Disability Matters

Joyce welcomes Steve Suroviec, president and CEO and David Tinker, vice-president of Advancement of ACHIEVA. This non-profit organization was founded in 1951 by a group of family members who all desired the same thing, to ensure their children with disabilities had the same chances in life that all children should be given. Their commitment helped to establish a nationwide movement that changed the long history of isolation and segregation for both children and adults with disabilities. ACHIEVA supports and empowers people with disabilities and their families. Discussed in depth will be the mission of this organization.

Continuing with recognizing November as National Epilepsy month, Joyce welcomes Allison DeBattista executive director of Epilepsy Alliance Louisiana (EAL).

Joyce welcomes Peggy Beem Jelley, President and CEO of the Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. Ms. Beem Jelley will discuss the programs and services of this non-profit organization to help those who are living with epilepsy Western and Central PA.

Joyce welcomes Kathy Schrag, executive director of Epilepsy Alliance Ohio to the show. Ms. Schrag will discuss the programs and services of this non-profit organization to help those who are living with epilepsy in Ohio.

Joyce welcomes Jennifer Sheehy, Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) at U.S. Department of Labor to the show. ODEP is the only non-regulatory federal agency that promotes policies and coordinates with employers and all levels of government to increase workplace success for people with disabilities. Ms. Sheehy will discuss the mission of ODEP to develop and influence policies and practices that increase the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Joyce welcomes executive board members of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), William Ris and John Register to the show. AAPD is the largest membership organization of people with disabilities in the country. Guests will discuss their roles within AAPD in-depth.

Joyce welcomes Joan Stein, president and CEO of Stein Consulting, LLC. Joan's company works with its clients to find answers, options and opportunities. Focusing on ADA compliance, event planning and operations and fund development, the company provides consulting services to employers and can assist with compliance with newly-implemented OFCCP regulations. It also provides litigation support to companies faced with ADA litigation. Ms. Stein will discuss the company mission in depth as well as breaking the stigma associated with disabilities and the value making public accommodations accessible to both business and the public.

Joyce welcomes Keri Gray, director for the Rising Leaders Initiatives and Becky Curran, Disability Equality Index (DEI) Program Manager at Disability: IN. This non-profit organization promotes an inclusive global economy that empowers people with disabilities to participate fully and meaningfully. It empowers business to achieve disability equality and inclusion. There is a shared commitment to collaborate with purpose to promote the full inclusion of people with disabilities, to inspire accessible innovation for all, and to foster cultures of inclusion. Both guests will discuss their prospective programs and the full mission of the organization in-depth.

Joyce welcomes Marci Katona and Shannon Austin, District Administrators for the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry's Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). Both guests will discuss in-depth their disability advocacy. Also discussed will be their roles within the OVR organization, as well as the overall mission of the organization.

Joyce welcomes Jayla Youngblood, winner of the 2018 Sam Miller Award; Gerald Homme, chairman of the Bender Lead On Team: and Ginny Emerson, mother of the late, Sam Miller, to discuss the Bender Lead On Team support group. The Bender Lead On Team assists high school and college students in the areas of setting career goals and championing anti-bullying efforts. The team provides a forum for young people with disabilities to speak out about instances of bullying and to support others who may be involved in similar situations. Gerald will discuss the Bender Lead On Team, his duties as chair, and his personal experience with bullying. In 2012, the Bender Lead on Team established the Sam Miller Award, sponsored by Bender Consulting, to recognize a young leader who embodies the mission of the Bender Lead On Team. Ms. Emerson and Ms. Youngblood will discuss what the Sam Miller Award means to them.