The BTPM Disabilities Beat is dedicated to promoting equity and acceptance by amplifying marginalized voices, holding corporations and governments accountable, and combatting misinformation and stigma through education about the disability community.
Coverage highlights the often-overlooked implications of economic, educational, policy, and environmental factors on the disability community, offering regional and national perspectives. Key topics include:
- Economic Disparities: Examining wage gaps for employees with disabilities and employment opportunities
- Civic Participation: Investigating the accessibility of ballot machines and voter resources
- Mobility and Accessibility: Addressing paratransit availability and infrastructure needs
- Policy Impact: Analyzing legislation and its effects on the lives of people with disabilities
Hear reports from the Disabilities Beat every Wednesday on BTPM NPR during Morning Edition and All Things Considered for impactful reports in about 5 minutes. These stories aim to spark meaningful conversations and drive positive change in our communities.
The BTPM Disabilities Beat is funded in part by the Peter & Elizabeth Tower Foundation.
Latest from the WBFO Disabilities Beat
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A judge preliminarily approved a settlement in a class action lawsuit over New York’s CDPAP transition, aiming to protect disabled consumers' right to due process before losing services. -
Disabled advocates share how Medicaid and HCBS help them live independently and warn that federal cuts may cause a domino effect, threatening those vital supports. -
On Friday, President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law, which includes sweeping changes to Medicaid. This bill is expected to both directly and indirectly impact people with disabilities. -
A proposed settlement is expected this week in a federal lawsuit over New York’s CDPAP transition. Plaintiffs say the state violated disabled consumers’ Medicaid rights.
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Western New York’s disability community is celebrating Disability Pride Month this July with events highlighting pride, culture, and the 35th anniversary of the ADA. -
Stephanie Orlando took over as CEO of Western New York Independent Living Tuesday, succeeding longtime leader Doug Usiak. She discusses future goals and challenges ahead. -
This week, it's expected the Senate will begin voting on Trump's "Big Beautiful Bill", which includes substantial cuts to Medicaid. However, New Yorkers with disabilities maybe be impacted by these cuts in both direct and indirect ways. -
Buffalo mayoral candidates face tough questions from disabled voters on mental health, policing, and crisis response at local forum. -
NYS OPWDD Commissioner Willow Baer talks agency goals, regional disability health clinic funding, Medicaid cuts, and workforce pay in an exclusive Disabilities Beat interview with Emyle Watkins. -
Gillibrand spoke out on significant Medicaid cuts that could harm hospitals and medical care for marginalized communities if passed through the Senate. -
How do these candidates feel they’ve shown up for, and will show up for, the disability community if elected? -
Recently, BTPM NPR's Emyle Watkins sat down with advocate Holly Nidell, who shared her advice on living a life of purpose, sharing your story openly and becoming more involved.
Additional WBFO Disabilities Reporting
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The closing of a prominent Buffalo pain doctor's clinic several years ago raised questions. But forgotten in the mix was what happened to his chronic pain patients, that came to him with a legitimate concern? The aftermath of Dr. Eugene Gosy's clinic closure has highlighted the challenges Americans face in getting chronic pain treatment while our country confronts the opioid epidemic. -
Governor Kathy Hochul’s Executive Budget included $1 million for Special Olympics New York. WBFO’s Disability Reporter Emyle Watkins first reported in December that the organization was asking the state for at least $1.5 million in the next budget to prevent program cuts. Watkins spoke with their CEO after the budget was released to get her reaction. -
On Tuesday, New York Governor Kathy Hochul shared her vision for New York in her State of the State address, which often previews what may be included in her budget proposal. WBFO’s Disability Reporter Emyle Watkins spoke with the head of a local disability services agency to get her reaction. -
Ahead of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's State of the State address, one disability organization is asking the state to make a change that could rescue important programs for people with disabilities. -
Delaware North committed to a $100,000 donation to support unified sports programs in local schools. -
If you’ve ever been to a fundraiser at a restaurant, you know it’s a chance to have a great time with friends and support a cause. But for a local woman with a disability, a trip to Tully’s Good Times in Cheektowaga for a Special Olympics fundraiser, ended up being a bad time, as she was left to eat her meal off of a chair. -
One hundred years after a league we all know, the National Football League, was founded, another league launched with the hope of expanding access to football. WBFO’s Emyle Watkins shares how this new sport held a national tournament in New York State for the first time ever this October. -
Five months after WBFO published an investigation into at-its-face violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Buffalo quietly welcomed its first full-time ADA coordinator. WBFO’s Disability Reporter Emyle Watkins sat down with her to learn more about her background and goals for the city. -
This back-to-school season, Walmart announced sensory hours. WBFO asked parents and neurodivergent adults if these sensory hours were helpful to their experiences. -
Summer - it is a time of year widely romanticized in books, movies and TV. Grand adventures, grand gestures, falling in love…. But how much feels really authentic, like something you could have gone through? This summer, a local author has a new book that brings a fresh and relatable take on the great summer romance novel. WBFO’s Emyle Watkins has more.
