Disability Matters

Joyce welcomes George Dennehy, a graduate of Patrick Henry High School, in Ashland, Virginia. George is pursuing a full-time career as a singer and guitar player. This is even more unique as he was born without arms. He will discuss his personal challenge to overcome this disability and live his dream to perform and play music for the public.

Joyce welcomes Charlie Lavailee, the new chief executive officer of Variety the Children's Charity of Pittsburgh. Variety Pittsburgh is proud to be the founding chapter for Variety International, which has grown to a network of over 50 chapters worldwide. Its mission is to help children with disabilities realize the freedom of accessibility, allowing them to develop continuous and sustained social interaction, friendship, and inclusion. Mr. Lavailee will discuss his goals for the organization since becoming CEO in 2012.

Joyce welcomes Marci Katona, district administrator, for the Pittsburgh Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR). She will discuss OVR's role in increasing the employment of people with disabilities.

Joyce welcomes Mark Perriello, president and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the nation's largest cross-disability membership organization. AAPD promotes equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation for people with disabilities. Mark will discuss the goals of this organization, for the 2012-2013 year and beyond.

Joyce welcomes Melanie Harrington, first CEO of Vibrant Pittsburgh, a nonprofit economic development organization spearheading initiatives to attract, retain, and elevate a diverse workforce in the Pittsburgh region including people with disabilities.

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 to the show Vince Morvillo, keynote speaker, trainer, and highly successful business consultant and entrepreneur. He is also the first blind person in history to win the prestigious National Ensign Sailing championship. Mr. Morvillo embodies a lifelong belief that what is… is not all there is… nor all that can be.

Eric Vaughn, director of the National Structured Settlements Trade Association (NSSTA), and Dan Goodmann, two other members of its board of directors, will discuss the association's services to provide strong financial security to victims of physical injuries and their families. Using a tailored stream of payments, a structured settlement provides a long-term payment stream that is completely exempt from state and federal income taxes.

Joyce welcomes Mark Perriello, president and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), the nation's largest cross-disability membership organization. AAPD promotes equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation for people with disabilities. Mark will discuss the goals of this organization, for the 2012-2013 year and beyond.

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.