Disability in the Public Square | An Our Ability Podcast

Hosted by John Robinson

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Episodes

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Our Ability: Disability in the Public Square is a first-of-its-kind daily podcast that applies a disability lens to mainstream news, entertainment, and public policy. Each episode takes one story from the day's news cycle and asks the question no one else is asking systematically: "Where are people with disabilities in today's story — and how are we being framed?" - John Robinson The show treats disability not as a niche personal issue but as a civic, mainstream subject — as central to public life as race, gender, or class.

Listen to episodes

13 recent

August 27, 2026Episode 1311 min

IDEA now overseen by HHS Department

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is now overseen by the Health and Human Services Department. Listen to hear John's thoughts regarding this change.

August 25, 2026Episode 1212 min

A look at NYS Employment, Preferred Source and the need to Check and Balance

Today, Ann discusses New York State's Preferred Source Program and John shares his thoughts. See the following links for details: Nonprofit ramps up efforts to expand NY disabled workers program https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/132841179 Preferred Sources | Office of General Services CL-624 2026 07 Preferred Source Program Announcements | Office of General Services

August 22, 2026Episode 119 min

Adaptive summer camps, how our co-hosts met, Blaise's experience at camp

Today we will tell you the story of Camp Simcha, an adaptive summer camp in Upstate New York. John and Blaise will comment on their experiences with summer camp and why attending is so important.

August 20, 2026Episode 98 min

Florida's 2026-2027 state budget

John explains why Florida's new state budget may not be enough to meet the growing need for home and community-based support. He explores what shrinking federal support could mean for state and local governments, disability organizations, families, and the people who rely on these essential services.

August 18, 202610 min

Trump's recent legal opinion, A slippery slope

Today on Disability in the Public Square , Ann breaks down the Trump administration’s June 2026 legal opinion. John shares his perspective on the opinion and explores its potential implications for disability rights.

August 15, 2026Episode 77 min

Cory Lee, Adaptive Sports and Attending the Paralympics

Today on Disability in the Public Square, you'll hear a story about Cory Lee, and his advocacy for accessible travel. John will discuss his participation in sports and reflects on witnessing the Paralympics.

August 13, 2026Episode 67 min

Disability owned business and contracts, Eric Street

On this episode, John shares information and his perspective on disability owned businesses, contracts and loans. We also discuss Eric Street, an entrepreneur who started a successful and unique business following a severe stroke.

August 11, 2026Episode 512 min

36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

Today, we discuss the Americans with Disabilities Act, its recent anniversary, what changes were made, and what work still needs to be accomplished to help the disabled community. We also introduce Annie Burdick, an occupational therapy student and intern at Our Ability.

June 4, 2026Episode 410 min

Disability Employment NYS Session

Blaise Bryant talks about the NYS legislature not advancing disability employment priorities this legislative session. He also explores the barriers for advancing progress and how this can change. June 4th 2026

May 29, 202613 min

Inertia, Subminimum Wage and New York State

Presently, New York State is in a state of inertia when it comes to eliminating subminimum wage for individuals with disabilities . This inactivity has increased in the past six months the number of individuals with disabilities from 400 to 1400 that are working below minimum wage . Assemblymember Phil Steck is the leading voice in the Assembly, trying to eliminate subminimum wage for individuals with disabilities. Unfortunately, other political leaders are caught in a state of inertia.