Disability Matters

Joyce welcomes Judy Heumann, author and disability rights leader to the show. Judy is an American disability rights activist. She is recognized internationally as a leader in the disability community. Her memoir, Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist," published by Beacon Press and audio recorded by Ali Stroker, available on IndieBound, Barnes&Noble, and Amazon. Heumann is a lifelong civil rights advocate for people with disabilities. Through her work at the World Bank and the State Department, Heumann led the mainstreaming of disability rights into international development. Her contributions extended the international reach of the independent living movement. She is a central character of Crip Camp, with the Obamas as the Executive Producers and will discuss this documentary and her lifelong advocacy on behalf of Americans with disabilities during the show.

Joyce welcomes Sara Oliver-Carter, Duquesne Light Company's (DLC) first chief diversity officer to the show. Ms. Oliver-Carter is responsible for creating and advancing DLC's diversity and inclusion (D&I) strategy and associated initiatives. She will discuss how the company is addressing the circumstances surrounding COVID-19 and the needs of its workforce with disabilities.

Joyce welcomes Danielle Filip MBA, NIC-Advanced, vice of operations, Sign Language Interpreting Professionals (SLIP) and Emmai Alaquiva, Emmy-winning writer, producer and director to the show. . Danielle and Emmai will discuss "Unspeakable" a one-minute video public service announcement charged with bringing awareness to the voices of the deaf community and their support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Danielle (who served as co-producer and script consultant on the project) and Emmai will also share other ways that people can get involved to support the movement.

Joyce welcomes Michele Erwin, president and founder of All Wheels Up, Inc. and Kelly Buckland, executive director of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) to the show. All Wheels Up, Inc. is currently the only organization in the world crash testing wheelchair tie downs and wheelchairs for commercial flight. Ms. Erwin will discuss the organization's progress in this area and Mr. Buckland will share NCIL's mission and support of the need for accessible air travel.

Joyce welcomes Elaine Katz, senior vice president of Grants & Communications at Kessler Foundation to the show. Kessler Foundation is a nonprofit organization in the field of disability, and a global leader in rehabilitation research that seeks to improve cognition, mobility, and long-term outcomes - including employment - for people with neurological disabilities caused by diseases and injuries of the brain and spinal cord. Ms. Katz will discuss the foundation's work in disability employment and rehabilitation research, what she looks for in grantees, and the future of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Joyce welcomes The Honorable, Tony Coelho to the show. The former congressman from CA is an author of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). He will reflect on the significance of the 30th Anniversary of this landmark legislation and share with us the history behind making it the law of the land.

As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the signing of the ADA and the 25th Anniversary of Bender Consulting Services, Inc. this year, Joyce welcomes Mary Brougher, executive vice-president of operations; Jim Homme, information technology professional and digital accessibility consultant; and Gerald Homme, recruitment specialist and Bender Lead-On Team chair, with Bender Consulting Services, Inc. to the show. The guests will discuss the significance of both anniversaries and what each mean to them.

Joyce welcomes Chai R. Feldblum a partner and director of workplace culture consulting at Morgan Lewis, helping companies and organizations create safe, respectful, diverse and inclusive workplaces. Chai served as a commissioner of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) from 2010 to 2019. Given this diverse background, and the upcoming 30th anniversary of the ADA, she will share her thoughts on the importance of the signing of this landmark legislation into law by President George H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990, and what it has meant to Americans with disabilities.

Joyce welcomes back Maria Town, the president and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Kelly Buckland, executive director of the National Council of Independent Living (NCIL) to the show. As our nation prepares to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) this year, which was signed into law by President H.W. Bush on July 26, 1990, both guests will reflect on the impact of this landmark legislation on the lives of people with disabilities

Joyce welcomes Janni.Lehrer-Stein, disability rights leader and vice chair of the Democratic National Committee Disability Council to the show. Ms. Lehrer-Stein will discuss the impact of COVID-19 on people who are blind and other disabilities.