Disability Matters

Joyce welcomes Matthew Ray, EVP and CIO for Highmark, Inc. He will discuss Highmark's long-standing commitment to hiring people with disabilities, the company's demonstrated experience in this area, and what he believes it means to be successful in the information technology industry.

Joyce welcomes Judy Pamer, disability advocate for ACHIEVA. ACHIEVA provides a full spectrum of services for people of all ages and abilities and their families. Ms. Pamer is also co-founder of UP KIDS support group for kids with Downs Syndrome and their families. Ms. Pamer has a son, Karl with Downs Syndrome, and knows first-hand, the issues that families of children with Downs Syndrome face. She will discuss the current bullying crisis that is facing kids in schools today, especially those with disabilities. Also, she will share proactive steps that parents, students, schools, and the community at large, can take to overcome the problem.

Joyce invites back Brenda High, author of "Bullycide in America" and crusader against youth suicide caused by bullying. Brenda will again share the story of her son Jared's struggle with bullying and how it led to his untimely death. She will also discuss the ways she has used this tragedy to shine a spotlight on this growing problem and has ultimately turned this tragedy into triumph. Brenda has become an advocate to help children and their families overcome this issue.

Joyce welcomes Stacey Milbern, community outreach director, and A'ishah Meghan Hils, member of the governing board of the National Youth Leadership Network (NYLN). NYLN is a youth-led organization that works to build empowerment among people with disabilities between the ages of 16-28 years old. NYLN supports young people in their role as the next generation of leadership in the disability rights movement. Founded in 1997, NYLN is the only youth-led disability rights nonprofit organization in the country. Discussed on the show will be bullying of young people with disabilities.

Joyce welcomes Judy Pamer, disability advocate for ACHIEVA. ACHIEVA provides a full spectrum of services for people of all ages and abilities and their families. Ms. Pamer is also co-founder of UP KIDS support group for kids with Downs Syndrome and their families. Ms. Pamer has a son, Karl with Downs Syndrome, and knows first-hand, the issues that families of children with Downs Syndrome face. She will discuss the current bullying crisis that is facing kids in schools today, especially those with disabilities. Also, she will share proactive steps that parents, students, schools, and the community at large, can take to overcome the problem.

Joyce's honored guest will be Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) of the United States Senate. Senator Harkin will discuss his April 2011 speech to the United States Chamber of Commerce in which he discusses the current state of employment of people with disabilities, and his challenge to U.S. businesses to improve that employment outlook. He will also reflect on the impact that President Obama's signing of the executive order last year to increase the hiring of people with disabilities in the Federal government will have on the lives of people with disabilities.

Back by popular demand, we will be re-airing the July 12, 2011 edition of "Disability Matters with Joyce Bender". Joyce welcomes Mark Perriello, president and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). The AAPD is the largest cross-disability organization for people with disabilities. Mr. Perriello, who has had a visual disability since childhood, has a proven track record of increasing organizational standing with decision makers through creative and high-impact grassroots and grass-tops programs across America. As a political strategist, he has overseen highly successful efforts to elect candidates to office at the federal, state, and local level. He will discuss his plans to use this experience in his new role with AAPD to ultimately increase the membership and awareness of AAPD.

Joyce welcomes Ken Spangler, senior vice president, Information Technology, and CIO for FedEx Ground He will discuss the company's commitment to diversity, including hiring people with disabilities. Mr. Spangler will also discuss what he believes it means to be successful in the IT industry.

Joyce welcomes Matthew Ray, EVP and CIO for Highmark, Inc. He will discuss Highmark's long-standing commitment to hiring people with disabilities, the company's demonstrated experience in this area, and what he believes it means to be successful in the information technology industry.

Joyce welcomes John Walsh, vice president and program manager, TSA ITIP, Enforcement, Security, and Intelligence Group for CSC. He will discuss CSC's commitment to hiring people with disabilities, the company's demonstrated experience in this area, and what he believes it means to be a successful in the IT industry.