In a GrowAbility first (but certainly not last), Holly joins Joe for an in-person interview with Dr. Jeff Preston, a disability studies professor, advocate, and self-proclaimed immortal who refuses to let ableism win. From his early days as a three-year-old fundraising speaker to his current role challenging systemic barriers, Jeff shares candid insights about disability rights, accessibility legislation, and why spite makes an excellent motivator. He unpacks why Ontario won't meet its 2025 accessibility goals, explores the connection between disability and poverty, and explains why inaccessible spaces are a form of censorship. Through thoughtful analogies—from farmers as natural innovators to disabled people as "ghosts in the cornfield"—Jeff illustrates how accessibility benefits everyone. Whether discussing urban agriculture, media representation, or the importance of inter-ability relationships, his message is clear: disability is everywhere, and it's time our world reflected that reality.

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• Jeff Preston's Website: https://jeffpreston.ca/
• The Invalid Culture Podcast: https://invalidculture.com/
• Find Jeff on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjeffpreston/
• Find Jeff on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/getmobilize
• Disability Studies at King's University College: https://www.kings.uwo.ca/academics/disability-studies/

Born and raised in Port Elgin, Jeffrey Preston, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Disability studies at King’s University College @ Western University in London, Ontario.

A long-time advocate and motivational speaker, Jeff started fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy research when he was 3 years old (at a beach volleyball tournament in Port Elgin) and was later a 2-time Ontario poster child and the first national campaign assistant for Muscular Dystrophy Canada. His annual golf tournament, the Jeff Preston Celebrity Golf Tournament, ran for over 20 years and raised over $1.4 million for MD research.

Jeff has previously served as vice-chair for Easter Seals Ontario, member of the Accessibility Standards Advisory Committee for the Ministry of Community and Social Services, board chair of Defeat Duchenne Canada, two-term member of the Committee of Adjustments at London City Hall, and vice-chair of the leadership table of the London For All anti-poverty initiative organized by the City of London and the United Way of Elgin Middlesex.

Jeff’s first book, The Fantasy of Disability, was just published internationally 2016 and reissued in paperback by Routledge in 2018.

GrowAbility is hosted by Joe Gansevles and Holly Pugsley.

Special thanks to this week's guest, Jeff Preston.

Our show is produced by Adam Caplan, Joe Gansevles, and Holly Pugsley.

Production support from Oliver Gansevles, Evan Gansevles, Scott Hohn, Kevin Labonte, Paul Rogers, Dorantina Uka, and Allan Williamson.

Holly Pugsley of Just Keep Growing art directed this episode and made sure the plants looked great.

Audience strategy by Dorantina Uka and Tess Alcock.

Our theme music is Wandering William by Adrian Walther and can be found on Soundstripe.

Adam Caplan is web.isod.es Executive Producer, and Sammy Orlowski is our senior...