Human Potential At Work

This episode features an interview with Brandon Farbstein. Diagnosed with a rare form of dwarfism at the age of 2, Brandon stands at 3’9” – making his life’s journey full of adversity, strength, and impact. after feeling invisible and without a purpose for the first 15 years of his life.  He discovered his calling on the tedx stage, and suddenly realized his life’s meaning: to change the lens through which people see their world. Brandon discusses the lessons he's learned from his journey so far and his vision for the future. 

This episode features an interview with David James Boyd & Chad Kessler, co-creators of the play Stepchild, along with producer Kori Rushton and associate producer Shelly Guy.

About the play:  

Inspired by the classic tale of Cinderella, “Stepchild” tells the story of Orella, a deaf girl coming of age during the Italian Renaissance. After a mysterious fortune teller teaches her how to communicate using sign language, Orella discovers a joyous new world. Her bliss is soon shattered by the ignorant and fear-mongering King Octavio, who ruthlessly punishes anyone that dares to embrace what makes them “different.” With her kingdom rapidly succumbing to prejudicial fears, Orella must dig deep for  inner strength to combat darkness and save her people from tyranny. 

It is believed that American Sign Language (ASL) is the THIRD  most commonly used language in the United States. However, the long, grim and extraordinary path towards modern Deaf culture is hardly common knowledge.  Through the eyes of a Deaf heroine, this underrepresented historical topic is given a Gothic folktale spin in this sweeping  story of empowerment.

This episode features an interview with David James Boyd & Chad Kessler, co-creators of the play Stepchild, along with producer Kori Rushton and associate producer Shelly Guy.

About the play:  

Inspired by the classic tale of Cinderella, “Stepchild” tells the story of Orella, a deaf girl coming of age during the Italian Renaissance. After a mysterious fortune teller teaches her how to communicate using sign language, Orella discovers a joyous new world. Her bliss is soon shattered by the ignorant and fear-mongering King Octavio, who ruthlessly punishes anyone that dares to embrace what makes them “different.” With her kingdom rapidly succumbing to prejudicial fears, Orella must dig deep for  inner strength to combat darkness and save her people from tyranny. 

It is believed that American Sign Language (ASL) is the THIRD  most commonly used language in the United States. However, the long, grim and extraordinary path towards modern Deaf culture is hardly common knowledge.  Through the eyes of a Deaf heroine, this underrepresented historical topic is given a Gothic folktale spin in this sweeping  story of empowerment.

Rob Neuhauser, EVP and Global Head of Seimens People and Leadership, joins the program to discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with leading 5 generations in their workforce, and the work that they have done around unconscious bias. 

Rob Neuhauser, EVP and Global Head of Seimens People and Leadership, joins the program to discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with leading 5 generations in their workforce, and the work that they have done around unconscious bias. 

Kirk Adams, American Foundation for the Blind's President and CEO, joins the program to discuss how they are expanding possibilities for people with vision loss. He reveals the shift away from a medical model of serving people who are blind and vision impaired, and how their efforts fit into the larger conversation about inclusion in the workforce. Discover the benefits of developing a diverse talent pool. 

Kirk Adams, American Foundation for the Blind's President and CEO, joins the program to discuss how they are expanding possibilities for people with vision loss. He reveals the shift away from a medical model of serving people who are blind and vision impaired, and how their efforts fit into the larger conversation about inclusion in the workforce. Discover the benefits of developing a diverse talent pool. 

Stephane Leblois, Manager of Program Innovations at The Arc's national office and Jonathan Lucus, Managing Director of The Arc@Work at The Arc of the United States, join the program to discuss how they support disability inclusion in the workforce. They reveal both national and global efforts, and what inclusive employment looks like. 

Stephane Leblois, Manager of Program Innovations at The Arc's national office and Jonathan Lucus, Managing Director of The Arc@Work at The Arc of the United States, join the program to discuss how they support disability inclusion in the workforce. They reveal both national and global efforts, and what inclusive employment looks like. 

John Macko, Director of the Center on Employment, National Technical Institute for the Deaf, joins the program to discuss the value that persons who are deaf or hard-of-hearing bring to the workplace, and how the National Technical Institute prepares their students for the jobs of tomorrow, and connects students to employers.