We heard about Wally the emotional support alligator, and we just had to talk about him, and the implications sensationalist headlines have when it comes to disability in the media.

Click here for the transcript for this episode. The transcript for this episode is sponsored by SeamlessDocs.  

 

NB: It was brought to our attention by one of our listeners that there is no official registry for Emotional Support Animals. We don’t know where or how Wally was registered, but no matter what it isn’t official.

Notes from this episode: Wally in the New York Post

Whooo! It’s our first episode of 2019! In this one we talk about about what we hope to achieve in the year to come! A transcript for this episode can be found here.

Do you ever think that sometimes the disability sounds like a bunch of academic word salad? Us too. We had a talk about it. A transcript for this episode can be found here.

I mean, doesn’t it? We talk about how–sometimes, not always–disability just kinda sucks, man. We get to a point though!

We tried to record an episode about what makes us happy but we ended up just talking about candy and our hobbies. Enjoy! A transcript for this episode can be found here.

NB: We didn’t censor the word “dickheads” in this episode, because we’re referring to the hashtag and we didn’t want to have half the episode be bleeped. If this word is offensive to you, consider skipping this one.

On this episode we talk about the newest hashtag in the disability Twitter space, #DoctorsAreDickheads. A transcript for this episode can be found here.

Today, we talked about this nike ad. Produced by Elevation 0m.

We liked it! We discussed how framing of disability is important, and can make the difference between an empowering video and inspiration porn. A transcript for this episode can be found here.

This episode of The Accessible Stall is sponsored by ABLEnow. Enter to win $500 in a brand new or existing ABLEnow account by going to www.able-now.com/stall.

Okay, so we know we always say that our episodes are something special, but this truly is. This is our first sponsored episode (wooooo!) and it’s about something that is extremely important for every disabled person in the United States to know about. We’re going to be talking finances, ABLE accounts, and ABLEnow.

What are ABLE accounts?

Per the ABLE National Resource Center:

ABLE Accounts, which are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families, were created as a result of the passage of the Stephen Beck Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 or better known as the ABLE Act. The beneficiary of the account is the account owner, and income earned by the accounts will not be taxed. Contributions to the account, which can be made by any person (the account beneficiary, family and friends), must be made using post-taxed dollars and will not be tax deductible for purposes of federal taxes, however some states may allow for state income tax deductions for contribution made to an ABLE account.

Essentially, they’re a super nifty financial product that many Americans with disabilities can use to save money. Money in your ABLE account allows you to have over $2,000 in assets if you’re on SSI or other types of government assistance.

What is ABLEnow?

Per ABLEnow‘s website:

ABLEnow accounts help individuals with disabilities save money to pay for qualified expenses, without being taxed on the earnings – and in most cases, without losing eligibility for certain means-tested benefit programs.

ABLEnow is Virginia’s implementation of the ABLE Act. And fret not, we can hear you from all the way through the internet: “But I don’t live in Virginia!” That’s okay. Opening an ABLEnow account does not require Virginia residency.

ABLEnow accounts can also be a great option, even if you do not receive any government assistance or benefits. We talk about all of that in this incredible episode.

But wait, there’s more!

ABLEnow is giving away $500 in a brand new or existing ABLEnow account! Yeah, you read that right. All you have to do is go to www.able-now.com/stall to see if you’re eligible and to enter!

Some info about the giveaway:

The contest is open to people who have an ABLEnow account, as well as people who don’t have an ABLEnow account.

If you win, you must open an ABLEnow account to get the $500 prize. (If the winner is not eligible for an ABLE account, then they can gift the $500 to someone who has an ABLEnow account.)

A link to the contest terms and conditions is available on the entry page. A winner will be selected on or about January 3.

We sat down and interviewed the amazing co-directors of the NYC Kids Project.

Enjoy!

We were so determined to put out this episode, and now that it’s here, we can’t wait for you to listen! In June, we had the opportunity to be the keynote speakers at the Virginia Department of Education’s I’m Determined Summit. It was such an awesome experience, but don’t just take our word for it…listen in to our interviews with two of the Youth Leaders from the event, Jonathan Brooks and Emily LeSueur! We talked about how I’m Determined empowers young people with disabilities to advocate for themselves as they transition from high school to college. And we also talked about the importance of parents giving their kids the opportunity to spread their wings and be independent. A transcript for this episode can be found here.

Click here to check out details and a testimonial from one of the event organizers.