Disability Matters

Joyce welcomes Mark A. Riccobono, president of the National Federation of the Blind and executive director of The National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Jernigan Institute, the first institute of its kind developed and operated by an organization of blind people, leads the quest to understand the real problems of blindness and to develop innovative education, technologies, products, and services that help the world's blind to achieve independence. Mr. Riccobono will discuss the programs and services of this organization and his role within it.

Joyce welcomes Shirl Regan, president and CEO of the Women's Center and Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh to the show. Ms. Regan will discuss in detail the mission of the organization, which provides high quality, confidential and free programs offered in an environment where cultural competency, justice, autonomy, restoration and safety are priorities. Current programs include: 24-Hour Emergency Shelter, 24-Hour Hotline, Children's Program, Empowerment Center (Support Groups), Legal Advocacy, Medical Advocacy, Civil Law Project, Education and MEN/S Group.

To examine the history and impact of the ADA, Joyce welcomes acclaimed disability scholar and author, Lennard J. Davis to the show. Davis will discuss his book, Enabling Acts: The Hidden Story of How the Americans With Disabilities Act Gave the Largest US Minority Its Rights. The book is the first significant book on the history and impact of the ADA - the eyes on the prize moment for disability rights. This is the first riveting account, behind-the-scenes and on-the-ground narrative of how a band of people with disabilities managed to make an alliance with conservative Republicans to bring about a truly bipartisan bill. Mr. Davis will discuss the book and reflect on ADA25 during the show.

Joyce welcomes Andy Imparato, executive director of The Association of University Centers on Disabilities (AUCD). AUCD is a membership organization that supports and promotes a national network of university-based interdisciplinary programs. These programs serve and are located in every U.S. state and territory and are all part of universities or medical centers. They serve as a bridge between the university and the community, bringing together the resources of both to achieve meaningful change. Mr. Imparato, will be reflecting on the passage of the ADA upon its 25th anniversary and sharing the latest information on his current work with the AUCD.

Joyce welcomes The Honorable, Tony Coelho, author of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to the show. As we celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the ADA, Mr. Coelho will reflect on the passage of the landmark legislation, and share his thoughts on the work that still needs to be done to enhance the lives of people with disabilities.

Joyce's honored guest is former Senator, Tom Harkin (D-IA). As we prepare to celebrate on July 26, 2015 the 25th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Senator will discuss the journey to get the legislation passed, its importance, and how critical it is to continue advocating for the independence and employment of all people with disabilities.

Joyce's honored guest is Senator Ted Kennedy, Jr. Senator Kennedy became a member of the 12th district of the Connecticut State Senate on January 7, 2015. Among the topics Senator Kennedy will discuss will be his distinguished career, his reflections on the 25th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and what it means for the country, and all people with disabilities. In addition, he will discuss his commitment to increase the employment of Americans with disabilities.

Joyce welcomes David Holmberg, president and chief executive officer of Highmark Health to the show. Highmark Health is a diversified health and wellness enterprise based in Pittsburgh, PA that serves an estimated 35 million people nationwide. As an insurer-led integrated delivery network, Highmark Health is committed to improving the total health care experience for members, patients and consumers in a rapidly changing health care landscape. During the show, Mr. Holmberg will discuss this commitment to the public as a whole, and will also speak to the organization's commitment to its customers and employees with disabilities.

Joyce welcomes Patricia A. Shiu, director of the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs at the U.S. Department of Labor. She leads a staff of nearly 800 men and women around the country who are dedicated to protecting workers, promoting diversity and enforcing the law. Over the years, OFCCP's authority has been expanded by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act of 1974. She will be discussing and giving an update on the progress of the Obama Administration's landmark 503 regulation that requires federal contractors to set a 7 percent hiring target for people with disabilities.

Joyce welcomes Audrey Russo, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Technology Council. Discussed on the show will be the mission of this organization, as well as the ways in which the group gets involved in the business community to foster and encourage the hiring of people with disabilities.