Joshua Downey, who was born in Australia and now lives in Switzerland, has cerebral palsy after being born three months prematurely. He launched his JD Dragon Disability Rights Podcast in 2019, after a teacher encouraged him to speak to his class about disability.
The show now reaches people in more than 100 countries.
‘It went more viral than I could have imagined,’ he said.
‘I talk about disability and mental health – for me it’s the closest thing we have to a universal language.’
Mr Downey was diagnosed with his condition at the age of two, and moved with his family to Basel at 13. His connection with Guernsey dates back to those early days in Switzerland, when one of the first friends his family made was from the island.
He has interviewed people across the Channel Islands who work to improve accessibility. He recently spoke to Guernsey Disability Alliance’s Carol Le Page, Chantelle Tucker from the Guernsey Blind Association and UnLtd Guernsey’s Tim Feak.
‘It was great to talk to Josh and find out about how people in other countries are addressing accessibility and inclusion challenges,’ said Mr Feak.
‘I didn’t know about his podcast before, but now it’s compulsory listening for me. You can learn so much from other people who are approaching the same issues with different solutions.’
UnLtd’s inclusion programme aims to help local organisations understand the requirements of the island’s disability discrimination legislation and make improvements. The programme includes Disability Confidence Training, and the newly-launched Access Progress Plan, each delivered by a team of about 10 disabled trainers,
‘We put the end user at the heart of the process,’ said Mr Feak.
‘And that’s what I love about Joshua’s podcast – it’s not some well-meaning person trying to imagine what disabled people want, but a guy who lives it every day.’
Its audits might suggest improvements from signage and staff training, to changing the width of door frames and ramp gradients. Businesses that demonstrate progress can display a special badge, with the scheme’s strapline of ‘progress, not perfection’.
‘The level of excitement among the trainers after our first access audit was incredible,’ said Mr Feak.
‘These people had been frustrated about these issues for many years, and there was a sense that “finally, we’re doing something about it”.’
Crucially, the audits are carried out by disabled people themselves – something which particularly impressed the international podcaster.
‘That goes a long way towards building an accessible society,’ said Mr Downey.
‘It’s not always about politics and government. It’s just making sure that those who are elected are informed. The only way to do that is to work with local advocates and people who have the lived experience.’
Mr Downey believes Guernsey has the foundations needed to make further progress.
‘You have the right people with the right mindset,’ he said.
‘I always use the analogy that you’re building a big Lego set – you’ve got all the pieces, you just need to figure out how to put them together.’
The podcaster also recently interviewed a member of Sark Chief Pleas. They discussed the challenges of trying to modernise the island while preserving its traditional, sustainable ways. Mr Downey said with his condition making it hard for him to drive, he would relish the idea of being on an island with no cars, and that Sark’s motor-free society would undoubtedly be a highlight for many disabled visitors.
‘I struggle to operate a motor vehicle, but I could easily operate one of those horse-drawn carriages they have,’ he said.
Mr Downey hopes to eventually visit Guernsey and deliver a presentation at a local school.
‘Not only have I had the chance to talk to some really interesting people – they’re also the friendliest, incredibly welcoming people,’ he said.
‘Everyone feels so genuinely supportive. If I’d get a job out there, I’d absolutely move.’
He said his growing links with the island had already made it feel familiar.
‘It’s almost like they’ve become family to me.’