In this episode of the Above and Beyond the Accessibility and Inclusion podcast, hosts Anthony Frisina and Maddy Dever, The Autistic Rambler, reflect on the transition into 2025, discussing the ongoing challenges and successes in accessibility advocacy. They emphasize the importance of recognizing positive changes while continuing to push for further improvements. The conversation covers the need for actionable advocacy, the significance of addressing attitudes towards disability, and the political landscape affecting disability rights. They also discuss expectations for the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) and the upcoming Canada Disability Benefit, highlighting the importance of community engagement and collaboration in driving change.

Takeaways

• We have reached January 2025, a significant milestone.
• Kudos should be given when progress is made in accessibility.
• Advocacy requires both recognition of challenges and celebration of wins.
• The past 20 years have been a journey towards accessibility.
• Manifesting change is essential for the new year.
• Advocacy must involve people with disabilities in decision-making.
• Attitudes towards disability need to change for real progress.
• Political engagement is crucial for advancing disability rights.
• The Canada Disability Benefit is set to launch in July 2025.
• Community support and allyship are vital for advocacy efforts.

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Chapters

00:00 - Welcome to 2025: A New Era of Accessibility

02:20 - Kudos to Progress: Celebrating Small Wins

05:08 - Advocacy in Action: Setting Goals for Change

07:10 - Manifesting Change: New Year, New Opportunities

09:35 - Challenging Attitudes: The Key to Accessibility

12:11 - The ODSP Dilemma: Navigating Disability Benefits

15:00 - Political Landscape: Elections and Advocacy

17:30 - Looking Ahead: What to Expect in 2025

#accessibility, #advocacy, #disabilityrights, #2025, #New Year resolutions, #ODSP, #CanadaDisabilityBenefit, #inclusion