Understanding Disability: A Journey of Empathy

In this episode, Dr. Matt Biel speaks with Andy Arias, whose work spans policy, advocacy, and program development in disability rights. Their conversation explores what it means to thrive at the intersection of disability, cultural identity, and lived experience. Andy brings perspective as a professional in disability policy, as a member of Latino and LGBTQ+ communities, and as someone who has lived with cerebral palsy since birth.

The discussion challenges conventional thinking about disability, presenting it not as a deficit or tragedy, but as a cultural identity that will touch all of our lives. Andy articulates a vision where self-determination becomes the foundation for authentic thriving.