Disability Matters

Joyce welcomes Marsha Blanco, president and CEO of ACHIEVA. ACHIEVA is the only agency of its type in southwestern Pennsylvania that provides lifelong supports. From early intervention therapies, in-home support, to older adult protective services for senior citizens, ACHIEVA provides services through the entire life-span. ACHIEVA is a nonprofit parent organization providing comprehensive services and supports to more than 14,500 individuals with disabilities and their families. Ms. Blanco will discuss the programs and services of ACHIEVA and her calling as an advocate for those with intellectual disabilities.

Joyce welcomes Colleen Starkloff, co-founder and co-director of the Starkloff Disability Institute (SDI). SDI works on changing societal attitudes and perceptions about people with disabilities through activities that send a positive message about living with disability in order to create a world that welcomes people with disabilities. Ms. Starkloff will discuss the programs and services of the institute and her role with the organization.

Joyce welcomes 2017 American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) Paul G. Hearne Leadership Award recipient, Ola Ojewumi to the show. Ms. Ojewumi founded two non-profit organizations, Sacred Hearts Children's Transplant Foundation and Project ASCEND. These organizations provide college scholarships to low-income students, funding for women's education programs, support for global mentorship groups and literacy programs, and distribute teddy bears and books to children awaiting organ transplants across the United States. These initiatives have reached hundreds of young people living in Washington, D.C., West Africa, and Central America. She will discuss these organizations and share what it means to her to have received this distinguished award from AAPD.

Joyce welcomes Kelly Buckland, executive director of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL). The National Council on Independent Living is the longest-running national cross-disability, grassroots organization run by and for people with disabilities. Founded in 1982, NCIL represents thousands of organizations and individuals including: Centers for Independent Living (CILs), Statewide Independent Living Councils (SILCs), individuals with disabilities, and other organizations that advocate for the human and civil rights of people with disabilities throughout the United States. Discussed on the show will be the mission of NCIL.

Joyce welcomes John Williams, professional writer and disability rights advocate;; Kevin Linde, physical therapist and Dr. Rubin Clintron, Neurologist. All 3 guests will discuss their latest research into the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

Joyce welcomes Katherine Perez, a 2017 AAPD Paul G. Hearne Leadership Award recipient. Topics discussed on the show will be the mission of AAPD and highlights of this year's AAPD Leadership Awards Gala.

Joyce welcomes representatives from Envision Technology Camp at Witchita Kansas University and its Level-up High School Conference July 9-14, 2017.. On the show will be lead instructor, Terese Goren, and fellow teacher, Hannah Christenson. Joining them will be Alison Roots an 18 year-old student at the university who is a long time participant of the Envisions Level Up Technology Camp. The mission of Envision is to improve the quality of life and provide inspiration for the blind and visually impaired through employment, outreach, rehabilitation, education and research. Discussed on the show will be the mission of the Level Up High School Conference which offers sessions that increase technology literacy and interpersonal and career development and provides opportunities to connect with mentors in professional fields.

Joyce welcomes Colleen Flanagan, currently the co-founder and Executive partner to Disability Action for America a political action committee dedicated to electing candidates who value disability rights, and recruiting more people with disabilities to run for public office.

Joyce welcomes Tony Coelho, Author of the Americans with Disabilities Act, Christine Griffin, Executive Director of Disability Law Center of Massachusetts, and Andy Imparato, Executive Director of The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD). The guests will discuss the mission of AUCD. AUCD is a membership organization that supports and promotes a national network of university-based interdisciplinary programs. Members consist of University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Programs, and Intellectual and Developmental Disability Research Centers (IDDRC). These programs serve, and are located in, every U.S. state and territory and are all part of universities or medical centers.

Joyce welcomes legendary Pittsburgh morning radio host, keynote speaker, and storyteller, Jack Bogut to the show. Jack Bogut has been featured on both ABC's Good Morning America and in USA Today as one of the top five radio personalities in the nation. He eventually became number two in the country. He will discuss his entry into broadcasting, and his charity work with both Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh while at NewsRadio 1020 KDKA for over a decade and his charity work with "Make-A-Wish" Foundation during his career. Mr. Bogut will highlight how he has been able to use his story-telling skills and the microphone to help members of underserved communities tell their story and be heard.