Nobody Told Disabled Kids They Could Succeed | The Real Problem
Nick Speaks
Nick Speaks is a podcast dedicated to empowering adults and young people with disabilities. Join me as I share insights and experiences from my own journey of self-discovery and advocacy. Tune in and find your voice!
Nicolas Comstock

Nobody Told Disabled Kids They Could Succeed | The Real Problem

S1 E91 • May 19, 2026 • 57 mins

In this episode, Nicolas Comstock is joined by Philip Bramwell for a candid conversation on independence and employment for people with disabilities. They delve into the concept of sheltered workshops, discussing personal experiences, challenges with sub-minimum wage, and the ethics involved. The discussion expands to education's role in employment opportunities and accessibility issues, including bathroom breaks and airplane transfers. The episode also touches on the complexities of job accommodations, vocational rehabilitation, and the financial limitations posed by ABLE accounts. They conclude with reflections on pride in fast food jobs and the internal drive for independence, wrapping up with guest promotion.

Key Points

  • Visualizing independence from a young age can make it feel normal and achievable despite disabilities.
  • The ethics and appropriateness of sheltered workshops, where workers with intellectual disabilities are paid sub-minimum wage, remain highly controversial.
  • Disabled individuals often face challenges in the job market due to a lack of proper education and employer reluctance to provide necessary accommodations.
Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyListen on YouTube
- / -