Disability Matters

Joyce welcomes Brett Eisenberg, executive director for Bronx Independent Living Services (BILS), which is an independent living center in New York. He will discuss his role and the mission of this organization.

Joyce welcomes Meredith Ryan-Reid, vice president at Marsh USA and treasurer of the board of directors of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). She will discuss the work of the AAPD, including the benefits to companies who support them. Meredith will also discuss her leadership in the area of employment and empowerment of people with disabilities.

Joyce welcomes Richard Denness, the new CEO of the national Epilepsy Foundation who will discuss his goals for the organization, supporting people living with epilepsy and their families.

Joyce welcomes back Kevin Bales, world renowned author, expert on modern slavery, and president of Free the Slaves, the U.S. organization of Anti-Slavery International (the world's oldest human rights organization). He will continue his discussion on how we can end human trafficking.

Joyce welcomes David E. Hale, sr. director of development and communications, for the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). Mr. Hale will discuss the upcoming 2011 AAPD Leadership Awards Gala, scheduled for Tuesday, March 15, 2011 in Washington, DC.

Joyce welcomes Dinah F. B. Cohen, director, Department of Defense (DoD) Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP). Discussed on the show will be her role within CAP to work closely with senior leadership throughout the federal sector to ensure employees, beneficiaries, and members of the public with disabilities have equal access to federal services and employment. Over 97,000 requests for accommodations have been filled since CAP's inception in 1990.

Joyce welcomes 2010 Philadelphia Eagles cornerback, Geoffrey Pope to the show. He will discuss his volunteer work with the national Epilepsy Foundation and the upcoming National Epilepsy Walk, Sunday, March 26, 2011 in Washington, DC. Pope is again serving as team lead for the Gridiron Gang, a walk team established to honor his grandmother, who has epilepsy, and to encourage young athletes to pursue their dreams despite living with epilepsy.

Joyce welcomes Dave Myers, director, global product marketing, sleep therapy for Philips Respironics and another representative from the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Heart Association. When he was 34 years old, Dave experienced some significant angina and was diagnosed with coronary artery disease; he had a stent placed in his left anterior descending coronary artery which was 99% blocked. Dave will share his story and stress the importance of supporting the efforts of the American Heart Association to prevent coronary artery disease. Also discussed with be the 2011 Heart Walk and Heart Ball, two fundraising events, sponsored by the Pittsburgh Chapter of the American Heart Association.

Joyce welcomes Bender Consulting Services, Inc. director, Neal Lutz and managers, Jamie Watts and Mike Gravitt to the show. They will discuss the impact that employment has on the lives of people with disabilities.

Joyce welcomes author, and inspirational speaker, Bonnie St. John who will discuss her book and radio show of the same name, Live Your Joy.