Episode 1: Academic Ableism & The Disabled Grad Student Experience w/ Andy King

Welcome! This is the first episode of our brand new show the Mad Reshuffle: Access Berkeley Radcast (Madcast for short) hosted by the UC Berkley Disability Lab. Today's episode, were interviewing Andy King, a 2nd year Phd student at Cal studying English and a disability representative in the Cal Graduate Assembly, on his unique experiences as a disabled individual currently navigating through academia as both an employee and student of UC Berkeley. 

In a compelling episode of RAD Mad Reshuffle: Access Berkeley, hosts Nathan Tilton and El Madera engage with Andy King, a second-year PhD student and disability representative at UC Berkeley. They discuss the unique challenges faced by disabled students in academia. Andy shares their journey, highlighting the transformative impact of self-awareness and access to disability resources on their educational experience, particularly in transitioning from undergraduate to graduate studies.

The episode also delves into a recent survey on inclusivity within the UC system. Andy critiques the survey's methodology, stressing the need for a deeper understanding of disabled students' experiences in academia. They emphasize the complexity of navigating academic spaces as a disabled individual, underscoring the importance of comprehensive support and meaningful inclusion.

Transcripts available here. 
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Credits:
Hosts: Nate Tilton and Eliana Madera
Producer: Nate Tilton and Eliana Madera
Production Assistance: Trisha Nguyen
Executive Producer: Karen Nakamura, PhD

Produced at UC Berkeley Disability Lab (or Mad Rad Lab)

Recorded at Ethnic Studies Changemaker Podcast, UC Berkeley

Copyright © 2023 by Nate Tilton, Eliana Madera, & Trisha Nguyen

License: CC-by-SA
Licenses List | Creative Commons

Transcript

Podcast Title: RAD Mad Reshuffle: Access Berkeley
Episode Title: Navigating Academia as a Disabled Graduate Student
Date: November 3, 2023
Duration: 49:54
Speakers: Nathan Tilton, El Madera, Andy King

Nathan Tilton:
"Are we good? All right. Hello, everyone. Welcome back or welcome to the first episode of RAD Mad Reshuffle: Access Berkeley, hosted by the UC Berkeley disability lab and recorded in the Ethnic Studies Changemaker podcast studio. I'm Nate, and today I'm joined by El and our guest, Andy King, a second-year PhD student in English and a disability representative in the graduate assembly. Welcome, Andy."

El Madera:
"Hello. Yeah, I will have to imagine your wonderful face. All right, Andy, let's start with your academic journey. What inspired you to pursue a PhD?"

Andy King:
"My academic journey has been circuitous. I started as an undergraduate at Berkeley, studying English and Philosophy. I was already disabled, but at the time, I hadn't developed the conceptual, linguistic vocabulary to articulate it clearly. My undergrad experience was challenging as I didn't fully avail myself of disability accommodations. After completing my degree, I moved to China for a fellowship at NYU Shanghai, then to the University of Iowa, and eventually to Central European University in Vienna, where I focused on disability in the philosophy of perception, especially in relation to art museum access. Deciding to return to Berkeley for a PhD was tough, but I'm happy to be back, combining my scholarly work with disability advocacy."

El Madera:
"Would you say your experiences as a disabled undergrad and grad student have been drastically different?"

Andy King:
"Yes, there's been a drastic difference. In undergrad, I didn't utilize disability resources effectively, which made academic success challenging. As a grad student, I'm more aware of my identity and resources, making it easier academically. However, structural challenges in academia persist. Academia still operates on a medieval guild model, with inherent ableist underpinnings."

Nathan Tilton:
"Andy, regarding a survey on inclusion within the UC system, what are your thoughts, especially considering the different experiences of disabled and non-disabled grad students?"

Andy King:
"The survey's methodology raises questions about the validity of its findings. It doesn't capture the full range of grad student experiences. For example, the concept of 'feeling included' is subjective and doesn't necessarily reflect material conditions or structural support within the university."

El Madera:
"Andy, what's your perspective on the use of language around 'resources' in academia?"

Andy King:
"Resources in academia encompass a wide range. There's a tendency to focus on academic performance while overlooking personal struggles, especially among neurodivergent individuals. Academia often values production and acquisition, sidelining the more nuanced aspects of student experiences."

Nathan Tilton:
"Moving on to Spoon Theory in academia, can you elaborate on that, Andy?"

Andy King:
"Spoon Theory is crucial for understanding the management of limited energy. In academia, we often overlook our own wellness and energy as resources. This neglect stems from a pervasive ideology that values perpetual productivity, often at the cost of personal well-being."

Nathan Tilton:
"Andy, regarding degree progress, how do you think the concept of 'normative time' in graduate programs impacts disabled students?"

Andy King:
"Normative time is a major structural obstacle in academia. It fails to account for the unique challenges faced by disabled students. There's a need for more flexibility and targeted support, akin to what's offered to student parents or caregivers."

El Madera:
"Andy, can you comment on the broader implications of eugenics and ableism within the academic system?"

Andy King:
"The influence of eugenics in academia is deeply disturbing. Universities need to take proactive steps to support vulnerable populations, including disabled students. The distinction between actively causing harm and failing to prevent it is critical in understanding how universities can better accommodate diverse student needs."

Nathan Tilton:
"Thank you, Andy, for sharing your insights. This concludes our episode. We hope to continue these important discussions in future episodes."

El Madera:
"Thanks, Andy, for your valuable contributions. Goodbye, everyone, and stay tuned for more from RAD Mad Reshuffle: Access Berkeley."