Disability Matters

Joyce is pleased to welcome Theo Braddy, the new Executive Director of the National Council of Independent Living (NCIL) in Washington, DC. Mr. Braddy will discuss the direction he plans to take the organization under his capable leadership.

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. Originally aired: December 15, 2020, Joyce welcomes Judith Heumann, internationally recognized leader in the disability rights independent living movement, to the show. Judy worked with a wide range of activist organizations (including the Berkeley Center for Independent Living and the American Association of People with Disabilities), NGOs, and governments since the 1970s and has contributed greatly to the development of human rights legislation and policy benefiting disabled people. Judy discusses her new book, Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist, which was published in February 2020.

Joyce welcomes Judith Heumann, internationally recognized leader in the disability rights independent living movement, back to the show.

Joyce welcomes Brian K. Bond, Executive Director of PFLAG National, to the show. PFLAG is the nation's largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. Mr. Bond will share his career-long commitment to the civil rights of the LGBTQ+ community and share the mission of PFLAG National.

Joyce is honored to have as her guests, Steve Locke, Executive Director of the Michigan Statewide Independent Living Council (MISILC), and Jan Lampman, Committee Chair, on the show. The guests will discuss the mission of MISILC, an organization of people with disabilities advocating for inclusion, equity, and accessibility in all communities.

Joyce welcomes Jonathan Lovitz to the show to discuss his role as a nationally recognized small business and public policy advocate, DEI leader, and most recently a special advisor to the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. He will discuss his recent appointment by President Biden to a leadership role within the US Department of Commerce.

In recognition of Pride Month, Joyce welcomes back to the show, Jason Mida. Jason serves as President & CEO at Mida Associates. As President & CEO, Jason collaborates closely with all clients to provide oversight for each engagement to ensure their daily success. During the show he will share his story of his youth and what encouraged him to get involved in the LGBTQ+ community as an advocate. In addition, he will share what encouraged him to become an entrepreneur and the mission of Mida Associates LLC.

Joyce welcomes recording artist and disability rights advocate, Lachi to the show. Lachi will share her story about growing up as a person who is blind. She will share what inspired her to enter the music entertainment industry and what gave her the confidence to do so. Additionally, Lachi will share her work with the Grammy’s and offer advice to people with disabilities on how to overcome being ashamed of a disability and instead embrace it and pursue their dreams.

Joyce welcomes Dr. Rachel Kallem Whitman to the show. Dr. Whitman is an educator, advocate, and memoirist who has been living with bipolar since 2000. As a disability studies professor, she teaches courses on unpacking ableism and challenging sanism. Her speeches, interviews, and writings have garnered acclaim locally in her hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, across the United States, and internationally. Rachel's memoir, Instability in Six Colors, paints a vivid picture of what it is like living with a chronic mental health disability, trauma, and a complicated relationship with sanity, suicide, and self-love. Rachel will be discussing her career, her struggle with bipolar, and her passion to help others who also live with mental health disabilities.

Joyce is thrilled to have as her guest, country music superstar, Ty Herndon, to the show. Mr. Herndon will discuss his career in the country music industry and living with bipolar disorder, which was diagnosed at the age of 59. He will share why he supports the Bender Leadership Academy’s #NotAshamed campaign and discuss his 10-episode podcast, Soundboard, featuring conversations with artists discussing their struggles and wins along their mental fitness journeys.