Podcasting
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There’s at least one relatively new way that people with disabilities, almost anywhere, can connect with the broader disability community: disability podcasting.
So many people with disabilities still don’t have real access to the information, ideas, and culture shared by more connected members of the disability community, and until very recently, people with disabilities who had something to share had few outlets to do so on a meaningful scale.
The Internet has changed the game for both groups: those seeking out disability community and those who want to help build that community. Social media, blogs, and the growth of journalism and publishing from the disability community offer more ways to connect. Podcasting offers a unique and particularly enriching way for people with disabilities to get information, emotional enrichment, and a more personal sense of connection from the comfort of their own home or device.
Podcasting isn’t for everyone in every situation, but overall the barrier to entry is low and gradually dropping: all you need to listen is a few things:
All you need is an internet-connected computer, tablet, or smartphone. Most people use apps made specifically for organizing and listening to podcasts on their mobile devices. But most podcasts publish episodes directly to their websites, where you can listen with just a click of the play button.
Creating your own podcast requires a bit more investment, but it’s relatively easy and cheap considering the potential impact.
You can start podcasting with just a smartphone, tablet, or standard computer. Most of these include a built-in microphone and a basic sound editing application. If you want to improve the sound quality, you can invest in a better external microphone, headphones, and more advanced editing tools. Many people start podcasting with something basic, and upgrade their equipment later once they are sure they have an audience and want to continue. Particularly avid listeners may even make donations to cover the costs of upgrading equipment.
So what do disability podcasts offer disabled people and those interested in disability issues and culture?
Best of all, podcasting is a relatively barrier-free way to bring people with disabilities together to virtually discuss disability issues and share those conversations widely. It’s arguably easier and more accessible than traveling hundreds of miles to meet other interested people with disabilities, or thousands of miles to attend a large conference. Some people with disabilities find listening to disability podcasts more accessible than visiting disability organizations or service providers in their hometowns.
While obtaining a computer, mobile device and internet connection is cost prohibitive for many, even people with relatively low incomes can often afford a basic smartphone packaged with a manageable mobile phone service plan.
Before we dive into the small but growing world of disability podcasts, here are some things to look out for in a podcast.
Are they hosted and developed by people with disabilities themselves? Do they publish episodes on a regular basis? Are there consistent themes, topics or tones of discussion that are worth noting? Is the overall quality good? Is it enjoyable to listen to? Is it interesting and entertaining enough that you are drawn in and want to listen, not just feel like you should? Are transcripts provided so that they are accessible to people who are deaf or hard of hearing?
Once you have your listening device ready, start with a simple search: type “disability podcasts” into your browser, or type “disability” or “disability” into the search function of your podcast application.
If you want to dig a little deeper than the raw search results suggest, start by checking out these brief profiles of eight disability podcasts.
Barrier-free booth
Website: The Accessible Stall
Hosted by Emily Radau and Kyle Khachadourian Emily Radau and I’m not a Kardashian.
95 episodes in total. First aired in April 2016, latest in May 2021. Casual conversations and friendly debates about everyday disability topics, from mild to severe, between two good disabled friends with different views on disability issues. Good episode to start with: Episode 87: Disability Etiquette. Transcript included.
Disability Visibility Podcast
Website: Disability Visibility Project
Hosted by Alice Wong – @DisVisability
100 episodes in total, with the first episode in September 2017 and the last in April 2021. In-depth interviews and discussions with leaders and creatives in the disability community. Covering disability identity, culture, activism, and politics, with an emphasis on the intersection of disability with race, gender, sexuality, and other marginalized identities. Good episodes to watch first: Episode 21: Comedians with Disabilities Transcript included.
Barrier-Free Future Podcast
Website: KSFR Santa Fe Public Radio
300+ weekly episodes hosted by Bob Kafka, first aired in February 2015 and most recent in June 2021. Interviews with disability activists and other disabled people in the disability community about current disability issues, history, and experiences. A good episode to start listening to: Crip Camp on April 11, 2020 Shows posted after December 2020 have transcripts.
Up to the strut
Website: Down to the Struts
Power, not mercy
Website: Power Not Pity
Includes: Disability Equality Podcast
Website: Johns Hopkins Center for Disability and Health Research
Hosted by Dr. Bonnielynn Swenor and Nick Reid – Bonnie Swenow PhD and Nick Reed
17 episodes in total. First aired in October 2020, latest in June 2021. Discussions and interviews aimed at combating ableist stereotypes and providing a deeper understanding of trends in disability issues and policy. Good episodes to start with: Episode 13: Disability Data Transcript included.
Nighttime disturbances
Website: Wheels on The Ground Productions and Andrew Gurza
Ouch! … Cabin Fever Podcast
Website: BBC Radio
It is hosted by Beth Rose, Emma Treacy, Keeley Baker and Kate Monaghan. Hundreds of episodes in its current format dating back to at least April 2015, and similar content from earlier years, are available on the BBC website. The most recent episode is from June 2021. The BBC’s “Ouch!” podcast may in some ways be the first true disability podcast. It covers a wide range of disability issues, often covering multiple topics in each episode. It is global in scope, but has a strong UK focus. Good episodes to start listening to: 2 May 2019: “I realised not everyone needs to be a Paralympian” with transcript.
Start with what interests you most and go from there: subscribe to the ones you like, listen to new episodes as they come out, and dig into past episodes to see how each podcast has developed over time.
Finally, don’t hesitate to reach out and engage with podcasters with disabilities. Although podcasts are more like radio shows than face-to-face meetings, they are expected to be interactive. Let creators with disabilities know that you listen to and value their work. Your honest feedback helps us continue these free and highly valuable programs. It also encourages the development of more disability-friendly podcasts, a win for the entire disability community.