Boldly Challenging Ableism

This episode originally aired June 8, 2025:

Mary Hauff, Director, Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium, Institute on Community Integration, and Dupree Edwards, Lead State Advisor on Systems Change, Institute on Community Integration. Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium director Mary Hauff and Lead State Advisor on Systems Change Dupree Edwards talk about the Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium and the importance of being a lifelong learner- with or without a disability. Nick Wilke, Independent Living Coordinator with the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, joins us as guest co-host.

This episode originally aired July 27, 2025:

Katrina is joined by Chris Farrell, Senior Economics Contributor for MPR News and Marketplace. Chris talks with Katrina about limitations around disability and money. We also talk a little bit about working when you live with a disability.

Michael Sack talks to us about his work with the city of Minneapolis in getting and keeping the community accessible. Then a conversation with disability advocate Ed Bartz.

On this episode of Boldly Challenging Ableism, host Katrina Simons speaks with artist and self-advocate Thomas Robinson. Thomas shares his journey as a leader in disability advocacy and how art plays a role in amplifying his voice. Their conversation highlights the power of self-advocacy and the importance of challenging ableism in everyday life.

Renata Ticha is a research associate at the Institute on Community Integration at the University of Minnesota. Renata talks with Katrina about her research work around transitioning to adult services from the pediatric space.

Episode Description: BJ Stasio, Advocate for the New York Office for People with Developmental Disabilities. Activist BJ talks to us about his life of advocacy work- and about being a rebel.

Amy Hewitt joins us to discuss the direct support care crisis and why it’s an “everyone” problem.

This episode originally aired June 15, 2025:

Host Katrina Simons is joined by Brian Begin for a conversation about Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act—a provision that allows employers to pay subminimum wages to workers with disabilities under specific federal certification. Brian breaks down how this law impacts workers today and shares insight into the growing movement to ensure people with disabilities have access to meaningful employment with fair, competitive wages.

Katrina is joined by Jen Sommerness, a research associate at the TIES Center at the Institute on Community Integration. She discusses ableism in schools and making education meaningful for every student.

Katherine McLaughlin joins us to talk about sex and disability. She also shares why involving people living with disabilities in Sex Education is important.

Jake Hamilton joins Katrina to talk about his family, growing up, what he does for work and what he does in his leisure time.

Nikki Villavicencio, Disability Culture and Leadership Specialist, Advocating Change Together.  Activist and City Council member Nikki talks about what it’s like living with a disability as a parent and how she’s raising her child. Nick Wilke from MCIL joins us as guest co-host.

Katrina is joined by Chris Farrell, Senior Economics Contributor for MPR News and Marketplace. Chris talks with Katrina about limitations around disability and money. We also talk a little bit about working when you live with a disability.

Kathy joins us to continue our discussion on Ableism in systems meant to help and protect people living with disabilities.

Kathy Ware introduces us to herself and her adult child. Kathy and Katrina talk about how systems and disabilities interact- for good and for NOT so good. This is the first part of a two part series.

Katrina is joined by Matt McClean who talks about identity and the intersectionality of living as a disabled transgender man. We talk a little bit about the fears that trans people must contend with during these difficult times.

Host Katrina Simons is joined by Brian Begin for a conversation about Section 14(c) of the Fair Labor Standards Act—a provision that allows employers to pay subminimum wages to workers with disabilities under specific federal certification. Brian breaks down how this law impacts workers today and shares insight into the growing movement to ensure people with disabilities have access to meaningful employment with fair, competitive wages.

Mary Hauff, Director, Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium, Institute on Community Integration, and Dupree Edwards, Lead State Advisor on Systems Change, Institute on Community Integration. Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium director Mary Hauff and Lead State Advisor on Systems Change Dupree Edwards talk about the Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium and the importance of being a lifelong learner- with or without a disability. Nick Wilke, Independent Living Coordinator with the Metropolitan Center for Independent Living, joins us as guest co-host.

This week host Katrina Simon speaks with Graduating student Joe Carr, who shares with us his “etiquette rules.” Joe talks about his advocacy work and his plans moving forward as he finishes his transition program and life as a student living with a disability. That’s Boldly Challenging Ableism this Sunday at 2 or anytime via podcast.

Jillian Nelson, Policy Director, Autism Society of Minnesota. Lobbyist Jillian Nelson talks to us about her life working at the legislative level for the Autism Society of MN. She also shares what it’s like living with multiple disabilities. Nick Wilke from MCIL joins us as guest co-host.

Boldy Challenging Ableism debuts on Sunday, May 18 at 2 PM!