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.
Understanding Autism
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Recent public statements by federal sources and “influencer” culture have contributed to confusion and fear around vaccines, and Tylenol use during pregnancy. Join local experts and advocates for a virtual discussion of these recent statements about autism. Make informed decisions based on science and lived experience, not speculation.
Latest from the Disabilities Beat
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We share a recent report that came out on national disability policy, how several organizations are speaking out, and what disabled people can do in light of concerning changes. -
The memorial service of Western New York disability advocate Natalie Barnhard Castrogiovanni was held on February 7 in Amherst, New York. -
Medicaid cuts fuel ECMC layoffs, NYS specialized disability schools seek more funding and autistic advocates raise concerns over new HHS autism committee appointees. -
This week on the Disabilities Beat, we dive into Governor Kathy Hochul's budget proposal for New York State, which has been met with mixed reactions from the disability community. -
New Yorkers are less than 10 months out from choosing their next governor — which makes everything the governor does, and the ways her opponents respond, all that more important. -
This week on the Disabilities Beat, we share a remembrance for disability advocate Natalie Barnhard-Castrogiovanni, who died on January 9 surrounded by friends and family. -
A cherished advocate for the local disability community and national spinal cord injury community has passed away.
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Kaleida Health, Erie County Medical Center and Catholic Health all say they are overwhelmed with patients right now because of the strain of influenza A spreading like wildfire across the U.S. -
Influenza — which is a "potentially lethal disease" according to experts — is even more dangerous in congregate settings. -
There was a 15% increase in cases week over week, according to the latest report from the Erie County Department of Health. -
A small Catholic church in Orchard Park, New York shows how churches can become more accessible to disabled parishioners. -
Paratransit riders are being asked to reschedule rides. Only one mainline bus route has been modified due to the Skyway closure.
Additional BTPM NPR 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.
