“Living Disability”, Friday, July 31, 2026

Good evening The Moosa Slobodian Network friends,

Another Books Panel is, in the books, as it were, and what a wonderful discussion! Have a listen to our conversation about “Living Disability: Building Accessible Futures for Everybody”, at the following link: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3t25UfRgxMzhOiYSxC1aaf

Show Notes

Show Introduction: The panel, consisting of Ali Moosa, Macara Slobodian, Ashlin Eddie, Lily Frederickson, Lynn Kennedy, Paul Daniel, and Siena Trigiani, convened on Friday, July 31st, 2026, to discuss a book for the monthly books panel (00:00:07). The session began with a friendly exchange among the hosts, before Macara Slobodian introduced the evening’s initial question: ideal reading environments (00:01:25).

Reading Habits – Lynn: Lynn described their preference for reading in bed or on a comfortable sofa, sharing a humorous childhood memory about being caught by their mother while reading with a flashlight under their covers (00:02:22). Lynn noted that neighbors frequently alerted their parents about their late-night reading habits, creating an amusing neighborhood watch dynamic that Lynn views fondly in hindsight (00:03:34) (00:05:39).
Reading Habits – Sienna: Siena Trigiani discussed their evolving reading setup, noting that they previously used an Amazon Echo device and a Victor Stream but are now transitioning to the Mantis Q40 Braille display with built-in Bluetooth and screen reader features. Currently, they prefer reading in bed using their phone with audio apps like Audible and Voice Dream Reader, while emphasizing the importance of having a mug of hot chocolate nearby (00:09:50).
Reading Habits – Paul: Paul noted that their setup is similar to Lynn’s, involving reading in a comfortable chair with classical music or jazz, though they also enjoy reading at a coffee shop across from the local library (00:12:12). Paul emphasized the importance of putting their phone away during these sessions to avoid distractions and feelings of missing out, noting that any comfortable place with a book and coffee constitutes a “paradise” (00:13:06).
Reading Habits – Ali: Ali shared that they primarily read in bed while listening to Toronto Blue Jays games, utilizing the time after the postgame show, specifically “Blair and Barker,” to engage with their book. They prefer listening on an iPad and generally do not require a sleep timer because they maintain an internal sense of where they are in the book (00:14:02).
Discussion on Reading and Sleep: The group debated the utility of sleep timers when listening to audiobooks, with Siena Trigiani expressing frustration about falling asleep and having to rewind thirty minutes to find their place (00:16:18). Macara Slobodian noted that they often avoid reading while lying down or under a blanket because they inevitably fall asleep, preferring to read upright on a couch or at a desk (00:18:06).
Reading Habits – Macara: Macara Slobodian detailed their setup, stating that they generally read on their couch with tea in the morning or at their desk to ensure they remain awake (00:18:06). Paul and Macara agreed that finding a book that captures their attention, such as a suspense or horror thriller, is necessary to prevent drifting off when reading in comfortable settings (00:19:05).
Network Promotions and Upcoming Content: Ali Moosa and Macara Slobodian promoted the Moosa Slobodian Network, which includes the Ali Moosa show, the books panel, and the Ali and Macara show (00:19:57). They directed listeners to themoosaslobodiannetwork.ca for shows and techstravaganza.ca for tech tutorials, where Siena Trigiani announced an upcoming tutorial on setting up an iPhone from scratch using VoiceOver for the following week (00:21:02).
Platform Discussion: The participants discussed the technology used for their meetings, noting that they have transitioned to Google Workspace and Google Meet. Siena Trigiani praised the platform for its smooth interface and high accessibility, particularly its compatibility with screen readers (00:23:03).
Book Discussion – Initial Overview: Paul Daniel opened the discussion on the selected book, praising it for being written by disabled individuals and written in an accessible manner without apology (00:24:04). Paul highlighted the book’s focus on the daily negotiation of physical, infrastructural, and attitudinal barriers, as well as the “10 Principles of Disability Justice,” noting that disability cuts across all demographics (00:25:10).
Book Discussion – Lynn: Lynn expressed strong appreciation for the book, particularly the inclusion of many diverse voices, and noted the importance of the text for cited people who may not understand the challenges faced by those with disabilities (00:26:54) (00:30:44). Lynn shared a personal story about their son, Ian, who lost vision in one eye and has limited vision in the other, explaining how they used a straw demonstration to help their son-in-law understand Ian’s restricted peripheral vision (00:28:17).
Book Discussion – Employment and Accommodations: Siena Trigiani reflected on the book’s impact, noting that it resonates with their experiences of relying on adaptive transportation and facing employment discrimination (00:32:02). They recounted a specific experience applying for a call center job where the employer refused to accommodate their needs, despite the required assistive technology—such as a Braille display and NVDA—being things they already possessed and could implement independently (00:33:19).
Concept of Reasonable Accommodations: The group discussed the distinction between same treatment and equal treatment, with Paul Daniel arguing that providing tools like teletype devices for deaf employees is “fair treatment,” not a special gift (00:35:50). Siena Trigiani and Lynn agreed, noting that society often misunderstands “reasonable accommodations” and that fear of their own vulnerability often drives able-bodied people’s negative attitudes toward disability (00:37:00).
Social and Medical Models of Disability: Paul Daniel criticized the “superhero” stereotype often applied to disabled people, asserting that they simply adapt out of necessity rather than courage. They advocated for the social model of disability, which emphasizes that society must make itself accessible rather than expecting disabled people to “repair” themselves (00:38:43).
Accessibility Barriers in Community Spaces: Siena Trigiani raised a practical concern regarding their choir practice location, which lacks a working elevator, making the space inaccessible for a choir member who now uses a walker (00:40:49). They expressed a need to advocate for better accessibility in such shared spaces (00:42:03).
Hierarchy and Bias within the Disability Community: Macara Slobodian noted that even within the disability community, there is sometimes a “hierarchy” or internal conflict where members are pitted against one another. Paul Daniel added that some individuals with disabilities struggle to accept the label, even while utilizing benefits like the disability tax credit, suggesting a lack of unity in the community (00:42:59).
Societal Misconceptions and Media Examples: Paul Daniel cited specific examples of societal bias, such as Dr. Phil suggesting a person cannot be both a lover and a caregiver, and The Economist magazine publishing a cover featuring a walker to imply frailty (00:44:42). Paul argued that these instances reflect a lack of representation of people with disabilities in media newsrooms and decision-making roles (00:46:01).
Systemic Statistics and Advocacy: Paul Daniel questioned why unemployment and sexual assault rates remain significantly higher for people with disabilities if society is truly committed to inclusion (00:46:52). They emphasized that disabled people are rarely consulted for their expertise, and their needs are often defined by others rather than through collaborative dialogue (00:47:40).
Genetic Editing and Eugenics Concerns: The group expressed concern over medical “progress” in genetic editing, specifically regarding the potential to eliminate Down syndrome, which they identified as a form of eugenics (00:47:40). Paul and Siena Trigiani argued that prioritizing these interventions over creating a more inclusive and accessible physical infrastructure demonstrates that society is often serving its own interests rather than helping disabled people (00:48:41).
The Topic of Curing Disability: Siena Trigiani shared their perspective on whether they would choose a surgery to restore their sight, answering “no” because their disability is not their entire identity and they have built a fulfilling life around it. They explained that if they were to suddenly gain sight, they would have to relearn how to navigate the world, fundamentally changing who they are (00:49:35).
Final Reflections on the Book: Ali Moosa and the rest of the group concluded their book discussion, agreeing that the book was well-written, impactful, and essential reading for a wide audience (00:50:19). The hosts emphasized that the shared experiences in the book demonstrate that while disability is a facet of life, it does not prevent individuals from living fulfilling, talented, and multifaceted lives (00:51:58).
Closing and Upcoming Schedule: Ali Moosa outlined the upcoming schedule: the Ali Moosa show will return on Tuesday, August 4th, 2026, to discuss Rogers and Chorus cuts with Becky Coles, followed by an episode on Thursday, August 6th, featuring Rod Mawhood to discuss sports (00:52:54) (00:54:49). Additionally, Linda Steel is scheduled for August 13th, and the Ali and Macara show will air on Sunday, August 2nd, 2026 (00:55:47). The group also noted that a scheduled tutorial on the Mantis Q40 Braille display was postponed, but a new topic would be presented for the next Techstravaganza session (00:57:12).
iPhone Accessibility Setup: Siena Trigiani plans to demonstrate how to set up an iPhone from scratch using the VoiceOver feature. They highlighted that many users are unaware that VoiceOver can be configured independently right out of the box, regardless of whether the device was purchased from Apple or a carrier (00:58:28).
Techstravaganza – Upcoming Schedule: The Techstravaganza Extra session scheduled for Friday, August 7th, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. will focus on Google Meet. While Ali Moosa expressed a strong preference for transitioning the primary Techstravaganza to Google Meet, Siena Trigiani confirmed that the workshops will remain on Zoom because audience feedback indicated a preference for that platform (00:58:28). Additionally, the group plans to cover WhatsApp usage on computers during the Techstravaganza evenings on Thursday, August 13th (00:59:35).
Programming During September Leave: Siena Trigiani announced that they will be taking the month of September off. Ali Moosa noted that for that specific month, Techstravaganza will be hosted on Google Meet because that is the platform Ali Moosa uses (01:01:17).
Newsletter and Programming Updates: Siena Trigiani advised listeners to subscribe to the newsletter to receive updates on programming changes. They plan to move the two-part series covering WhatsApp on PC and Mac to October, and listeners should monitor the newsletter for further details on schedule adjustments (01:02:02).
Book Ends Overview: Lynn Kennedy discussed the operations of the Book Ends group, noting that the participants are self-directed and do not require active moderation to keep the conversation moving. Lynn Kennedy facilitates the sessions by providing themes, such as banned books or the “Small Air Force editions” of books distributed during World War II, which allows the participants to lead the discussion based on their individual interests (01:03:20).
Next Books Panel Details: Macara Slobodian announced that the next Books Panel will take place on Friday, August 28th, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. Eastern. The discussion will center on the book *In the Key of Genius: The Extraordinary Life of Derek Paravicini* by Adam Ockelford (01:05:34).
Closing Remarks and Network Information: Macara Slobodian thanked the listeners and the panelists for participating in the discussion. Ali Moosa encouraged the audience to visit the Moosa slobodian Network website at themoosaslobodiannetwork.ca to find more information about the network’s programming and to subscribe for updates (01:06:31).