Disability Matters

Joyce welcomes Donna Stahlhut, executive director of the Epilepsy Foundation of Texas (Houston, Dallas and Fort Worth). During the show she will discuss the ways in which this chapter of the Epilepsy Foundation is helping those with epilepsy live with this disability and how the chapter is helping to end the stigma that is associated with epilepsy.

Joyce's honored guest is Susan Axelrod, president and founding member of Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE). In 1998, Axelrod and two other mothers, frustrated with their inability to protect their children from the devastation of uncontrollable seizures and the side effects of medications, joined forces to spearhead the search for a cure for epilepsy. Mrs. Axelrod is also the wife of David Axelrod, senior advisor to President Obama. Discussed on the show will be her commitment to finding a cure and for increasing public awareness of epilepsy through the use of the media, as she did on the October 25, 2009 episode of 60 Minutes.

Joyce welcomes Kelly Buckland, executive director of the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL). Among the topics discussed on the show will be the mission of NCIL, which is to help people with disabilities lead independent lives; the status of the Community Choice Act; and as we prepare to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 2010, why he feels employment is the last stronghold.

Joyce's honored guest is Kathy Martinez, United States Assistant Secretary for Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) in the Department of Labor. During the show Assistant Secretary Martinez will share what it means to her to have been selected by President Obama for this new role within ODEP. Additionally, she will discuss how she believes she will be able to work within the Obama Administration to increase employment for Americans with disabilities.

Joyce welcomes Christine M. Griffin, acting vice chair of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Discussed on the show will be the ADA Amendments Act, which was signed into law by President George W. Bush on September 25, 2008 at the White House.

Joyce's featured guests are Tony Coelho, author of the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Kareem Dale, Special Assistant to President Obama for Disability Policy. A range of topics will be discussed on the show, including October as National Disability Awareness Month, reflecting on the meaning of the Americans with Disability Act to Americans with disabilities and the Obama Administration's commitment to hiring Americans with disabilities.

Joyce welcomes Celia Hindes, executive director of Variety the Children's Charity in Pittsburgh, PA. The topic will be the mission and programs of this non-profit agency dedicated to enriching the lives of children with disabilities throughout Southwestern, PA.

Joyce welcomes Andy Imparato, president and CEO, of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). He will be discussing the mission and goals of the country's largest cross-disability membership organization, organizing the disability community to be a powerful voice for change – politically, economically, and socially.

Joyce welcomes Michael Couch, President of Michael Couch & Associates Inc., a versatile consulting practice focused on dramatically improving the capability of organizations, teams, and individuals. Discussed on the show will be the mission of this consulting company and its commitment to encouraging a diverse workforce which, includes people with disabilities.

Joyce's honored guest will be Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) of the United States Senate. Senator Harkin will discuss his distinguished career in public service, and his commitment to helping people with disabilities live independent lives through his work in the U.S. Senate.