Host Ming Canaday interviews Ralf Hotchkiss, an inventor and engineer who founded Whirlwind Wheelchair, a company devoted to making better, more reliable wheelchairs for individuals with disabilities in the developing world. Ralf and Ming also touch on how certain characteristics of the western world wheelchairs make them less reliable and more dependent on integrated infrastructure.

Host Ming Canaday interviews Craig Blanchette as they discuss how important it is to stay healthy and active in order to maintain positive health. Their discussion also touches on the importance of having a good wheelchair and what it takes to keep it maintained.

Host Ming Canaday interviews Julie Fernandez, an actor and television star best known for her role on the original british show, The Office. Julie talks about the challenges that come with being born with brittle bone disease and sheds light on the mistakes the British healthcare system has made regarding healthcare for people with disabilities.

Host Ming Canaday interviews Paralymian Chris Waddell about his trips around the world. Ming and Chris take a deep dive into accessible tourism and the different quirks of cities around the globe. They also touch on the best ways to approach accepting help from others and how best to discuss disability.

In this podcast episode, Brittany Déjean joins us to share with us about her life experience and how her father’s accident affected and shaped her life. Brittany also shares with us about the founding of AbleThrive, its missions and services. She also discusses with us about the similarities and differences around the world on the disability issues.

In this video Catalina Devandas shares with us the negative consequences of not ratifying the UNCRPD on people with disabilities in the US. She also discusses with us about the balance between embracing and overcoming disability as well as the importance of diversity, the multitude and variation of disability in influencing the trajectory of the disability rights movement.

In this video, Judy Woodruff joins us to share with us about her experience of parenting a child with a disability, the impact of his injury on their lives and the grieving process they went through. Judy Woodruff also discusses with us about accessibility and inclusion as well as the challenges and attitudinal barriers faced by people with disabilities and the changes needed to help them reach their full potential.

Host Ming Canaday interviews wheelchair tennis player Dana Mathewson about the ins and outs of competing in adaptive tennis at a global level. They also touch on the different levels of accessibility and social awareness in various countries. Dana also tells us about what it was like to grow up disabled with a mother who is also a doctor.

the importance of self-confidence and embracing disability | Christina Ryan by Ming Canaday

Jay Ruderman is president of the Ruderman Family Foundation, an advocacy organization focusing on the full inclusion of people with disabilities into society. Jay graduated from Brandeis University with honors and received his J.D. from Boston University School of Law. He lives in Boston with his wife, Shira, and their four children.