Disability Matters

Joyce welcomes Lisa Gallipoli, Chief Operating Officer (COO), and Sarah Korba, who serves on the board of directors for Epilepsy Alliance America (EAA), to the show. Epilepsy Alliance America is a growing national organization representing like-minded local, regional, statewide, and even other national agencies dedicated to serving the everyday needs of people who live with seizures and epilepsy every day. The guests will discuss the mission of Epilepsy Alliance America and the latest research and advocacy.

Joyce welcomes Logan Huwalt, a Baldwin-Whitehall student living with epilepsy and the guest speaker at the 2023 Epilepsy Association of Western/Central PA (EAWCP) Mardi Gras Gala. He is an advocate for people living with epilepsy and works hard to raise funds for the EAWCP. He will talk about his experiences living with epilepsy and what it means to him to have EAWCP's support for himself and for others living with epilepsy.

November is National Epilepsy Awareness Month, therefore, Joyce welcomes Peggy Beem-Jelley, President and CEO, and Colleen Fulkerson, Special Events Coordinator, with the Epilepsy Association of Western/Central PA (EAWCP) to the show. They will be discussing the latest accomplishments of the EAWCP, as well as the plans for the Mardi Gras Gala in February 2024.

Joyce welcomes Scott Hammerstrom, Manager of Programs and Partnerships with the Bender Leadership Academy, to the show. Joining Scott will be Jesse Donald Lester, a participant in the Bender Leadership Academy's Student Leaders Program and Jocelyn Mahmoud who participated in our International Computer Driver's License (ICDL) Certifications Program. Jesse and Jocelyn will both share their experiences in the programs and what it means to them to have been a part of the Bender Leadership Academy.

Joyce welcomes Alexander Geht, Gal Inbar, and Jeffery Cohen, members of the 412 Ability Tech Ecosystem to the show. This Pittsburgh organization is a vibrant, interconnected network of individuals and organizations, each contributing their unique skills, perspectives, and passion towards the shared goal of improving the lives of people with disabilities. As innovators, healthcare professionals, policymakers, educators, end-users, and advocates, we each have a vital role to play. When we collaborate, our collective strengths coalesce, enabling us to develop groundbreaking technologies, drive policy changes, and cultivate more inclusive communities.

Joyce welcomes Mary E. Dolan, Executive Director of the FDR Memorial Legacy Committee to the show. She will be discussing the latest goals of the FDR Legacy Committee and what they have been able to accomplish this year so far.

Joyce welcomes to the show Gerald Homme, Manager of Talent Acquisition and Technology with Bender Consulting Services, Inc. In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Gerald will be discussing with Joyce the importance of employment for all people with disabilities and the current Bender Consulting Services employment initiatives. He will also be sharing how listeners can register for the upcoming November 15, 2023, Virtual Career Fair as inclusive employers or as job seekers with disabilities.

Joyce and callers reflect on the life and disability rights work of the late Judy Heumann.

As we celebrate America’s birthday, Joyce takes time to celebrate the life and accomplishments of Judy Heumann a major American disability rights leader and activist.

Joyce welcomes Lachi, an award-winning internationally touring creative artist and personality, back to the show. Lachi is founder and President of the U.N. recognized Recording Artists and Music Professionals with Disabilities (RAMPD-RAMPD.org). RAMPD's mission is to amplify disability culture, promote equitable inclusion and advocate for accessibility in the music industry. RAMPD connects the music, entertainment, and event industries to a fast-growing global network of established music professionals with disabilities. Joining Lachi will be James Ian, singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, poet, and writer. In addition to sharing their personal stories about their passion for the music industry, Lachi and James will share how they feel RAMPD has helped them in their respective careers.