John Hockenberry, host of the radio program The Takeaway, says our society is facing an amazing moment when it comes to inclusion for the disabled, “a conversation has begun on how to allow people with disabilities to best live and work in cities.”
Hockenberry, who is a paraplegic and is in a wheelchair, was the keynote speaker at the 2015 Ruderman Inclusion Summit in Boston that concluded Monday.
The radio talk show host took his show on the road, hosting from the WGBH studios in Boston, giving him the opportunity to tackle national issues with local area experts.
One topic airing on the program, which is produced by WNYC and PRI, focused on the MIT Media Lab, which was launched 30 years ago back in 1985, analyzing and developing technological breakthroughs. Hockenberry discussed with WGBH Morning Edition Host Bob Seay, sharing how he did an original story on the lab when he was hosting the program, All Things Considered, back when MIT Media Lab founder Nicholas Negroponte wrote his book,” Being Digital.” He says it was an exciting time looking at future technological developments within the research lab and evolving technology, multi-media, and sciences.
The Ruderman Foundation hosted the Inclusion 2015 Summit in Boston. Hockenberry says when it comes to disabilities and inclusion, "we all need to get rid of our preconceived notions about people, and begin thinking clearly about the physical dimensions of the spaces we’re going to be living in during this century.” He says everyone should take responsibility for how people are going to be included in our society.
He says, “it’s a great moment for the inclusion summit.”
To hear the entire interview with WGBH host Bob Seay and John Hockenberry, click on the audio file above.
