Podcasts—a merger between blogging and radio—are nothing new. So many of us get the bulk of our news and entertainment online and now, with the podcast, it’s as easy as taking a few minutes to click and listen. From music to comedy, it seems every topic’s being covered on the Web. And disability is no exception. Here’s a roundup of informative (and oftentimes entertaining) podcasts (some with associated blogs) focusing on the subject.

Autism Podcast
Welcome to your audio connection to autism. This website and the podcast plays host to people who are dedicated to providing information about working with children on the autism spectrum. Two of the hosts Michael Boll and Shannon Johnson are parents of children with autism. While host Nicole Sparapani has completed multiple research studies regarding autism spectrum disorders.

BBC OUCH!
Every month, comedians Mat Fraser and Liz Carr shoot the disability breeze in this irreverent, hilarious podcast. Typical fare includes a quiz called "Vegetable, Vegetable, or Vegetable," during which a listener talks to the hosts for 90 seconds while they try to guess the caller’s disability. The bit is capped off by Fraser and Carr assuring the listener that he or she is “very very brave and special.” From the delicate topics of sex and personal hygiene, to interviews with stars with disabilities, BBC Ouch! covers it all.

Blind Cool Tech
Blind Cool Tech brings some fun, educational interviews to your mp3 player while enabling listeners to ride along on “sound seeing tours.” The focus is on assistive technology blind people can use. Topics vary from overviews the kinds of cell phones on the market and what options exist for a blind users to information about an inexpensive talking blood pressure monitor that seems to contain all the features of the more expensive products.

Blog Talk Radio’s Ask the Advocate
Monica Wharton is no stranger to living with and educating children with autism. The well-known parent-advocate and host of DisAbility News & Views Radio delivers insightful information and answers questions about special education for children with autism, Asperger Syndrome and other developmental disabilities.

Day in Washington
Day in Washington is a nationally-syndicated disability-related podcast updated weekly with 6-minute podcasts focusing on understanding disability policy and politics. Topics include deciphering the Obama disability agenda and an overview of ADA restoration to information about diversity and Medicaid.

Disability411
Looking for audio workshops, interviews and information on disability-related topics? Disability411 is the place! Whether you’re a person with a disability or someone working with people with disabilities (like a college disability counselor, rehabilitation counselor, K-12 special education teacher, employer) you’ll find cutting-edge disability-related topics here. The show is hosted by Beth Case, a disability counselor with more than 13 years of experience in post-secondary disability services.

Disability Matters with Joyce Bender
Disability Matters with Joyce Bender is one of the first international talk radio shows with real-time captioning focused on the employment and empowerment of people with disabilities. Hear prominent disability leaders such as Congressman Tony Coelho, Governor Dick Thornburgh, Andy Imparato and senior executives from the private sector. Disability Matters is on the VoiceAmerica Channel every Tuesday from 2:00pm - 3:00 pm Eastern Time.

Disability Radio Worldwide
Disability Radio Worldwide creator, producer and host, Jean Parker is a well-known disability rights activist with years of experience working in the movement. Jean's list of program guests reads like a “Who’s Who” of the disability community leadership around the globe. Almost all of the guests on Disability Radio Worldwide are people with disabilities and experts in their fields, discussing the full spectrum of issues related to advancing the human rights of people with disabilities around the world.

This dynamic, 30-minute weekly program is broadcast by FM stations, radio reading services, over the Internet, and on shortwave radio. The weekly broadcasts originate from Costa Rica and are distributed in the United States by the Pacifica Radio Network and can be heard on many local Pacifica affiliates.

Thousands of podcasts are out there on the net, and their numbers are growing daily. Teachers, lawyers, doctors, housewives, children, and even classrooms armed with a computer, microphone, free software, and a web site for posting the programming are getting into the game. So keep an eye out for these podcasts and others.

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