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Episode 103 – The Contextuality of Disability | Treasa Praino’s Global Perspective


Published: Thursday August 21, 2025
pushing forward with alycia a disability podcast episode one hundred and three featuring treasa priano listen now

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Academia & Advocacy: Insights from a Scholar on Disablement, Interdependence and Independence

In this episode of ‘Pushing Forward with Alycia,’ host Alycia Anderson interviews Treasa Praino, a legally blind disability advocate, university instructor, and human rights and inclusion specialist. Treasa shares her journey from facing discrimination in her youth to becoming a scholar finishing her PhD at Syracuse University. The discussion covers her experiences working in federal probation, education inequities, and her transformative work in South Africa. Treasa highlights the importance of presuming competence, interdependence over independence, and how different cultural contexts shape the experience of disability. The conversation underscores the value of inclusive education and the need for practical applications of disability research.

A Quote from Treasa

 Don’t be afraid, be curious. People are okay for you to be curious, as long as you’re going in with an open mind and not judgmental and presuming that competence.

~ Treasa Praino

Driving Forces of the Discussion

🔍 Redefining Disability Through Contextual Lenses

⚡ The Shocking Reality of Special Education: Speaking Out Against Abuse

🚔 From Classroom to Crime: The School to Prison Pipeline Exposed

🧩 Challenge Preconceptions: True Inclusion Starts Here

💡 Challenging Normalcy and Building Inclusive Spaces

🚫 Challenging Societal Prejudices Against Disability

😨 Teaching Fear: A Collision of Curiosity and Prejudice in a Single Moment

🌈 The Vision for Disability Advocacy

💻 Rethinking Ability: How Technology Shapes Our Perception of Disability

🤝 Empathy in Action: Kids Embrace Inclusion Early on

🌍 Inclusivity Benefits Everyone: The Sidewalk Story

✨ In Conclusion: Presume Competence and Stay Curious

Your Guide Through the Episode

00:00 Introduction to Pushing Forward with Alycia

00:25 Meet Treasa Praino: Disability Advocate and Scholar

02:18 Treasa’s Early Life and Career Journey

05:43 Insights from South Africa and the Path to Academia

10:06 Understanding Disability in Different Contexts

20:09 The Importance of Inclusive Education

35:02 Future Vision and Final Thoughts

Connect with Treasa Praino

treasa praino

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Treasa’s LinkedIn

Connect with Alycia:
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Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations on Pushing Forward with Alycia. Open hearts, clear paths. Let’s go.