Episode 2: Exploring Disability, Academia, and Climate Change

Hosts: Nathan Tilton, El, Trisha
Guest: Maddie Taylor (They/Them)

Episode Summary: In this episode, we delve into the intersections of disability studies, environmental justice, and the unique challenges within academia. Our guest, Maddie Taylor, a second-year PhD student, shares their journey and insights.

Link to Transcript
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pfys0IMYqtxrc6zEBYmCWgM_fe8OmxUXz0HjSPxmOwc/edit?usp=sharing

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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 Transcript: "Exploring Disability, Academia, and Climate Change"

[00:00:01] Nathan Tilton: Hello and welcome to the Mad Cast, the podcast hosted by the UC Berkeley disability lab and recorded at the Ethnic Studies Changemaker studio, where we explore the intersection of disability, academia, and more. I'm your host, Nathan Tilton, with my co-hosts, El and Trisha.

[00:00:19] Nathan Tilton: Today, we have a special guest with us, Maddie Taylor, a second-year PhD student in Environmental Science Policy Management (ESPM) at UC Berkeley. Welcome, Maddie.

[00:00:34] El Madera: Welcome, Maddie. Thanks for joining us.

[00:00:40] Nathan Tilton: Maddie, could you tell us a bit more about yourself, your background, and your research?

[00:00:46] Maddie Taylor: Sure, I'm in ESPM, studying with Sonora Taylor, focusing on disability, critical animal studies, and how disabled folks are affected by climate change. My current project involves exploring early coalitions between the disability rights movement and the environmental justice movement.

[00:01:52] El Madera: That's fascinating. Could you elaborate on why you chose this research path?

[00:02:05] Maddie Taylor: Growing up in Maine with cystic fibrosis, I always felt a connection to the ocean. My undergraduate studies in biology and marine ecology at Barnard, plus my work in environmental education, influenced my interest in the intersection of environmental work and disability.

[00:05:04] Maddie Taylor: As part of the Diversity and Community Fellows program at Berkeley, I'm working to address inequities faced by disabled graduate students. Our initiative includes starting a peer support space for disabled grad students.

[00:07:21] Nathan Tilton: That's vital work. Disabled grad students often don't receive the same attention as undergraduates. The university's one-size-fits-all approach to accommodations can be problematic.

[00:09:32] Maddie Taylor: Indeed, grad students face unique challenges. I had a relatively smooth experience with DSP accommodations, but working as a GSI is a different story due to the short-term nature of contracts.

[00:13:00] El Madera: It's a gamble working with professors, even with DSP backing. Some are more accommodating than others.

[00:14:08] Trisha: Have you found professors sometimes more accommodating than DSP itself?

[00:14:24] Maddie Taylor: Absolutely. Some professors, especially those who are disabled or study disability, are incredibly understanding and accommodating.

[00:15:16] Nathan Tilton: The COVID-19 pandemic might have influenced this empathy, as some professors experienced long COVID or similar issues, giving them a glimpse into the disabled experience.

[00:17:20] El Madera: This led to more accessible options, like in-person and Zoom classes, beneficial for many disabled students.

[00:19:04] Trisha: My professor started recording lectures after experiencing COVID himself, showing a shift in understanding.

[00:21:09] Maddie Taylor: It's unfortunate that experiencing disability is sometimes necessary for empathy. Disability should be recognized and accommodated regardless.

[00:22:33] El Madera: There's often gatekeeping within disabled communities, and external and internal forces can prevent people from embracing their disabled identity.

[00:24:07] Maddie Taylor: The social model of disability highlights societal barriers but can oversimplify the complex nature of disability, especially when it results from systemic violence.

[00:25:22] Nathan Tilton: The shortcomings of the social model don't always acknowledge the full experiences of disabled people.

[00:27:19] Trisha: Can you elaborate more on the social model of disability?

[00:27:43] Nathan Tilton: It's about how society disables individuals through structures and policies, rather than the disability itself being the sole barrier.

[00:29:58] Trisha: This model can internalize feelings of inadequacy, especially regarding scholarships and aid for part-time students.

[00:30:24] Nathan Tilton: Yes, navigating academia's structures requires finding ways to work within the system, especially for disabled students.

[00:32:20] Maddie Taylor: Graduate students often take independent study units to balance their workload, a strategy that can be especially useful for disabled students.

[00:33:51] Nathan Tilton: The academic system's rigid expectations create challenges across the board, particularly for junior faculty.

[00:35:56] Maddie Taylor: It's important to question what the university can do for you, rather than the other way around, especially for disabled students.

[00:37:51] Trisha: Switching back to Maddie's work, how can we better incorporate disability studies into climate change discourse?

[00:38:04] Maddie Taylor: By recognizing disability as a rich cultural identity and a source of knowledge about adaptability and resistance, beyond its association with health.

[00:40:39] El Madera: There's a need for interdisciplinary approaches in academia, especially involving disability studies in various fields.

[00:43:00] Maddie Taylor: Absolutely, and there are few courses available for undergrads in this area. My advisor's upcoming course is a step in this direction.

[00:44:55] Nathan Tilton: Thanks for sharing your insights, Maddie. To our listeners, stay tuned for more discussions on disability and academia.