The Independent: Meeting the Moment for Disability Justice

Episode 8 - Being Heumann: Storytelling, Disability Power & the Legacy of Judy Heumann

In this episode of The Independent, host Dr. Victor Pineda sits down with Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Sian Heder, director of Being Heumann, to explore the power of storytelling in preserving disability history and advancing disability justice. Inspired by the life of Judy Heumann—one of the most influential leaders of the disability rights movement and a mentor to Dr. Pineda—Being Heumann brings to life the activists whose courage transformed civil rights history. Sian reflects on the responsibility of telling this story, collaborating with disabled creatives, and bringing authenticity to the screen. This conversation explores: * The inspiration behind Being Heumann and why Judy Heumann’s story matters today * How film can challenge stereotypes and reshape public understanding of disability * The importance of authentic disability representation on and off screen * The lasting legacy of the 504 Sit-In, the Independent Living Movement, and disability activism * How storytelling can inspire the next generation of disability leaders and advocates Together, Victor and Sian discuss how film can preserve history, elevate disabled voices, and strengthen the movement for a more accessible and inclusive future. Subscribe to The Independent, produced by the Center for Independent Living (CIL), for more conversations on disability justice, leadership, and the future of inclusive communities. Support the work of CIL and help sustain conversations like this: Donate today at ⁠https://thecil.org/donate/ Photo courtesy of Apple.

Episode 7 - Disability Justice, Belonging, and Local Leadership with Mayor Adena Ishii

In this episode of The Independent, host Dr. Victor Pineda sits down with Mayor Adena Ishii of Berkeley to explore what it means to lead a city through the lens of disability justice, belonging, and community care. As the birthplace of the independent living movement, Berkeley occupies a unique place in disability history. Mayor Ishii reflects on her journey into public service, the values that shape her leadership, and how Berkeley's legacy of activism continues to inform its future. This conversation explores: * What belonging means in city governance and community life * The challenges disabled residents face amid housing, economic, and climate crises * How disability justice intersects with housing, racial, and climate justice * The role of local government in advancing access, equity, and inclusion * Why community organizations and resident engagement are essential to meaningful change Together, Victor and Mayor Ishii discuss how cities can become more responsive, accessible, and accountable—and what it takes to build communities where everyone can thrive. Subscribe to The Independent, produced by the Center for Independent Living (CIL), for more conversations on disability justice, leadership, and the future of inclusive communities. Support the work of CIL and help sustain conversations like this: Donate today at https://thecil.org/donate/ [https://thecil.org/donate/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

Episode 6 - Reframing Disability, Leadership & Innovation Through a Broader Lens

In this episode of The Independent, host Dr. Victor Pineda speaks with Jonathan Kaufman - founder of J Kaufman Consulting, licensed psychotherapist, executive coach, and thought leader working at the intersection of leadership, organizational culture, and disability inclusion. Born with cerebral palsy, Jonathan brings a powerful perspective that reframes disability not as a limitation, but as a lens for innovation, strategy, and belonging. His work bridges personal experience with business insight, helping organizations move beyond compliance toward meaningful culture change. This conversation explores: • How disability shapes identity, leadership, and worldview • The concept of “Accessibility Intelligence” and why inclusion must go beyond checklists • How organizations can rethink culture, belonging, and psychological safety • The role of disability in business strategy, innovation, and the evolving future of work • Why interdependence and community are essential to building resilient systems Together, they examine how disability justice principles can transform not only workplaces, but how we understand leadership, value, and human connection. Subscribe to The Independent, produced by the Center for Independent Living (CIL), for more conversations on disability justice, leadership, and the future of access. Support the work of CIL and help sustain conversations like this: Donate today at https://thecil.org/donate/ [https://thecil.org/donate/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]

Episode 5 - Intersectional Justice: Race, Gender & Disability with Vilissa Thompson

In this episode of The Independent, Dr. Victor Pineda sits down with Vilissa Thompson — a nationally recognized disability justice advocate, writer, and founder of Ramp Your Voice!. With her signature clarity and conviction, Vilissa invites us into the experiences that shaped her work: navigating the world as a Black disabled woman, challenging systems that overlook marginalized voices, and creating space where intersectionality is not an afterthought, but the foundation. Together, they explore how lived experience fuels advocacy, what it means to center those most often excluded, and why movements for justice must reckon with race, gender, and disability together. Vilissa reflects on the origins of #DisabilityTooWhite, the impact it sparked, and the ongoing work to transform representation, policy, and power. This thoughtful, energizing conversation continues the mission of The Independent: elevating voices with lived expertise, honoring resilience, and building a deeper sense of belonging across our communities. Tune in for a candid and powerful discussion with one of today’s leading voices in intersectional disability justice. If you believe in disability justice, community empowerment, and the stories we uplift on The Independent, please consider supporting our work. Make a donation today: https://thecil.org/donate/ [https://thecil.org/donate/]

Episode 4 — Ed Roberts, An Independent Man, and the Movement

In this episode of The Independent, host Dr. Victor Pineda speaks with Scot Danforth, author of An Independent Man: Ed Roberts and the Fight for Disability Rights (University of California Press). Ed Roberts helped ignite the independent living movement — from organizing with the Rolling Quads at UC Berkeley to founding the first Center for Independent Living in Berkeley. But beyond the history, who was he? And what does his vision of independence mean today? This conversation explores: • Roberts’s journey from polio survivor to movement architect • The birth of peer-led independent living services • How grassroots activism shaped milestones like the 504 Sit-Ins and the ADA • Why independence is rooted in self-determination — and sustained through interdependence • What today’s disability movement can learn from Roberts’s legacy An Independent Man offers a powerful, human portrait of how a movement grows — and how leadership grounded in community can reshape policy and culture. Subscribe to The Independent, produced by the Center for Independent Living (CIL), for more conversations on disability justice, leadership, and the future of access. Support the work of CIL and help sustain stories like this: Donate today at https://thecil.org/donate/ [https://thecil.org/donate/?utm_source=chatgpt.com]