Disability Matters

Joyce welcomes former Yellowstone National Park Ranger, fly-fishing guide, writer, and speaker, Michael Leach to the show. Michael will discuss living with his disability, his love for the outdoors and his passion for the Greater Yellowstone Region with people from all over the world.

Joyce welcomes Jerry Richey, chair of the board and Judy Painter, executive director of the Epilepsy Foundation Western/Central Pennsylvania to the show. They will discuss the Epilepsy Foundation of Western/Central PA's programs, as well as issues effecting people with living with epilepsy.

As we continue with National Epilepsy Awareness Month, Joyce welcomes Sara Elizabeth Clark. Sarah will discuss her life with epilepsy and how she has developed her philosophy: "I will not let my epilepsy define me. It's what I have, not who I am." Sara will describe her advocacy for epilepsy awareness with her site http://itsnotwhoiam.com and her work in Washington, DC to increase public awareness.

Joyce welcomes Warren Lammert, co-founder and chairman of the Epilepsy Therapy Project (ETP). ETP is a non-profit organization whose mission is to accelerate new therapies for people living with epilepsy and seizures, and the parent organization of epilepsy.com. Among the topics discussed will be its second annual "Shark Tank" Competition. ETP is inviting entries that represent the most innovative new ideas in epilepsy treatment and care. The winner of the 2013 Shark Tank Competition will receive national recognition and a $100,000 cash award to support the development and commercialization of an important new product, technology or therapeutic concept.

Joyce welcomes Phil Gattone, the new CEO of the national Epilepsy Foundation. As November is National Epilepsy Month, Mr. Gattone will discuss the foundation's efforts to promote public awareness of the condition and end the stigma that is often associated with it.

"Featured on this week's show is Valerie Jarrett, a democratic strategist and one of the close friends of Barack and Michelle Obama. Valerie will share her perspective on why this election is important for the future and specifically for Americans with disabilities."

Joyce welcomes Deborah Russell from Diversity and Inclusion at Walgreens , Inc. Deb will discuss her lifelong commitment to increasing the employment of people with disabilities by leading Walgreens and other Fortune 500 companies in developing their efforts to increase inclusion in the workforce. She helped transform Walgreens' vision to include people with disabilities into a sustainable and scalable model for a 250,000 person workforce and a model that is replicable within other corporations. Walgreens' two most recent distribution centers employ an inclusive and integrated workforce composed of 40% of persons with disabilities who are held to the same work standards and earn the same pay as non-disabled co-workers. As a result of this success of serving both shareholders and the community, all 19 distribution centers now include people with disabilities. The division recently achieved the milestone that people with disabilities make up 10% of its workforce.

Joyce's honored guest will be Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) of the United States Senate. As we approach July 26th, the anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Senator Harkin will discuss his work to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and the work that still needs to be done to provide employment opportunities for Americans with disabilities.

Joyce welcomes Dr. Rory Cooper, distinguished professor, Department of Rehabilitation Science & Technology, University of Pittsburgh, and FISA and Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) chair to the show. Dr. Cooper co-chairs the Allegheny 365 Committee, established in 2010, in Pittsburgh to promote employment and access for residents with disabilities. Among the topics discussed will be the progress of this initiative, as well as the increased need to employ veterans who have served this country.

Joyce welcomes Dana Fink, Programs Manager for the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). She works to support and develop a wide portfolio of programs, including AAPD's Summer Internship Program and Disability Mentoring Day (DMD). Dana will discuss plans for DMD, which is Wednesday, October 17, 2012. DMD, held the third Wednesday in October, promotes career development through hands-on programs, job shadowing, and ongoing mentoring. This experience has helped thousands of past participants develop lasting relationships and secure internships or jobs.