A Conversation with Andrew Imparato – Resources

Guest: Andrew Imparato, J.D., Executive Director of Disability Rights California (DRC)
Host: Barry Whaley, M.S., Director of the Southeast ADA Center, Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University
Recording Date: September 19, 2022
Archive: A Conversation with Andrew Imparato

Contents

About the 504@50 Podcast Series

504@50 is a special interview series created in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. In the series, we speak with leaders of the disability rights movement who advance the cause of equal rights through their tireless work.

The 504@50 Series is produced by the Southeast ADA Center, the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University and in collaboration with the Disability Inclusive Employment Policy Rehabilitation Research and Training Center. Check out the Section 504@50 website at section504at50.org

About This Episode

In this episode, Barry Whaley, Southeast ADA Center Project Director, sits down with Andy Imparato, executive director of Disability Rights California. Mr. Imparato discusses his personal and professional background and how his experiences have led him to his current position. He explains his journey from understanding his own disability and passion for disability rights issues to working for Senator Tom Harkin to becoming a national disability advocate. He also shares the lessons he learned about disability advocacy and disability rights.
Mr. Imparato discusses the disability benefit system and describes the need for reform. Replacing the medical model of disability, so deeply rooted within policies, with the social model of disability will be difficult. However, he believes the best way to improve services for people with disabilities is to focus the work of passionate leaders who understand these issues on fixing the broken welfare system and reforming programs like Medicaid that many disabled people struggle with.

Learn about Andy Imparato

Disability Rights Issues Talked About in This Podcast

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Visit the Section 504@50 website at: section504at50.org
The 504@50 Series is produced by the Southeast ADA Center, the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University, and in collaboration with the Disability Inclusive Employment Policy Rehabilitation Research and Training Center.