Disability Matters

Joyce welcomes one of the nation's leading authorities in the field of media and public advocacy, Neil Romano, president of The Romano Group. Mr. Romano was also nominated by President George W. Bush to be Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate in 2007. During the show, Mr. Romano will discuss his past work with ODEP, and his continued commitment to the cause of employing people with disabilities, through, his noted work as producer and director of the film "Youth Homicide: A Public Health Crisis," for which he earned an Emmy Nomination as Best Director. In addition, he will discuss his 2010 film, "America's Strength," which documents the inspiring stories of people with disabilities in mainstream employment, which received national acclaim.

Joyce's honored guest is Rita M. Landgraf, secretary of health and social services for the state of Delaware. Since taking office in January 2009, Secretary Landgraf has been a leader on some of Governor Markell's top priorities to form partnerships across the government to improve the lives of Delawareans, including those with disabilities. During the show, Secretary Landgraf will highlight her accomplishments and those of the Markell Administration.

Joyce welcomes Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services for the United States Department of Education, Sue Swenson to the show. Ms. Swenson will discuss proven effective practices, as well as what's new in special education.

Joyce welcomes Charlie LaVallee, CEO of Variety, the Children's Charity of Pittsburgh. Variety's mission is to provide children with disabilities in Southwestern Pennsylvania with unique programs, experiences, and adaptive equipment so they may live life to the fullest. Mr. LaVallee will discuss the charity's programs and services overall, but specifically highlight its "My Bike" Program, which provides adaptive bikes to children with disabilities so they may have the freedom of a bike and the joy of riding alongside friends.

Joyce welcomes Chris and Kristi Hall, founders of The Hemispherectomy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, that provides emotional, financial, and educational support to individuals and their families who have undergone, or will undergo, a hemispherectomy or similar brain surgery to treat certain types of epilepsy, previously found to be unresponsive to medications or other forms of treatment. The Halls will discuss in depth the programs and services offered by this vital organization.

Joyce welcomes Delaware State Representative for District 8, Quinn Johnson to the show. Representative Johnson will talk about his administration's commitment to his constituents with disabilities. Among the achievements Mr. Johnson and his administration have made is HB 328 which ensures that children with disabilities are provided the educational support to which they are entitled by local school districts. In addition, The State Council of Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) and the LIFE Conference Planning Committee presented Representative Johnson an award in 2012 at the LIFE Conference for his efforts to improve the lives of people with disabilities and their families. In the short time Representative Johnson has been a State Representative, he has made a significant impact in improving the lives of all citizens in Delaware.

Joyce welcomes Chris and Kristi Hall, founders of The Hemispherectomy Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, that provides emotional, financial, and educational support to individuals and their families who have undergone, or will undergo, a hemispherectomy or similar brain surgery to treat certain types of epilepsy, previously found to be unresponsive to medications or other forms of treatment. The Halls will discuss in depth the programs and services offered by this vital organization.

Joyce's honored guests will be Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) of the United States Senate and Bobby Silverstein, director of the Center for the Study and Advancement of Disability Policy. As we approach July 26th, the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), both guests will discuss its importance and how critical it is to continue advocating for the independence and employment of all people with disabilities.

Joyce welcomes Mark Perriello, president and CEO, of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). The AAPD is the nation's largest cross-disability membership organization. The AAPD promotes equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation for people with disabilities. Its members, including people with disabilities and their family, friends, and supporters, represent a powerful force for change. Mr. Perriello, will discuss the recent election of the organization's new board chair, Fred Maahs. He will share how Mr. Maahs plans to bring his leadership skills and philanthropy experience to AAPD and how he plans to use those skills to move the organization forward during the next two years.

Joyce welcomes Mark Johnson, director of advocacy for the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The Shepherd Center is a private, not-for-profit hospital specializing in medical treatment, research and rehabilitation for people with spinal cord injury and brain injury. Mr. Johnson's duties at the hospital include identifying and researching disability issues, educating the staff and community about those issues and serving as a liaison with national groups dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities. He also counsels people with disabilities on how to access programs and services that will assist them. Mr. Johnson will discuss his involvement in the ADA Legacy Project. The project celebrates the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act on disability rights, and honors the contributions of individuals with disabilities and their allies who persevered in securing the passage of this landmark civil rights legislation. In order to fully realize a world where all people are accepted and valued, it is crucial to preserve and promote the history of the ADA and the disability rights movement.