The Independent Life

A Legacy of Leadership: Dug Jones Reflects on Disability, Education, and Advocacy

In this inspiring episode of The Independent Life podcast, host Tony sits down with Dug Jones, the President of the Board of Directors at the Center for Independent Living of North Central Florida (CILNCF). Dug shares his remarkable journey of resilience and purpose, starting with a life-changing spinal cord injury during high school football. This pivotal moment set the stage for an extraordinary life, including earning law degrees, playing wheelchair basketball at a national and international level, and leading initiatives in education and workforce development. Dug reflects on his experiences both before and after the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), offering unique insights into the evolution of accessibility and inclusion. He also delves into the transformative power of adaptive athletics, how being a parent with a disability has shaped his life, and the professional milestones that have defined his career. Throughout this conversation, Dug shares valuable wisdom on what drives him, the values that guide his work, and the impact he's had on the disability community. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of community, and the strength of the human spirit. Tune in to hear Dug’s perspective on disability, leadership, and the lessons he’s learned from both his personal and professional journey. You won’t want to miss this heartfelt and enlightening conversation. Episode Resources: * www.dugjones.com [http://www.dugjones.com/]

Dr. Steven Noll: Lessons from the Disability Rights Movement—Past, Present, and Future (Part 2)

In this riveting continuation of The Independent Life, Tony and Dr. Steven Noll dive straight into the profound intersections of the disability rights movement with other civil rights struggles of the 1970s. They explore how people with disabilities fought for equality, accessibility, and independence, drawing inspiration from movements led by African Americans, women, and Native Americans while facing unique challenges of their own. Dr. Noll shares the story of the iconic Capitol Crawl, a moment that galvanized the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. With wheelchair users dramatically crawling up the U.S. Capitol steps, disability activists overcame public resistance and business pushback to demand the rights that many take for granted today. The discussion also unpacks the backlash faced by the movement, including paternalistic attitudes and the persistent belief that people with disabilities should be “grateful” for incremental progress. Tony and Dr. Noll connect the historical fight for the ADA to ongoing threats against disability rights. From attempts to roll back accessibility laws to cuts in vital services, they emphasize the continued need for vigilance and advocacy. Dr. Noll urges listeners to find hope in small victories and to take action at the local level, where individual efforts can spark significant change. This conversation provides an insightful and motivating call to action for everyone—whether you’re part of the disability community or an ally. Join Tony and Dr. Noll as they reflect on the lessons of history, the progress made, and the work still to be done to ensure a future where all people can live independent, empowered lives. This is more than a history lesson—it’s a call to action for everyone to be a part of the change.

Dr. Steven Noll: Bridging History, Advocacy, and Innovation in Disability Rights (Part 1)

In this compelling episode of The Independent Life, Tony sits down with Dr. Steven Noll, Ph.D, professor at the University of Florida's Department of History and advocate whose career spans decades of groundbreaking work in disability rights and education. Tony begins by recounting their first meeting at Gainesville's Sidney Lanier Center, where Dr. Noll coached basketball and championed fitness for students with disabilities. Together, they reflect on the transformative collaboration that promoted inclusion and empowerment through physical activity. Dr. Noll shares how his early experiences growing with a family member who had Down syndrome shaped his passion for special education. This led him to a 15-year career teaching at a special education school in Florida, where he also became a pioneer in using adaptive technology to empower students with profound disabilities. From setting up computer labs to coaching basketball, Dr. Noll inspired countless students to achieve greater independence. The conversation dives into the transformative era of the 1970s, when disability rights leaders gathered at a groundbreaking camp in upstate New York, as chronicled in the documentary Crip Camp. Dr. Noll is currently writing a book on this pivotal time and reflects on how these events ignited the disability rights movement, leading to milestones like the historic 504 protest. Dr. Noll discusses his transition to academia, where he now teaches the history of disability, helping students understand the evolution of disability rights and policies. He emphasizes the importance of advocacy starting with individuals but gaining power through allies and collective action. This episode is part one of a two-part conversation with Dr. Noll. Tony invites listeners to reflect on the lessons of the past to inspire the ongoing journey toward equity and inclusion. Don't miss this engaging exploration of history, advocacy, and innovation in the world of disability rights. Episode Resources: * Dr. Steven Noll [https://history.ufl.edu/directory/steve-noll/] * Crip Camp [https://cripcamp.com/] * Watch Crip Camp on Netflix [https://www.netflix.com/title/81001496]

Gratitude To The Highest Advantage of Others, with Tony Delisle

In this special holiday episode of Disability Dojo, Executive Director Tony reflects on the journey of the Independent Life podcast, which began four years ago during the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we step into this season of gratitude, Tony shares heartfelt insights about the incredible lessons, experiences, and perspectives gained from hosting the show and engaging with its remarkable guests. This episode is a celebration of the people and organizations who make the mission of the Center for Independent Living possible. Tony takes time to honor the staff of both the Gainesville and Ocala offices, our community partners, disability advocates, contractors, and everyone who has played a role in empowering independence and advocating for the disability community. Tony’s reflections remind us of the incredible resilience, self-awareness, adaptability, and empathy demonstrated by individuals with disabilities and those who serve them. He highlights how these attributes—rooted in courage, persistence, humility, and gratitude—serve as powerful examples for navigating challenging times. As we continue to seek ways to grow and serve better, this episode offers a message of hope, inspiration, and a call to embrace a mindset of gratitude in our daily lives. Whether you’re tuning in during Thanksgiving or any other time, may this episode fill your heart with appreciation for the shared journey of independence and the connections that bring us together. Wherever you are, whenever you listen, onward and upward.

Living with Purpose: Stew’s Journey with ALS and the Power of Meaningful Connections

In this heartfelt episode of The Independent Life, Tony welcomes his longtime friend, Mark Stewart—or as Tony and close friends call him, "Stew." Stew was recently diagnosed with ALS, a progressive and terminal neurological disorder. With courage and clarity, Stew shares his journey, reflecting on what it's like to process this life-altering diagnosis, and the wisdom he's gained in learning how to live meaningfully with the time he has left. Thirty years of friendship have shaped Tony and Stew’s bond, and a recent canoe trip inspired Tony to invite Stew to share his journey on the podcast. They delve into Stew’s experience of his diagnosis, his reflections on living with purpose, and the lessons he's embraced about time, relationships, and resilience. Despite the progression of ALS, which affects his ability to speak and move, Stew’s perspective shines through powerfully as he shares how he navigates his roles as a husband, father, and friend. As a father to a daughter with Autism, Stew shares his insights on supporting her unique needs. Despite the prognosis, Stew’s perspective remains rooted in positivity. He talks about the necessity of focusing on constructive thoughts and showing up for the people who matter most, advocating for a life focused on rich, meaningful relationships. Stew’s wisdom is a powerful reminder: life is an ongoing cycle of learning, letting go, and building strong connections. He encourages listeners to find "their people," detach from social perceptions, and seek joy in each day, even as he rides the waves of his own journey. This episode is a moving testament to resilience, love, and the legacy of kindness and compassion we each have the chance to leave behind.