Best Disability Rights Florida Podcasts (2025)

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Breaking Sound Barriers: Lachi on Music, Advocacy, and the Future of Entertainment 1:05:18

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7d ago1:05:18

1:05:18

Watch the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ZRm8tiM1JqE In the 100th episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Jodi and Keith celebrate the milestone by interviewing recording artist, songwriter, and advocate Lachi. They discuss her journey from performing on stage to leading the advocacy group RAMPD, her experiences in the music industry, an…

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Enough Is Enough: Preventable Deaths in Intellectual Disabilities - with Sara Ryan 51:29

21d ago51:29

51:29

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/_mk7zmUDYsk In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi delve into the harrowing crisis of preventable deaths among individuals with intellectual disabilities. Joined by UK Professor Sara Ryan, author of "Critical Health and Learning Disabilities: an Exploration of Erasure and Social …

1
Access, Not Applause: Sarah Todd Hammer on Moving Beyond Inspiration 51:06

1M ago51:06

51:06

Watch the video version here: https://youtu.be/mJ_MhtjSnhM In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi explore the theme "Access Not Applause" with guest Sarah Todd Hammer, an author, speaker, and consultant. Sarah Todd shares her journey with Acute Flaccid Myelitis, discusses the challenges and triumphs of moving from home to ind…

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Little Imperfections, Big Conversations: Peet Montzingo on Growing Up Different 1:00:19

2M ago1:00:19

1:00:19

View the video version on YouTube: https://youtu.be/_fKrzCuCYUQ?si=9La4y5V1MmIfrJR9 In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi are joined by Peet Montzingo, a creator, musician, and author, to discuss his book 'Little Imperfections: A Tall Tale of Growing Up Different.' Peet shares his experiences as the only average height membe…

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Florida’s CHOICE Act: A New Direction for Non-Compete Agreements 16:28

2M ago16:28

16:28

In this episode, AGG Employment partners Ashley Kelly and Theresa Kananen explore Florida’s CHOICE Act, new legislation that takes a distinctly different approach to non-compete agreements. While most states have recently moved to restrict or ban non-competes, Florida has made them easier to enforce under specific conditions. Ashley and Theresa bre…

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Season Two Trailer 1:11

2M ago1:11

1:11

Hi, it's Jodi and Keith, the hosts of Disability Deep Dive, a podcast from Disability Rights Florida. It's where real conversations about life, culture, and leadership meet the lived disability experience. In Season One, we unpacked tough questions with advocates, creators, and researchers -- you know, people changing how we think about access and …

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Docs with Disabilities: Rethinking Inclusion in Medical Education – with Dr. Lisa Meeks 55:59

4M ago55:59

55:59

In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi are joined by Dr. Lisa Meeks, founder of the Docs with Disabilities Initiative. They explore how medical education can better support learners and clinicians with disabilities, discussing the initiative's origins, challenges faced by disabled learners, and practical steps for creating in…

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Illness, Disability, and Workplace Performance: A Guide for Employers 29:48

4M ago29:48

29:48

In this episode, AGG Employment partners Henry Perlowski and Theresa Kananen tackle one of the most prevalent workplace challenges: managing employee performance issues when illness or disability is a factor. While every situation is unique, Henry and Theresa outline legal principles and considerations to help employers balance performance manageme…

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Accessible Voices: Building Community Through Blind-Led Media – with Aaron Richmond 35:14

4M ago35:14

35:14

In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi explore the power of blind-led media with Aaron Richmond, creator of Aaron's Opinion podcast and YouTube channel. Aaron shares his motivations behind starting his podcast, the unique tagline "Help one person today, help one million people tomorrow," and the importance of blind and disabl…

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More Than a Mascot: Challenging Ableism in School Symbols – with Erin Elswood and Jillian Curwin 42:28

5M ago42:28

42:28

In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi explore the intersections of school mascots, disability, and advocacy. They are joined by Erin Elswood and Jillian Curwin of Mascots Matter, who provide insights into the harm caused by ableist mascots in schools and their campaign to eliminate them. The conversation covers personal expe…

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The Ethics of Innovation: Disability, Technology, and Reproductive Justice – with Katie Hasson 45:21

5M ago45:21

45:21

In this episode of Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi explore the complex interplay between disability science, technology, and ethics with guest Katie Hasson, Associate Director at the Center for Genetics and Society. The conversation delves into the ethical concerns surrounding genetic technologies, the medical vs. social model of disabil…

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Non-Compete Compliance in 2025: State Trends and Employer Strategies 17:37

5M ago17:37

17:37

In this episode, AGG Employment attorneys Megan Mitchell, Rick Mitchell, and Lindsey Locke discuss the current state of non-compete agreements and what employers should keep in mind when using them. While the FTC’s proposed ban in 2024 garnered a lot of attention, it remains stalled and the real action is now happening at the state level. Megan, Ri…

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Disability, Pop Culture, and Higher Education – with Kyle Romano 56:29

6M ago56:29

56:29

In this inaugural episode of our rebranded podcast, Disability Deep Dive, hosts Keith and Jodi introduce the new format and address the importance of discussing innovative ways to educate about disability through pop culture. Guest Kyle Romano, a professor at the University of South Florida, shares his experience teaching a unique course on disabil…

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When DEI Meets the FCA: What Employers Need to Know About the DOJ’s Civil Rights Fraud Initiative 36:27

6M ago36:27

36:27

In this episode, AGG Employment partner and co-chair, Ashley Kelly, speaks with leaders of the firm's new Civil Rights & False Claims Act Risk & Response Team, Gabe Scannapieco and Sara Lord, about the DOJ’s recent move to expand False Claims Act ("FCA") enforcement to include diversity, equity, and inclusion ("DEI") initiatives. The conversation c…

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Disability Deep Dive - Rebranding Announcement! 0:50

7M ago0:50

0:50

If you've been a listener of You First, you might notice things sound a little different. That's because we've rebranded! Welcome to Disability Deep Dive! The same podcast, but with a new name, a fresh perspective … and a brand new co-host. Keith Casebonne and Jodi Beckstine from Disability Rights Florida continue to bring you the stories, voices, …

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Navigating Employee Leave and Reasonable Accommodation Requests Under the FMLA, ADA, and PWFA 16:16

8M ago16:16

16:16

In this episode, AGG Employment partners Ed Cadagin and Megan Mitchell discuss considerations for employers addressing leave and reasonable accommodation requests from employees. In particular, Megan and Ed focus on the interplay between FMLA leave and the ADA interactive process. They also cover how the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act impacts the in…

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What Employers Need to Know About DEI Policy Changes Under the Trump Administration 15:44

10M ago15:44

15:44

In this episode, AGG Employment partners Ashley Kelly and Theresa Kananen and AGG Government Contracts partner Tenley Carp discuss the significant changes to DEI programs under the Trump administration. Together, they explore recent executive orders affecting federal contractors and grant recipients, potential enforcement actions, and how private c…

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A Legacy of Leadership: Dug Jones Reflects on Disability, Education, and Advocacy 1:40:03

11M ago1:40:03

1:40:03

In this inspiring episode of The Independent Life podcast, host Tony sits down with Dug Jones, the President of the Board of Directors at the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida (CILNCF). Dug shares his remarkable journey of resilience and purpose, starting with a life-changing spinal cord injury during high school football. This…

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Dr. Steven Noll: Lessons from the Disability Rights Movement—Past, Present, and Future (Part 2) 45:53

1y ago45:53

45:53

In this riveting continuation of The Independent Life, Tony and Dr. Steven Noll dive straight into the profound intersections of the disability rights movement with other civil rights struggles of the 1970s. They explore how people with disabilities fought for equality, accessibility, and independence, drawing inspiration from movements led by Afri…

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Dr. Steven Noll: Bridging History, Advocacy, and Innovation in Disability Rights (Part 1) 49:06

1y ago49:06

49:06

In this compelling episode of The Independent Life, Tony sits down with Dr. Steven Noll, Ph.D, professor at the University of Florida's Department of History and advocate whose career spans decades of groundbreaking work in disability rights and education. Tony begins by recounting their first meeting at Gainesville's Sidney Lanier Center, where Dr…

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Encore Episode: By and For People with Disabilities - with Elizabeth Wright and Jennifer Price 43:56

1y ago43:56

43:56

Welcome back to You First, where we're taking a small break from producing new episodes and instead are sharing some older episodes you might have missed. There's a good chance you missed this episode, our last of four encore episodes, as it didn't perform as well as most of our other ones. But we think the content is compelling and the guests are …

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Encore Episode: Paving a Way Disabled in STEM - with Dr. Anita Marshall 48:36

1y ago48:36

48:36

Welcome to another encore episode of You First. We're taking a little break from making new episodes and are re-sharing some past episodes that we feel are worth another listen. This is the third of four encore episodes, initially released in July of 2023, and it's called "Paving a Way Disabled in STEM." We interviewed Dr. Anita Marshall to learn m…

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Gratitude To The Highest Advantage of Others, with Tony Delisle 46:14

1y ago46:14

46:14

In this special holiday episode of Disability Dojo, Executive Director Tony reflects on the journey of the Independent Life podcast, which began four years ago during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we step into this season of gratitude, Tony shares heartfelt insights about the incredible lessons, experiences, and perspectives gained fr…

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Encore Episode: The Intersection of Disability and Reproductive Justice - with Morénike Giwa Onaiwu, Rebecca Cokley, Keith Jones, and Heather Watkins 1:05:29

1y ago1:05:29

1:05:29

Today we have another encore episode of You First. This is the second of four encore episodes as we're taking a bit of a break from producing new episodes. Now this episode, "The Intersection of Disability and Reproductive Justice," is by far our most popular episode – and by a significant margin! But in case you missed it back in August of 2022, c…

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Encore Episode: Disability Media Representation - with Beth Haller and Jeff Preston 1:06:16

1y ago1:06:16

1:06:16

We're taking a break from producing new episodes of You First for a bit, so we'll be re-releasing four older episodes that we feel are worth another listen. We're starting things off with an episode that is from February 2021 called "Disability Media Representation." We spoke with Beth Haller and Jeff Preston, both of whom are university professors…

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Living with Purpose: Stew’s Journey with ALS and the Power of Meaningful Connections 1:45:44

1y ago1:45:44

1:45:44

In this heartfelt episode of The Independent Life, Tony welcomes his longtime friend, Mark Stewart—or as Tony and close friends call him, "Stew." Stew was recently diagnosed with ALS, a progressive and terminal neurological disorder. With courage and clarity, Stew shares his journey, reflecting on what it's like to process this life-altering diagno…

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Living Beyond Limits: David Sussman on Radical Acceptance and Adaptive Sports 1:49:18

1+ y ago1:49:18

1:49:18

In this inspiring episode, David Sussman, board president of the Telluride Adaptive Ski Program, shares his remarkable journey through disability and adaptive sports. David reflects on his path to living life with radical acceptance and independence, highlighting how focusing on what he can control has allowed him to thrive. He discusses the pivota…

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2024 Elections & the Disability Vote - with Michelle Bishop, Monica Wiley, and Jack Rosen 1:28:56

1+ y ago1:28:56

1:28:56

In this episode of You First, hosts Maddie and Keith dive into disability voting rights and the upcoming 2024 election with experts Michelle Bishop, Monica Wiley, and Jack Rosen from the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN). The discussion explores voting accessibility, challenges faced by disabled voters, and new support resources in Florida.…

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Leading with Independence: Empowering the Next Generation with Kelsey Bell 1:51:00

1+ y ago1:51:00

1:51:00

Kelsey Bell, Executive Director of Southwest Independence Center in Durango, Colorado, joins us on this episode to share her powerful journey of growing up with multiple disabilities and how she embraced her disability as part of her identity. She reflects on her experiences from elementary school through college, offering practical strategies for …

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Data & Disability - with Matthew Cortland 1:20:15

1+ y ago1:20:15

1:20:15

In this episode of You First, hosts Keith and Maddie interview Matthew Cortland, a Senior Resident Fellow at Data for Progress. Matthew shares insights about their work in public opinion research and advocacy focused on disability issues and social policies. They discuss their personal journey, including challenges with the healthcare system, and e…

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Disability & Gender Equity - with Marissa Ditkowsky 34:35

1+ y ago34:35

34:35

In this episode of the You First Podcast, hosts Maddie and Keith talk with disabled activist and attorney Marissa Ditkowsky about the challenges and inequities faced by disabled women in healthcare, employment, and financial freedom. Marissa discusses her role as Disability Economic Justice Council at the National Partnership for Women and Families…

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Nurturing the Nurturers: Practical Strategies for Mental Health and Wellbeing with Dr. Carol Lewis 1:31:53

1+ y ago1:31:53

1:31:53

Tony is joined by Dr. Carol Lewis, a community health expert who recently conducted a transformative workshop for the CIL staff. The session emphasized the importance of mental health and wellbeing, particularly for those who dedicate their lives to serving others. Dr. Lewis shares practical strategies for promoting mindfulness, healthy sleep, nutr…

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Disabled Journalism - with Cara Reedy 56:23

1+ y ago56:23

56:23

In this episode of the You First Podcast, hosts Keith and Maddie interview Cara Reedy, founder and director of the Disabled Journalists Association. Cara shares her journey from political science and theater to journalism, spending ten years at CNN. She discusses the challenges of being disabled in the newsroom, toxic productivity, and the systemic…

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Breaking Barriers: Dr. Jessica Kramer on Innovative Rehabilitation for Youth with Disabilities 1:31:45

1+ y ago1:31:45

1:31:45

Dr. Jessica Kramer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Florida's College of Public Health and Health Professions. Her research focuses on collaborating with youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) to create and evaluate rehabilitation products, developing community-based int…

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Not Dead Yet, Assisted Suicide, and Ongoing Disability Fights - Part 2 with Anita Cameron 49:24

1+ y ago49:24

49:24

Content warning: mentions of suicide, assisted suicide, and medical violence against people with disabilities. In this compelling episode of the You First podcast, hosts Maddie and Keith continue their in-depth interview with Anita Cameron, a prominent activist in the disability rights movement. They explore Anita's role at Not Dead Yet, focusing o…

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The History of ADAPT, Atlantis Community, and Disability Disobedience - Part 1 with Anita Cameron 1:23:02

1+ y ago1:23:02

1:23:02

On this episode of You First, we talk with the fantastic disability rights activist Anita Cameron. Anita was, and still is, a core reason why we have disability rights today. They were an early adopter of disability rights and justice advocacy and heavily involved and a leader of the organization ADAPT (known throughout the years as American Disabl…

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Harnessing the Internal Forces: Building Organizational Unity with Mark Bennett 1:24:42

1+ y ago1:24:42

1:24:42

Mark D. Bennett is the principal of Uniting by Design LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to helping leaders build organizations that achieve outstanding results, uphold ethical standards, and adapt to change. After leaving the practice of law, Mark pursued graduate studies in counseling psychology and family therapy. He then became a full-time mediat…

1
Long Covid & Grilled Cheese 1:04:09

1+ y ago1:04:09

1:04:09

In this unique episode of You First, hosts Maddie and Keith share a personal and insightful discussion about Long Covid and its effects on everyday life. Initially delayed due to Maddie's Long Covid flare-up, this episode takes a candid and casual approach to a serious topic, highlighting symptoms, the politicization of masking, and the ongoing pan…

1
Unlocking Happiness with Jonathan Spoliansky 1:46:03

1+ y ago1:46:03

1:46:03

In this enlightening episode of The Independent Life, Tony welcomes Jonathan Spoliansky, the insightful author of Happiness Is Key. Jonathan's breakthrough book offers a simple yet profound guide on living happily every day, emphasizing that happiness is not just a state of mind but a reflection of our actions and behavior towards others. Together,…

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Disability & Artificial Intelligence - with Lawrence Weru, Ariana Aboulafia, and Jennifer Gray 1:29:14

1+ y ago1:29:14

1:29:14

Today's episode features disability and artificial intelligence (AI) experts Larry Weru, Ariana Aboulafia, and Jennifer Gray. AI has been around for years, but things changed when OpenAI released ChatGPT. Since then, the news around AI has increased a lot. AI is more than just a chatbot responder; it can be used in many different ways. We talk with…

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Empowering Education: A Conversation with Senior Chancellor Kimberly Richey 1:14:22

1+ y ago1:14:22

1:14:22

Tony sits down with Kimberly Richey, the Senior Chancellor for the Department of Education for the state of Florida. As the overseer of all public schools from K-12 to colleges, workforce development, and various statewide programs, Chancellor Richey has a profound impact on Florida's educational landscape. Kimberly shares how her mother, a dedicat…

1
#CripTheVote and Voting Advocacy - with Andrew Pulrang and Gregg Beratan 59:42

1+ y ago59:42

59:42

This podcast episode features Andrew Pulrang and Gregg Beratan, prominent figures in disability advocacy and social change. Their pioneering initiative, #CripTheVote, created alongside Alice Wong, has been important in raising awareness about the political power of disabled citizens and sparking meaningful conversations about disability, politics, …

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AgrAbility: Cultivating Support and Independence For Farmer’s with Disabilities 1:34:07

1+ y ago1:34:07

1:34:07

Join us on this episode as we delve into the impactful world of AgrAbility, where agriculture meets accessibility. Two years ago, Florida welcomed its inaugural AgrAbility program, a collaborative effort spearheaded by The Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida and The University of Florida, supported by a USDA grant. On this episod…

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Empowering Independence Through Assistive Technologies: A Conversation with Kailey Medlock and Eric Reed from FAAST 1:19:55

1+ y ago1:19:55

1:19:55

In this episode of The Independent Life Podcast, we delve into the world of assistive technologies and their profound impact on enabling independence for individuals with disabilities. Our guests, Eric Reed, Executive Director of FAAST (Florida Alliance For Assistive Services and Technologies), and Kailey Medlock, FAAST's Training & Community Devel…

1
From Service to Leadership: A Conversation with Victoria Gaitanis 1:27:42

1+ y ago1:27:42

1:27:42

In this compelling episode, we are joined by Victoria Giatanis, the Acting Director for Vocational Rehabilitation for the Florida Department of Education. Victoria's journey to this esteemed position is marked by her dedication to service and her role as a public servant. From her early days in teaching, where she championed exceptional student edu…

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History of the Mad Movement - with Vesper Moore 1:10:44

1+ y ago1:10:44

1:10:44

In this episode of You First, co-hosts Keith and Maddie speak with Indigenous activist and disability rights leader Vesper Moore about the Mad Movement, psychiatric survivorship, and envisioning a future of collective care. Vesper, deeply involved in mental health and disability rights activism, discusses their work in altering perceptions and legi…

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Global Disability Progress - with Rosangela Berman Bieler and Patricia Almeida 1:07:47

2y ago1:07:47

1:07:47

In today's episode, we are joined by two international disability advocates, Rosangela Berman Bieler and Patricia Almeida. During our conversation, we discuss the importance and impact of global disability policy and rights work, including their work with the UN and UNICEF. They also discuss how other countries compare to the US regarding disabilit…

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Inclusive Disaster & Emergency Strategies - with Shaylin Sluzalis & Germán Parodi 47:59

2y ago47:59

47:59

In this week's episode, co-hosts Keith and Maddie talk with The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies' Co-Directors Shaylin Sluzalis & Germán Parodi. The Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies (The Partnership) is the only U.S. disability-led, 501(c)(3) organization that prioritizes equity, access, disability rights, disability justi…

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Disability Activism Through Art - with Jen White-Johnson 1:14:32

2y ago1:14:32

1:14:32

In this episode of You First, we talk with Jen White-Johnson (she/they), a renowned artist, educator, and disability activist who uses the arts as a medium to champion the life, joy, and experiences of the disabled and neurodivergent community. Jen discusses their journey as someone diagnosed with ADHD later in life, the barriers for disabled Black…

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Empowering Independence: CIL Day 2024 1:27:49

2y ago1:27:49

1:27:49

In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of CIL Day 2024, a pivotal event where Centers For Independent Living convene at the Capitol in Tallahassee to advocate for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities. Tony, reflects on this year's remarkable success, marked by increased engagement with senators and representatives, signaling …