Today's episode features disability and artificial intelligence (AI) experts Larry Weru, Ariana Aboulafia, and Jennifer Gray. AI has been around for years, but things changed when OpenAI released ChatGPT. Since then, the news around AI has increased a lot. AI is more than just a chatbot responder; it can be used in many different ways. We talk with the guests about how AI impacts people with disabilities in their healthcare, education, and employment. The guests provide both intriguing and alarming information about the implications for people with disabilities.

Relevant Links:

• Larry Weru’s bio: https://bit.ly/3x6hCUt
• Jennifer Gray’s bio: https://bit.ly/3KvALSQ
• New Disabled South: https://bit.ly/3HzJsdg
• Ariana Aboulafia’s bio: https://bit.ly/3KBv9X7
• Center for Democracy & Technology: https://bit.ly/3RiYyJx
• New Disabled South’s Study on the Benefits and Challenges of Autonomous Workplace Technology on Disability Rights and Labor Rights: https://bit.ly/4bLRA8a
• Center for Democracy & Technology’s Project on Disability Rights in Technology Policy: https://bit.ly/458k7SV
• Automating Ableism (article): https://bit.ly/45bJXW4
• 99% of Fortune 500 companies use AI (article): https://bit.ly/4bIOFx9
• A racist soap dispenser? Critical Theory and the non-neutrality of society (article): https://bit.ly/4c1zkId

This podcast episode features Andrew Pulrang and Gregg Beratan, prominent figures in disability advocacy and social change. Their pioneering initiative, #CripTheVote, created alongside Alice Wong, has been important in raising awareness about the political power of disabled citizens and sparking meaningful conversations about disability, politics, and activism. Through their efforts, Pulrang and Beratan have used social media to foster a continuous online space that acts as a living archive for disability voting and civic engagement work. Our conversation also considers and discusses concerns and hesitancy around voting, especially for people with disabilities. We discuss the different approaches and why voting can be an effective way for people with disabilities to advocate for themselves.

Relevant Links

• Follow Andrew Pulrang on Twitter: x.com/AndrewPulrang
• Follow Gregg Beratan on Twitter: x.com/GreggBeratan
• Disability Rights Florida Voting Resources: https://bit.ly/3UN9bp6
• Access the Vote Florida: www.AccessTheVote.org
• Rev Up Campaign through AAPD: www.AAPD.com/about-rev-up
• Disability Victory: DisabilityVictory.org
• Detroit Disability Power: DetroitDisabilityPower.org
• New Disabled South: NewDisabledSouth.org

In this episode of You First, co-hosts Keith and Maddie speak with Indigenous activist and disability rights leader Vesper Moore about the Mad Movement, psychiatric survivorship, and envisioning a future of collective care. Vesper, deeply involved in mental health and disability rights activism, discusses their work in altering perceptions and legislation surrounding mental health both nationally and with international bodies. The conversation delves into the history of psychiatric survivor movements, the problematic nature of involuntary commitment, and the importance of community care over institutional care. Moore emphasizes the power of peer support and shares insights into the Kiva Centers, a peer respite group that offers an alternative to traditional psychiatric institutions. Furthermore, Vesper touches on their advocacy work against re-institutionalization and for more humane, community-focused approaches to mental health care, advocating for dialogue and solidarity within the disability rights movements. The episode concludes with a call for comprehensive community support systems and the significant role of peer-led initiatives in transforming mental health care.

Content Warning: This conversation includes instances of ableism, saneism, racism, involuntary incarceration, and mentions violence against BIPOC, disabled people, and houseless folks. Discretion is advised.

Relevant Links:

• Vesper Moore’s website: https://bit.ly/4aG6VpE
• Bethlem/Bedlem Hospital: https://bit.ly/49m8Bnp
• Lunatics' Friend Society: https://bit.ly/4aGxzPu
• Rusk State Hospital Revolt: https://bit.ly/43IIzcQ
• Drapetomania (YouTube video): https://bit.ly/4aFSP7P
• Hiawatha Insane Asylum: https://bit.ly/43IIENG
• Taíno people: https://on.natgeo.com/49mEs7h
• Kiva Centers: https://bit.ly/49mEvQv
• CAHOOTS (Crisis Assistance Helping Out on the Streets): https://bit.ly/43JA1Co
• Bandelier National Monument Kivas: https://bit.ly/43HCWf1