Episode 24: Phoebe Chestna and Ben Wimett

In this episode, occupational therapist Phoebe Chestna interviews Ben Wimett.

Ben is a lifelong Vermonter, living down in Brandon, Vermont, with his dog, Pepper. Ben also has cerebral palsy, and works as an assistive technology provider with the Vermont Assistive Technology Project. And Ben’s here to share his stories of navigating Vermont schools (and snowbanks!), how power wheelchairs have changed over the years, and his advice to children with disabilities — and their parents. “The biggest advice I can give you is that if something happens, it’s not your fault. The biggest thing I can tell you is deal with the cards that you’re dealt. And I think the way my family did that is, yeah, I had to do things differently, but if I wanted to do something, we did it.”

Episode 23: Emerson Wheeler and Jan H.

https://cdci.w3.uvm.edu/blog/cdciresources/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Episode-23-Jan-and-Emerson-audio-with-bumpers.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:07:34 — 123.7MB)Get new episodes by email RSSJan H. lives in Southern…

Episode 11: on ableism in medical training

In this episode of the podcast, we welcome medical student Elizabeth “Biz” Barker, and Dr. Melissa Houser, who is also the executive director of the non-profit All Brains Belong VT. Dr. Houser also sits on the CDCI Community Advisory Council.

Both physicians identify as having a disability, and Dr. Houser also has a family member with a disability. They’re here to talk about ableism in the medical system, and how it begins in medical school: how we expect learners to perform as they learn medicine has a huge impact on keeping ableism going in healthcare.

Episode 1: Pamela Cummings & Rachel Wright

In this episode of the podcast, renowned early intervention nurse / complex needs parent Rachel Wright joins Pamela Cummings, from the I-Team Early Intervention project.

They cover Wright’s journey from medical professional to mother, and specifically what she’s learned from being the mother of three sons, one of whom is a child with disabilities and complex needs. What can other parents learn about negotiating the journey through the medical jargon maze? And how can medical professionals be better partners to parents and other family members?