n this episode of Disability Rights Now, host Matt Shedd talks with National Council on Independent Living director Theo Braddy about his new memoir, From Shack to the White House: A Memoir of Four Lives. Theo traces his journey from growing up poor in the deep South, to acquiring a spinal cord injury at 15, to surviving a nursing home, becoming a family and community leader, and ultimately serving as a national voice for disability rights and independent living. He reflects on internalized ableism, the trauma of institutionalization, the power of knowledge, and what it meant to hear President Joe Biden call him “a man of great courage.” From Shack to the White House: A Memoir of Four Lives is available as an ebook through many platforms: https://books2read.com/fromshacktowhitehouse

You can order on Amazon as well: https://www.amazon.com/Shack-White-House-Memoir-Lives-ebook/dp/B0G3T182Q2

If you want help creating a podcast for disability rights or any other type of organization, reach out to matt@disabilityrightspodcasts.org or visit https://www.disabilityrightspodcasts.com

In this episode of Disability Rights Now, we speak with Keri Gray—speaker, entrepreneur, and keynote speaker at this year’s NCIL Conference. Keri shares her perspective on the intersection of race and disability, the need for sustained investment in Black disabled leadership, and the importance of centering lived experience in systems change.

We discuss what it takes to build truly inclusive spaces—and why that work must be led by the people most affected. Through her consulting, speaking, and coalition-building, Keri is creating platforms that elevate and empower diverse disabled voices across the country.

You can learn more about Keri’s work at ignitebykerigray.com and see all the other things she’s up to on https://linktr.ee/kerigraygroup.

If you're interested in launching a podcast for your disability advocacy organization, visit DisabilityRightsPodcasts.org or reach out to Matt Shedd on LinkedIn.

In this episode of Disability Rights Now, we speak with Keely Cat-Wells—entrepreneur, advocate, and keynote speaker at this year’s NCIL Conference. Keely shares how she’s using technology to build more inclusive hiring pipelines, reshape outdated systems, and create new pathways to employment for people with disabilities. We talk about authentic representation, accessibility in media and business, and what it takes to create a truly inclusive talent economy.

You can learn more about Keely’s work at KeelyCatWells.com and by visiting her production company at https://www.makingspacemedia.com.

Disability Rights Today is produced by DisabilityRightsPodcasts.org, a service that helps advocacy organizations create story-driven podcasts and original web content. To learn more, visit the site or find Matt Shedd on LinkedIn.