Disability Matters

Joyce welcomes back, Kevin Bales, world renowned author, expert on modern slavery, and co-founder of Free the Slaves, the U.S. organization of Anti-Slavery International (the world's oldest human rights organization). While a title for his new book has not been finalized yet, Mr. Bales will discuss its topic, the link between modern slavery and environmental destruction. He will also discuss the release of a Global Slavery Index, the first ever measure of slavery globally, with information about what countries are doing to combat it.

Joyce welcomes Aimee Slattery and Frank Velasquez, co-owners of Rev Sports Rehabilitation and Athletic Development, LLC in Cranberry, Township, PA. Rev Sports' mission is to provide a fun, proactive, positive environment and the highest quality of service in sports rehabilitation, athletic development, strength/conditioning and performance training. They will talk about the importance of exercise and conditioning for everyone, including those living with disabilities.

Joyce welcomes Staci Forrest, winner of the 2013 Sam Miller Award, Sam's mother Ginny, and the chair of the Bender Lead On Team, Gerald Homme. Before his suicide in 2011, Sam was a dedicated member of the Bender Lead On Team; throughout his life, Sam was also a victim of bullying. Sam supported other young people with disabilities and fought for justice for all people who faced bullying and other forms of discrimination. This represents the reason why the award was established in his honor.

Joyce welcomes Jill Houghton, executive director of the US Business Leadership Network (USBLN). The USBLN embraces the full inclusion of people with disabilities in the labor force and marketplace; assists in career preparation for and employment of people with disabilities; improves customer experiences for people with disabilities; and promotes the certification and growth of disability-owned business enterprises. Ms. Houghton will be discussing the USBLN's, Disability Supplier Diversity Program (USBLN DSDP). The USBLN DSDP offers businesses owned by individual(s) with a disability, including service disabled veterans, an exciting opportunity to increase their access to potential contracting opportunities with major corporations, government agencies, and one another. Through the USBLN DSDP, businesses can obtain Disability-Owned Business Enterprise Certification and get connected to a nationwide network of corporate and government procurement professionals, disability advocates, and other certified disability-owned businesses.

Joyce welcomes Tope Ganiyah Fajingbesi, co-founder and the Volunteer Executive Director of United for Kids Foundation, a tax exempt nonprofit organization dedicated to providing educational and healthcare opportunities to less privileged children in Nigeria. Ms. Fajingbesi will discuss the mission of the organization in depth and the Ambassadors Ball, to raise funds for this organization. The ball will be held at the Whittemore House, Dupont Circle, Washington, DC on Saturday, March 2, 2013.

Joyce welcomes author Chris Brogan to the show. He will discuss his book In The Impact Equation. In the book, Brogan shows that to make people truly care about what you have to say, you need more than just a good idea, trust among your audience, or a certain number of followers. You need a potent mix of all of the above and more. Read the Impact Equation to figure out what you're doing right and wrong. Apply it to a blog, a tweet, a video, or a mainstream-media advertising cam¬paign. Use it to explain why a feature in a national newspaper that reaches millions might have less impact than a blog post that reaches a thousand passionate subscribers.

Joyce welcomes chair of the Carlow University Board of Trustees, George Pry and vice-chair Michele Atkins to the show. Carlow University is a comprehensive Catholic masters university which prepares students for leadership and compassionate service in their professional and personal life. The student population of approximately 2,200 is culturally diverse and contains traditional and nontraditional students; more than half are first generation. Among the topics discussed will be the university's commitment to providing educational opportunities for people with disabilities.

Joyce welcomes author Chris Brogan to the show. He will discuss his book In The Impact Equation. In the book, Brogan shows that to make people truly care about what you have to say, you need more than just a good idea, trust among your audience, or a certain number of followers. You need a potent mix of all of the above and more. Read the Impact Equation to figure out what you're doing right and wrong. Apply it to a blog, a tweet, a video, or a mainstream-media advertising cam¬paign. Use it to explain why a feature in a national newspaper that reaches millions might have less impact than a blog post that reaches a thousand passionate subscribers.

Joyce welcomes chairman of the National Governor's Association, Delaware's Governor Jack Markell and Tony Coelho, author of the Americans with Disabilities Act to the show. Governor Markell was the recipient of the 2012 Tony Coelho Award at a recent ceremony held at the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington, DC. The Award is named after the Honorable Tony Coelho, former U.S. Congressman from CA. It honors senior-level executives and government leaders who have worked to create systemic change for people with disabilities through employment and have worked to encourage other leaders to do the same. The governor joined with representatives from the White House, the U.S. Department of Education, Justice and Labor as well as advocates for people with disabilities to receive the award for his work on behalf of people with disabilities.

Marti Stahl and Pat Serey, two representatives from Volunteers of America Pennsylvania will discuss their organization's mission in depth. Volunteers of America Pennsylvania is a faith-based human service non-profit organization. With compassionate care that touches mind, body, heart and spirit, their programs help seniors, adults, youth and children reach their full potential.