DisElectAbility

Disability Politics with Brendan Roberts: Neurodivergence and Political EngagementThis episode features Brendan Roberts, a 23-year-old from Torfaen with autism and dyspraxia. Brendan discusses his experiences in various professional roles, including at the Department of Work and Pensions and Voices from Care Cymru, where he has significantly influenced Welsh government policy. He also delves into his political journey with the Liberal Democrats, his advocacy for social justice, including LGBT+ rights, and the importance of diverse voices in politics. The episode highlights the challenges and systemic barriers faced by neurodivergent and disabled individuals in the workplace and political arena, emphasizing empathy and accessibility.00:00 Introduction to the Podcast00:31 Podcast Content Overview02:59 Guest Introduction: Brendan Roberts10:51 Brendan's Professional Journey13:33 Challenges of Being Neurodivergent19:05 Experiences with the Benefits System20:38 Empathy and Understanding in the Workplace22:24 Brendan's Political Involvement22:42 Discovering Politics and Joining the Lib Dems23:34 Campaigning and Running for Office23:56 Becoming a Candidate and Party Roles25:05 Reflections on Welsh Independence and Party Politics26:17 Motivations and Honest Conversations in Politics27:28 Brexit and Party Policies28:22 Challenges and Optimism in Welsh Politics32:02 Roles and Achievements in Care Cymru35:52 Working with Welsh Government and Cross-Party Efforts40:50 Reflections on Coalition Years and LGBT+ Advocacy43:10 Accessibility and Representation in Politics48:20 Future Hopes for Disabled and Neurodivergent People53:20 Closing Remarks and Social Media

Empowering Youth Voices: An Interview with Troy Njenje-MbangaIn this episode, the host, Autisticly Aar, interviews Troy Njenje-Mbanga, a 21-year-old ambassador and youth activist from West Oxford Wakefield. Troy shares his journey of advocating for inclusion and the rights of young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). He discusses his personal experiences with autism, the support he received, and the importance of youth participation in activism. Troy highlights his involvement with organizations like iWill and Reach Out To All, focusing on social issues such as education, climate change, and mental health. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in accessing support services and the need for improved mental health resources.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:46 Meet Troy: Advocate and Activist01:24 Troy's Personal Journey with Autism02:53 Challenges and Coping Strategies08:26 Involvement in Advocacy Groups11:49 Campaigns and Key Issues13:01 Improving Education and Inclusion22:39 Mental Health Support for Young People32:54 Political Engagement and Voting39:17 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Episode description:Paula Peters: A Lifelong Activist for Disability RightsIn this heartfelt and compelling interview, Paula Peters recounts her journey as a disability rights activist starting from the age of eight. Paula discusses her personal struggles with hypermobility syndrome and the fight to keep hydrotherapy services available in Southeast London. She delves into her experiences within the mental health system, challenges with employment, and the impact of political decisions on disabled individuals. Peters highlights her involvement with Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC), emphasizing their campaigning efforts, the importance of collective activism, and their fight against austerity and privatization of the NHS. The discussion also explores her views on the current political climate and the necessity of continued activism to secure the rights and dignity of disabled people. Trigger warnings include mentions of mental health struggles, psychiatric abuse, and the impacts of austerity measures.Find out more about DPAC: https://dpac.uk.net/about/Timings of episode running order:00:00 Introduction to Paula Peters00:15 Early Activism and Hydrotherapy Campaign01:42 Mental Health Struggles and Advocacy04:22 Joining DPAC and Fighting Austerity14:53 Challenges in the Workplace17:52 Issues in Mental Health System22:24 Impact of Political Decisions on Mental Health27:43 The Need for Systemic Change31:28 Concerns Over Lifelong Disabilities and Government Reforms35:06 The Impact of Political Parties on Disability Rights38:51 Upcoming Day of Action and Campaign Demands42:57 Challenges in Voting and Political Representation53:01 Future Hopes and Continued Campaigning

Disability and General Elections: A Talk with Activist Ciara McCarthyJoin Ciara McCarthy, an award-winning disability activist, as she discusses the importance of disabled people's involvement in the general election. Ciara addresses challenges like voter accessibility, manifestos, political engagement, and the need for more representation of disabled individuals in politics. She emphasizes the significance of understanding party policies, the impact of COVID-19 on the disabled community, and the importance of mental health services. Throughout the conversation, Ciara advocates for better education on political systems and encourages voter participation, especially among young and disabled voters.Episode Running Order:00:00 Introduction to Disability Politics Podcast02:26 The Importance of Voting for Disabled People04:02 Challenges in Political Accessibility05:36 Manifestos and Their Impact on Disabled Voters09:24 Personal Political Views and Priorities11:26 COVID-19 and Its Impact on Disabled Communities20:05 Voter ID and Political Participation22:16 Encouraging Disabled Representation in Politics24:56 Education and Political Awareness41:34 Mental Health Services and Transitioning49:56 Final Thoughts and Call to ActionFind out more about how to vote at this UK election (applies for UK citizens and of UK nationality only and are registered to vote): https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/election-2024Find who is standing in your local constituency: https://whocanivotefor.co.ukIf you know more about the podcast: https://neurorainbowproject.com/diselectability

Embracing Neurodiversity in Politics: Kathy Macy's StoryKathy Macy is the Liberal Democrats PPC for Colne Valley standing against candidates from Green Party, Labour Party, Reform UK, Conservative and Unionist Party and Yorkshire Party. This podcast covers disability politics.In this episode of Dis Elect Ability, we sit down with Kathy Macy, a soon-to-be PhD graduate and Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Coordinator at the University of West England. Kathy shares their journey as an autistic individual deeply involved in British politics, discussing their research on autism in the Stone Age, their political activities, and their belief in the importance of neurodiversity and inclusivity in contemporary society.00:00 Introduction to Katharine Mac03:07 The Importance of Neurodiversity03:58 Personal Experiences with Autism09:01 Political Involvement and Advocacy18:30 Liberalism and Personal Beliefs30:19 Roles and Responsibilities in the Party32:23 Internal and External Campaigns32:41 Benefits and Inflation40:18 Disclosure and Representation47:02 Voter Apathy and Political Engagement01:03:17 Coalition Politics and Future HopesGet involved and get in touch if you want to be involved email neurorainbow@neurorainbowproject.com or contact @neurorainbowproject on social media and use the hashtag #DisElectAbility