Disability Matters

Exciting news! Hear a show from Japan on the commitment to disability inclusion! Joyce is thrilled to welcome Megumi Kawakami a certified deaf interpreter accredited by Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf, and Martin Dale-Hench, Japanese - English Translator who has worked at companies such as Amazon.to the show. Ms. Kawakami will tell her story about how she managed as a child who is deaf in Okinawa, Japan and how that inspired her to became one of the only ASL/JSL interpreters in Okinawa, Japan. In addition, she will share her impressions of Gallaudet University in the United States where she attended college and explain what that was like for her. Mr. Dale-Hench will share his story of how he became and advocate people who are deaf in Okinawa, Japan and give his thoughts on how Japanese who are deaf are treated in their society.

Joyce welcomes to the show Scott Hammerstrom, manager of programs and partnerships for Bender Leadership Academy. This non-profit organization has been serving students with disabilities since 2001. It accomplishes the mission of competency-based workforce development through a continuum of learning. Its goal is to increase long-term competitive employment for youth with disabilities. The Bender Leadership Academy delivers competency building programs that enable students with disabilities to engage in educational, empowerment and work opportunities, celebrate successes, and set and achieve career journey goals. Scott will discuss his role in the organization and the various programs and services it offers students with disabilities. Also joining Joyce on the program will be Maryann Kostelic, Transition Coordinator, with the Central Valley High School School in Monaca, PA and two of the district's students, Courtney Sullivan (11th grader) and Taylor Rogers ( 12th grader) who recently benefited from the classes offered by the Bender Leadership Academy. Each will share how the classes have helped them prepare for the world of work.

Joyce welcomes Dr. Lonie S. Haynes, senior vice president and Global Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at AmerisourceBergen to the show. Dr Lonie Haynes have an impressive background in Diversity and Inclusion and has worked as an advocate for Americans with disabilities. AmerisourceBergen provides pharmaceutical products, value-driving services and business solutions that improve access to care. Tens of thousands of healthcare providers, veterinary practices and livestock producers trust the company as their partner in the pharmaceutical supply chain. Global manufacturers depend on it for services that drive commercial success for their products. Through its daily work—and powered by 22,000 associates—the company is united in its responsibility to create healthier futures. Dr. Haynes will discuss the company's commitment to a diverse workforce that includes people with disabilities.

Joyce welcomes Marcie Roth, executive director, and CEO, and Kat Zigmont, senior director, and deputy director of World Institute on Disability, (WID) to the show. Since WID's original call to action in 1983, it remains committed to advancing promising disability inclusion policy and practices globally. Today, it's call to action remains rooted in rights and indelibly embedded in strategic engagements with leaders, allies and visionaries who share its commitment to innovative solutions. The organization is disrupting, transforming, and optimizing the future of disability inclusion. This non-profit organization's work centers around Digital Tools for Optimizing Community Living and Employment; Accessibility Solutions; and Excellence in Disability Inclusive Emergency Preparedness, Disaster Risk Reduction, and Climate Resilience. Each guest will explain their roles within the organization. Marcie and Kat will be discussing the upcoming May 20, 2021, GADRA events, the importance of digital accessibility and why it's a must -have for corporations.

Joyce welcomes Karen Hanlon, executive vice president and COO of Highmark Health, Inc. Ms. Hanlon is widely respected as one of the lead healthcare executives in the country. She will discuss Highmark's continued commitment to hire people with disabilities throughout the national organization and the 26-year-old partnership with Bender Consulting Services. Highmark was acknowledged nationally by the disability community in 2020 for their incredible accomplishment of the Highmark 30/30. The initiative continues in 2021 as the Highmark 31/31. In addition, Karen Hanlon has led Highmark to ensure marginalized groups like people with disabilities receive access to vaccinations.

Joyce welcomes Toni Murphy who in January 2021 was named Senior Vice President of Comcast's Keystone Region, overseeing the organization's operational, strategic and financial performance across areas serving western, central and northeastern Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia and the Maryland panhandle. The Region is headquartered in Pittsburgh, where Murphy is based. Highly engaged within her industry and the community, Murphy is an executive sponsor of Comcast's Diversity and Inclusion Council and plays an active role with organizations including Women in Cable Telecommunications, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Strong Women Strong Girls and Catalyst Connection. During the show she will share her perspective on why Comcast is committed to a diverse workforce that includes people with disabilities.

Joyce welcomes Dr. Margaret Larkins-Pettigrew, Senior Vice President and Chief Clinical Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer at Allegheny Health Network to the show. Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew is known and respected nationally for her work to promote diversity in the workforce. Dr. Larkins-Pettigrew will share the organization's commitment from the top down to diverse workforce that includes hiring people with disabilities.

Joyce welcomes Nedra Dickson, international/national business leader and disability advocate to the show. Ms. Dickson is managing director, Global Supplier Inclusion and Sustainability Programs across 18 countries at Accenture. Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services in strategy and consulting, interactive, technology and operations, with digital capabilities across all of these services. They combine unmatched experience and specialized capabilities across more than 40 industries – powered by the world’s largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers. With 509,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries. Ms. Dickson will offer advice on what businesses can do to prepare for and survive the COVID-19 pandemic.

Joyce welcomes Joshua Verdi, Labor and Employment Counsel at Highmark Health to the show. Mr. Verdi will share the reasons the organization places emphasis on maintaining a diverse workforce that includes people with disabilities within their corporate culture. He will also talk about living with his own mental health disability and the importance of ending the stigma associated with having a mental health disability.

The newly appointed CEO of Disability Rights Advocates, Kathy Martinez, will be Joyce's guest. Kathy Martinez is a nationally known and admired disability rights leader in our country. She served as the Assistant Secretary of the Office of Disability Employment Policy during the Obama administration. Her work continues to improve and protect the rights of Americans with disabilities.