The largest minority numbers 56 million. We are made up of every race, creed, color, economic class, and social strata - Some of us are born into this group, most of us join later in life - what binds us is the experience of limitation, Any one could become a member at any time.

"The Largest Minority" is a radio endeavor committed to giving a voice to the disability community. We chronicle the disability rights movement past and present; and keep-up with the struggle to make this society more inclusive and accessible to all. We talk to our artists, musicians, and writers, and present the culture of disability.

Disability encompasses such a vast array of human conditions that it almost defies a cohesive center. The spectrum of disability spans the physical, intellectual, psychological and sensory. Fostering understanding amongst our diverse elements is one of our goals; the other is helping our non-disabled friends understand us. The issues of concern to people with a disability are the same as those of non-disabled people: employment, housing, healthcare and education. "The Largest Minority" will highlight these similarities.

People with disabilities inhabit every aspect of society. Yet in most cases we sit at the fringe, with more of us unemployed and under the poverty level than any other group. "The Largest Minority" will present the complete spectrum of disability and ideas within the disability community. Our shows will be interesting, diverse, funny and sometimes provocative. We will not be afraid to ask the tough question and we will always be accepting of differing points of view; after all, our true goal is inclusion.

Press Release
The Largest Minority Hits the Airwaves
November 4, 2002

A radio show focusing on the news and views of the community of people with a disability had its first airing on Monday November 4th at 10 a.m. The show titled "The Largest Minority" was heard on The Pacifica Network's New York station, WBAI, 99.5 F.M., available throughout the New York Metropolitan area including Long Island, New Jersey, Connecticut and the northern suburbs.

The Show was produced by a group of people representing a number of disability organizations including: Disabled In Action (DIA) and the Disabilities Network of New York City. The premier edition featured an interview on the history of the disability rights movement with Chris Rosa of Queens College, followed by a call in opportunity for listeners to question in studio guest Frieda Zames, current Vice President of DIA. A highlight of the program was a witty commentary by Brendan Costello, castigating the media for its role in helping Chris Reeve paint himself into his "image corner" of the disability world.

"The Largest Minority" will be a radio magazine reflecting the whole spectrum of disability and opinions in this community. It will be a forum for the different groups within the disability community to talk with each other as well as our non-disabled friends. Regular segments will include National, State and local reports from the disability rights front lines, community announcements, and commentary. The show will feature the music of composers and performers with disabilities, making for a large and varied play list.

The next show will probably air Monday December 2 at 10: a.m. and celebrate the International Day of Disabled Persons. Be sure to tune in to the Largest Minority on WBAI, 99.5 FM.