Policy and Passion: Brendan Roberts' Role in Voices from Care Cymru
08/01/24 • 55 min
Disability Politics with Brendan Roberts: Neurodivergence and Political Engagement
This episode features Brendan Roberts, a 23-year-old from Torfaen with autism and dyspraxia. Brendan discusses his experiences in various professional roles, including at the Department of Work and Pensions and Voices from Care Cymru, where he has significantly influenced Welsh government policy. He also delves into his political journey with the Liberal Democrats, his advocacy for social justice, including LGBT+ rights, and the importance of diverse voices in politics. The episode highlights the challenges and systemic barriers faced by neurodivergent and disabled individuals in the workplace and political arena, emphasizing empathy and accessibility.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:31 Podcast Content Overview
02:59 Guest Introduction: Brendan Roberts
10:51 Brendan's Professional Journey
13:33 Challenges of Being Neurodivergent
19:05 Experiences with the Benefits System
20:38 Empathy and Understanding in the Workplace
22:24 Brendan's Political Involvement
22:42 Discovering Politics and Joining the Lib Dems
23:34 Campaigning and Running for Office
23:56 Becoming a Candidate and Party Roles
25:05 Reflections on Welsh Independence and Party Politics
26:17 Motivations and Honest Conversations in Politics
27:28 Brexit and Party Policies
28:22 Challenges and Optimism in Welsh Politics
32:02 Roles and Achievements in Care Cymru
35:52 Working with Welsh Government and Cross-Party Efforts
40:50 Reflections on Coalition Years and LGBT+ Advocacy
43:10 Accessibility and Representation in Politics
48:20 Future Hopes for Disabled and Neurodivergent People
53:20 Closing Remarks and Social Media
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Disability Politics with Brendan Roberts: Neurodivergence and Political Engagement
This episode features Brendan Roberts, a 23-year-old from Torfaen with autism and dyspraxia. Brendan discusses his experiences in various professional roles, including at the Department of Work and Pensions and Voices from Care Cymru, where he has significantly influenced Welsh government policy. He also delves into his political journey with the Liberal Democrats, his advocacy for social justice, including LGBT+ rights, and the importance of diverse voices in politics. The episode highlights the challenges and systemic barriers faced by neurodivergent and disabled individuals in the workplace and political arena, emphasizing empathy and accessibility.
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast
00:31 Podcast Content Overview
02:59 Guest Introduction: Brendan Roberts
10:51 Brendan's Professional Journey
13:33 Challenges of Being Neurodivergent
19:05 Experiences with the Benefits System
20:38 Empathy and Understanding in the Workplace
22:24 Brendan's Political Involvement
22:42 Discovering Politics and Joining the Lib Dems
23:34 Campaigning and Running for Office
23:56 Becoming a Candidate and Party Roles
25:05 Reflections on Welsh Independence and Party Politics
26:17 Motivations and Honest Conversations in Politics
27:28 Brexit and Party Policies
28:22 Challenges and Optimism in Welsh Politics
32:02 Roles and Achievements in Care Cymru
35:52 Working with Welsh Government and Cross-Party Efforts
40:50 Reflections on Coalition Years and LGBT+ Advocacy
43:10 Accessibility and Representation in Politics
48:20 Future Hopes for Disabled and Neurodivergent People
53:20 Closing Remarks and Social Media
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Previous Episode
Empowering Youth Voices with Troy Njenje-Mbanga
Empowering Youth Voices: An Interview with Troy Njenje-Mbanga
In this episode, the host, Autisticly Aar, interviews Troy Njenje-Mbanga, a 21-year-old ambassador and youth activist from West Oxford Wakefield. Troy shares his journey of advocating for inclusion and the rights of young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities). He discusses his personal experiences with autism, the support he received, and the importance of youth participation in activism. Troy highlights his involvement with organizations like iWill and Reach Out To All, focusing on social issues such as education, climate change, and mental health. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in accessing support services and the need for improved mental health resources.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:46 Meet Troy: Advocate and Activist
01:24 Troy's Personal Journey with Autism
02:53 Challenges and Coping Strategies
08:26 Involvement in Advocacy Groups
11:49 Campaigns and Key Issues
13:01 Improving Education and Inclusion
22:39 Mental Health Support for Young People
32:54 Political Engagement and Voting
39:17 Final Thoughts and Contact Information
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next Episode
'I Heart Politics' Deep Dive Into Political Fandom Culture with Dr P CS Andrews
The Intersection of Politics and Fandom: An Interview with Dr. Phoenix CS Andrews
In this episode of Diselectability, Aar Jae Williams (Eira-Auri) interviews Dr. Phoenix CS Andrews, author of 'I Heart Politics,' which explores the theory of political fandom culture and its impacts in the age of mass-market popular culture. Dr. Andrews, who is disabled and neurodivergent, shares insights on how autism and ADHD influence his perspective on political engagement. The discussion delves into the intersections of fandom, populism, conspiracy theories, and the broader implications for disabled and marginalised communities. Additionally, they touch on Dr. Andrews' personal journey with late diagnoses of several disabilities and the unique challenges and experiences that come with it. The episode also explores how disabled people navigate political spaces, the representation of neurodivergent and transgender individuals in media, and how supportive fandoms provide community and identity. Upcoming episodes will feature interviews relevant to disability and politics, including a talk with former government minister Robert Buckland on government policies affecting disabled people.
For more from Dr. Andrews please and his book visit thatdocphoenix.com and https://linktr.ee/iheartpolitics
Any personal quieries, feedback or responses to anything discussed email: [email protected]
Subscribe to the new patreon channel visit patreon.com/rainbowpacifier or support via ko-fi https://ko-fi.com/neurorainbowproject
For more visit neurorainbowproject.com
00:00 Welcome to Diselectability Politics Podcast
01:14 Introducing Dr. Phoenix C. S. Andrews
02:45 Exploring Political Fandom Culture
03:53 Subscription and Social Media Information
05:28 Dr. Andrews' Personal Journey
08:07 Understanding Neurodivergence
10:57 Challenges in Education and Employment
26:29 Living with Cerebral Palsy
34:17 Adapting Sports for Disabled Individuals
41:46 Facing Accessibility Challenges
42:17 Visibility and Advocacy
42:59 Guide Dog Discrimination
44:17 Politics as Fandom
46:50 Writing 'I Heart Politics'
50:50 Defining Fandom and Populism
01:01:44 Negative Fandoms and Conspiracy Theories
01:10:50 Impact on Marginalized Communities
01:14:43 Changing Attitudes and Future Prospects
01:19:02 The Political Capitalization of Concepts
01:20:02 Impact of Famous Figures on the Autistic Community
01:21:20 Media Representation and Stereotypes
01:22:33 Challenges of Neurodivergent Representation
01:23:15 Misconceptions and Stereotypes
01:25:16 Navigating Social Interactions
01:39:07 Fandoms and Community Building
01:46:39 Accessibility and Inclusion in Fandoms
01:49:42 Hopes for Change in Neurodivergent and Queer Communities
01:54:48 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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