As Disability Pride Month comes to a close, we’re committed to continuing the conversation around disability and accessibility. There’s so much to learn from listening to the voices of disabled people and the real-life matters that are faced all year round.

Whether you’re a disability ally or are newly disabled, one guaranteed way to broaden your horizons is by listening to disability podcasts. And you’re in luck because some excellent ones are currently making waves.

With 32% of adults in the UK listening to podcasts every month, the audio medium offers a powerful platform for on-demand personal storytelling, focused thinking and discussion. In the disability space, new podcasting communities are constantly emerging, providing opportunities for disabled creators to pursue careers in broadcasting.

Lifting the lid on disability activism, lifestyle, travel, identity and representation, there is an array of disability podcasts which offer fresh perspectives and advice. Many of these podcasts aim to be as inclusive as possible with accompanying transcripts and captioned video recordings too.

We’ve selected 4 podcasts which are well worth a listen. All offering unique voices, a great sense of community and emotional connection.

 

The Motability Lifestyle Pod

Discussing everything from accessible travel, dating with a disability, and closing the transport accessibility gap, the Motability Lifestyle Pod releases new episodes every two weeks.  Hosts Samantha Renke, broadcaster and disability rights campaigner, and Sophie-Marie Odum, editor of Lifestyle magazine are joined by a selection of top guests from the disability community.

All the latest car and transport news comes courtesy of Lifestyle magazine’s Drive editor, Matt Lizzimore. You can expect uplifting news, in-depth interviews and plenty of entertaining car chat.

The podcast can also be enjoyed via video with captions and a British Sign Language signer.

Listen here.

 

 

lABLEd

Personal experiences of disability, chronic illness, and health differences take the mic in the lABLEd podcast from disability advocates Alice Evans and Lucy Wood. lABLEd is an independent, self-funded series, where Alice, Lucy and their disabled guests aim to put the power of identification back in the hands of people who live those represented lives. 

Alongside guest conversations, lABLEd has special episodes about disability history with expert Daisy Holder and disability in film, fiction and art called fABLEd’s. Since its inception in 2021, the lABLEd podcast has gone from strength to strength with 100 episodes broadcast and over 3000 streams. With refreshing, personal insights, laugh-out-loud anecdotes, and occasional dark insights, lABLEd offers a heartfelt warmth and genuine audience connection.

Their entire back catalogue is also now available with captions on their YouTube channel.

Listen here.

 

BBC Access All: Disability News and Mental Health

With over 400 episodes available, BBC’s Access All weekly podcast is dedicated to news and stories about disability and mental health. Hosted by Emma Tracey, Access All covers life stories and solutions with a friendly touch.

Featuring a range of guest voices, Access All offers relatable and supportive insights into people’s lived experiences of disability. They also don’t shy away from discussing topical issues and have recently covered invisibility during the General election and the challenges of living with a disability in a warzone.

Listen here.

 

The AccessAble Podcast 

It would be amiss of us not to recommend you give our very own AccessAble podcast a listen. Diving into the world of accessibility, host Carrie-Ann Lightley highlights the importance of businesses and venues welcoming everyone.

In this podcast, we interview partners of AccessAble to discuss their journey towards providing an improved experience for disabled people. Recent episodes have included the importance of Changing Places toilets in the workplace, and transforming healthcare through accessibility.

Whether you are an accessibility advocate, a business owner, or simply interested in learning more about the work we do, The AccessAble Podcast is a must-listen.

Listen here.

 

The impact of audio storytelling in the disability space is quite remarkable. We love how disability podcasts are igniting conversations and fostering vibrant communities, inspiring and connecting disabled people in meaningful ways.

To help amplify the voices of disabled people and support disabled creators, get listening (and learning) to these powerful podcasts.