what it is actually like to live with a disability. The I Can’t Stand Podcast, is a weekly podcast answering the audiences’ questions they have about disability. There is no wrong question. Every question is on the table. The podcast can be found on all major podcasting platforms including Apple, Google and Spotify. If you have a question for the podcast or would like to get in touch with her, you can: Follow Peta on Instagram @petahookeSend Peta an email icantstandpodcast@gmail.com Contact Peta at www.icantstandpodcast.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewheelchairactivist.substack.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.