In this episode of You First, hosts Keith and Maddie interview Matthew Cortland, a Senior Resident Fellow at Data for Progress. Matthew shares insights about their work in public opinion research and advocacy focused on disability issues and social policies. They discuss their personal journey, including challenges with the healthcare system, and explain how data is used to influence policy decisions. The conversation covers topics like the importance of accurate demographic data, the role of public opinion in advocacy, and effective messaging strategies for long-term care support and COVID-19. Matthew emphasizes the need for systemic interventions and supportive legislative efforts to better address the needs of disabled people.

Relevant Links

• Follow Matthew on social media: https://linktr.ee/matthewcortland
• Data for Progress: https://www.dataforprogress.org
• Disability Rights program at the Ford Foundation: https://www.fordfoundation.org/work/challenging-inequality/disability-rights
• Disability Scoop article "Census Rethinking How To Count Disability Population”:  https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2024/08/15/census-rethinking-how-to-count-disability-population/31009
• Data for Progress Message Testing on Home and Community-Based Services Coverage: https://www.dataforprogress.org/datasets/message-testing-on-home-and-community-based-services-coverage
• Long COVID Research Moonshot Act of 2024: https://www.sanders.senate.gov/in-the-news/sanders-proposes-moonshot-bill-to-combat-long-covid-crisis