In this powerful episode, host Kim Wardlow speaks with Julie Reiskin from the Colorado Cross Disability Coalition to explore the practical steps and critical importance of state and local advocacy. Julie shares her personal journey into disability rights after being diagnosed with MS, and the impact of healthcare inequities that led her to become a lifelong advocate. The conversation dives into understanding systems advocacy, how policies and laws differ, and how listeners can take tangible steps toward influencing change—whether it's by testifying at a city council meeting or signing onto a petition. Julie emphasizes the power of working collectively and offers tips for getting involved, including using accessible bill trackers, attending trainings, and joining trusted organizations like CCDC or NFB. Whether you're new to advocacy or looking to deepen your involvement, this episode provides a clear path toward making your voice heard.

📌 Chapter Markers

00:00 – Welcome to Navigating Life with Vision Loss

00:25 – Meet Julie Reiskin: A lifetime of advocacy

02:39 – Healthcare, MS diagnosis, and economic injustice

05:05 – How disability can affect employment and dignity

07:28 – What is CCDC and “cross-disability” advocacy?

09:52 – What advocacy really means at a systems level

12:18 – What is a policy? (And why it matters)

14:43 – Steps to begin advocating at a state or local level

16:52 – Real-world example: Transportation policies and Access-a-Ride

18:58 – Understanding who holds power and how to persuade

19:53 – “You’d be a great advocate if…”

21:54 – Local vs. state vs. federal change: What’s easiest?

24:15 – Where to find training, tools, and accessible bill trackers

26:00 – Outro: Part 2 coming next week!

📞 Contact Information

Guest Website: https://ccdconline.org

Aftersight Contact: [email protected] | (720) 712-8856

Follow us: Aftersight.org | Subscribe to our other shows: Blind Level Tech, Blindsight, The Blind Chick, and coming soon: Code Orange