Disability Matters

Joyce welcomes Michael Ellenbogen, diagnosed at a young age, Michael is a person living with Young Onset of Alzheimer's Disease (YOAD). He will discuss his book, From the Corner Office to Alzheimer's, as well as his advocacy efforts to find a cure for this disease. He will also discuss his work to increase awareness of the effects of this disease on those living with the illness, and their families.

Joyce welcomes George DiLeo, director of school services for STAR School Programs and Dave Dragosin, director of communications and public relations. They will discuss in depth the mission of the programs, which addresses the destructive behaviors that affect our children from Kindergarten to 12th Grade. Their different programs concentrate on drug and alcohol problems, including DUI, childhood obesity, teen dating violence and anti-bullying.

Joyce welcomes Josie Badger, Ms. Wheelchair USA. Ms. Badger will discuss what it has meant to her to receive this title, and talk about her accomplishments while living with Muscular Dystrophy.

Joyce welcomes Ginny Thornburgh, director of Interfaith Initiatives for the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), author, and wife of former U.S. Attorney General, Dick Thornburgh. Mrs. Thornburgh will be discussing the book: Amazing Gifts: Stories of Faith, Disability, and Inclusion, by the Alban Institute.

Joyce welcomes Dr. Tom Keating, Institute Director at Eugene Research Institute, which conducts assistive technology research and development with an emphasis on cognitive accessible computing and design of systems for community living support, and Karl Smith, founder of Accelerations Educational Software and creator of the DT Trainer and the Activity Trainer. Used in over 1100 school districts, these tools are used to impact students with autism and other learning disabilities. Both men will share their experience with autism as Dr. Keating, is the primary caregiver for a brother with autism, while Karl Smith has a son with autism.

Joyce welcomes Ari Ne'eman, President of Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) and Julia Bascom, creators of The Loud Hands Project to the show. They will be discussing the mission of ASAN and The Loud Hands Project, a structured, multi-faceted response by the community of people living with autism to the systematic disenfranchisement, bullying, and abuse experienced by youth, adults, and self advocates with autism.

Joyce welcomes Amy Dawson-Smith, co-owner of AJJLS Yorkies, Yorkie breeders who offer puppy delivery nationwide. Ms. Dawson-Smith will be discussing their commitment to breeding Yorkie puppies to serve as therapy puppies then becoming therapy dogs as adults.

Joyce welcomes Nan DeTurk, co-chair of Pittsburgh's 20th Annual Rainbow Gala to benefit the Western Pennsylvania Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. The gala will be held Saturday, April 21, 2012, at the Westin Convention Center Hotel. They will discuss plans for this year's fundraiser honoring Dr. Kenneth Melani, president and CEO of Highmark, Inc. Ms. DeTurk is executive vice president, chief administrative and financial officer, and treasurer of Highmark, Inc.

Joyce welcomes Tony Coelho, interim president and CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation and co-National Epilepsy Walk chairs, Lisa Moss and Matt Miller. They will be discussing plans for the National Epilepsy Walk at the National Mall in Washington, DC on Saturday, March 31, 2012.

Joyce welcomes Mark Perriello, president and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and Mark Barlet, one of two recipients of the 2012 Hearne Award sponsored by AAPD. Discussed on the show will be the 2012 AAPD Leadership Awards Gala, Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center in Washington DC. The Paul G. Hearne Award recognizes those outstanding emerging leaders with disabilities who exemplify leadership, advocacy, and commitment to the broader disability community.