Boldly Challenging Ableism

Katrina Simons sits down with nurse researcher Sarah Ailey to explore how lived experience as a parent drives real advocacy in healthcare for people with intellectual disabilities. From working in home care during the AIDS epidemic to exposing systemic gaps in medical training, Sarah sheds light on how ableism affects patient care throughout a person’s lifespan. Their conversation highlights healthcare disparities, the essential work of direct support professionals, and the need for storytellers to push for systemic change.

Katrina Simons catches up with returning guest Dupree Edwards to chat about his recent milestones, from landing a new civil service position to growing his radio show business. Dupree opens up about the realities of advocating for his needs, sharing how he successfully appealed a reduction in his support staff hours and navigated a move into a new apartment. He also details his impactful work at the Institute on Community Integration, where he develops accessible workbooks centered on positive behavior supports and conflict resolution.

Katrina Simons sits down with high school general education teacher Emma in part 2 of our conversation to unpack what it’s really like supporting students with disabilities in a bustling ninth-grade classroom. The two dive into the everyday realities of managing IEP accommodations, navigating the social dynamics of high school inclusion, and collaborating with special education teams. The conversation highlights the practical strategies teachers use to ensure classroom inclusion works effectively for all students.

Host Katrina Simons sits down with ninth-grade earth science teacher Emma to chat about the real highs and lows of working in a modern high school. From navigating shifting student dynamics to dealing with the sudden rise of AI tools in the classroom, they break down what it actually takes to support educators today. They also dive into why community backing and school board votes are so vital for managing class sizes and keeping schools running smoothly.

In the second part of this two-part series, Katrina Simons sits down with Linda Wolford from the Minnesota Council on Disability to dig into the real story behind “enhanced rate” for personal care assistants in Minnesota. Linda clarifies how this policy actually came to be through the hard work of disability activists rather than the union, highlighting the ongoing struggle to make sure caregivers are fairly compensated for higher levels of care. It’s a powerful conversation about the history of disability activism and why it’s so important for people to stay vocal and engaged with their legislators to protect essential services.

#DisabilityRights #MinnesotaActivism #EnhancedRate #InclusiveCare #BoldlyChallengingAbleism #DisabilityJustice #AdvocacyInAction #PCA #CommunitySupport #KatrinaSimon

It’s a special homecoming of sorts as host Katrina Simons catches up with Linda Wolford, the Government Relations Director for the Minnesota Council on Disability and a longtime mentor in the disability community. Linda reflects on her forty-year journey in the Twin Cities, from being carried up the stairs of her inaccessible high school to becoming a powerhouse advocate for systemic change. This insightful conversation kicks off a two-part series exploring Linda’s deep roots in activism and the personal history that fuels her work today.

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Katrina Simons welcomes back Nick Wilkie from the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living in this concluding part of their deep dive into accessible living. They discuss the financial and logistical hurdles of home modifications before shifting gears to Nick’s passion for three-wheeled motorcycles and his love for building Legos to maintain a positive mindset. It’s a candid conversation about the importance of community, laughter, and finding joy in the everyday.

#Ableism #HomeModifications #Accessibility #DisabilityAwareness #Inclusion #IndependentLiving #ThreeWheeledMotorcycle #LegoBuilding #PositiveMindset #BoldlyChallengingAbleism

Katrina Simons welcomes Nick Wilkie to the podcast to bond over their shared experiences with disability and life in St. Paul. They explore Nick’s role at the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living and the importance of helping others remove barriers to independence. This conversation kicks off a two-part series highlighting Nick’s journey from an employment specialist to a community advocate.

#BoldlyChallengingAbleism #NickWilkie #IndependentLiving #DisabilityAdvocacy #TwinCities #StPaul #Accessibility #DisabilityRights #CommunitySupport #MinnesotaAdvocacy

Katrina Simon sits down with Adam Ruff from Advocating Change Together to talk about his journey and work in the disability community. They dive into the personal side of being neurodivergent and the unique hurdles of living with a non-apparent disability. It is an insightful look at how self-advocacy and community leadership are making a real difference in the Twin Cities.

#BoldlyChallengingAbleism #AdamRuff #Neurodiversity #SelfAdvocacy #DisabilityRights #AdvocatingChangeTogether #Inclusion #Minneapolis #CommunityImpact #KatrinaSimon

Katrina is joined by disability advocate Joe Carr. Joe gets real about the often-overlooked connection between mental health and disability. He opens up about his personal journey, from the challenges of feeling misunderstood to finding deep support in his faith and the people who truly see him. It’s a powerful conversation about the importance of authenticity, breaking the silence, and the strength it takes to show up as your whole self.

#MentalHealthAwareness #DisabilityAdvocacy #FaithJourney #Authenticity #EndTheStigma #BoldlyChallengingAbleism #DisabilitySupport #InclusionMatters #EmotionalWellness #CerebralPalsy