In this heartfelt episode, Amy and Cheryl sit down with Dr. JoDell Heroux—educator, advocate, and professor of Disability Studies—for a powerful conversation about what it really means to understand and live with disability.

Together, they explore:

- Why disability is the only minority group anyone can join at any time

- How internalized ableism shows up in our everyday lives—often without us realizing it

- The profound difference between the medical model and the social model of disability

- Why masking, minimizing, or denying a disability is so common—and what we can do to shift that

- How to support our friends, families, and even ourselves as we age or encounter disability

- The myth of “not being disabled enough” and breaking down the harmful hierarchy of disability

Dr. Heroux reminds us that disability isn't something to fix or hide—it's a natural part of the human experience. She shares practical next steps for learning more, connecting with disability communities, and challenging the way we think about inclusion, access, and value.

Whether you’re someone who identifies as disabled, someone who loves a disabled person, or someone who’s just beginning to think differently—this episode invites you to stay curious and keep growing.

- The Anti-Ableist Manifesto by Tiffany Yu

- Disability rights advocates like Imani Barbarin, Keith Jones, and more

- Local disability coalitions and online learning programs in Disability Studies

“Disability is not a burden. You are not a burden. And the way you move through the world is valid, valuable, and worthy.” — Dr. JoDell Heroux