Description:

Disabled moms aren’t counted in most maternity statistics, and we aren’t found on the pages of obstetrics textbooks. Enter Dani’s Twins: a documentary about disability cultural advocate and quadriplegic mom Dani Izzie offering a rare and intimate look at the creativity, adaptation, and joy woven into disabled pregnancy and parenthood. This episode is the first of a two part series. In part one, we’ll talk with Dani about the role of creativity and community in the everyday life of a disabled mom. In part two of this series, we’ll zoom out to consider the role of creativity in transforming policy for disabled parents as we talk to the producer of Dani’s Twins, aspiring dad, and disability policy expert: Andy Arias.

Guest: Dani Izzie

Host: Jessica Stokes

Audio Producer: Lawrence Carter-Long

Transcript by: Lawrence Carter-Long

Music: And Just Like That By Bryan Teoh

 

Transcript:

Dani Izzie: I acquired my disability almost 15 years ago. So I'd say when I was first injured, one of the first questions that popped into my head is: Am I going to be able to be a mom with this disability? And there was a mentor in the rehab where I was, Shannon, who actually happens to be in the film. She was the first woman that I'd ever befriended and gotten to know who was a quadriplegic and also a mom. I was just amazed because I'd never seen it out there. And I'd just made the assumption that it would be too hard because what I was facing was unfamiliar territory. And so, yeah, I think Shannon was the first person that gave me hope. And then from there, I kept meeting more and more women who have kids. And I realized, okay, well, this is a regular thing. It's not even a big deal, actually!