The Landscape

Netta Ganor is an extremely gifted artist, who speaks about being diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis at C4-C5 at the age of 15, which left most of her body paralyzed from the shoulders down. She also speaks about being a mother, wife, IT professional and much more. It's an interview you do not want to miss! Netta's Links:Main Website with links to her books: HereLink to Netta's IG page: HereThe Mouth and Foot Painting Artists Association (MFPA): HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a leading hospital for marine life; a passionate educator; and has been extremely impactful to the disability community. Kelsy Long, the Director of Media Relations, speaks about the history of the aquarium, the dedicated staff and volunteers, and how their most famous resident, Winter, had a movie made about her. (Dolphin's Tale). After this episode was recorded, Winter passed away at the age of 16, but you will hear in the episode the legacy she left behind, and lives she continues to touch around the world. Links:Clearwater Marine Aquarium homepage: HERE   Information on Winter's Get: HERELinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

For National Disability Employment Awareness Month, there is no better organization to have on than APSE. This episode covers what Supported Employment is, the meaning and progress of Employment 1st, how APSE supports states, details about their national conference and more.National APSE Representatives: Erica Belois-Pacer - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORKari Tietjen - CERTIFICATION DIRECTORAPSE Links:Main Website HERESubscribe to APSE Podcast HERELinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

The Paralympics aren't just "games", or even only a movement. It's people, it's business, it's health, it's raising expectations, it's education and more. This episode features some of my favorite moments from five episodes I've conducted over the past year and a half. Each segment gives a different perspective of the Paralympics and hopefully you'll walk away entertained, educated and contemplative. You can find the full episode of each segment in the links below!Oz Sanchez - 6 time Paralympic Medalist and the winner of multiple gold medals speaks about mental health and the man behind the medals. Full Episode HERE.Gabriel Mayr - Speaks about some differences he learned between the Brazilian and American Paralympic Movements while he spent time with a mentor in Colorado Springs. Full Episode HERE. Gary Pate teaches us all we need to know about Wheelchair Rugby, also known as murderball. As you know, this is one of my favorite sports!! Full Episode HERE.Amy Truesdale speaks about her success in Para Taekwondo, as well as her preparations leading up to her bronze medal in the very first games to feature the sport. Full Episode HERE. Lakeshore Foundation was the very first certified Paralympic training facility in the country. Their former President Jeff Underwood speaks about their youth programs. You can hear Full Episode HERE. See everyone in a few months! 

Yasmina McGlone is a motivation speaker, blogger and disability advocate who has lived her entire life with a body that works a little bit differently than her peers. In early life, she never thought about it, or even realized it, but by the time she hit high school, Myoclonus Dystonia was impacting her self-esteem and mental health. Listen to this wonderfully self-aware individual talk about her life and how she went from shame to full acceptance and celebration of herself. And also hear how she went from being born in France, to being raised in Scotland to currently living in Australia!  Links for YasminaInstagramLinkTreeLinks for The Landscape PagesThe Landscape FB PageThe Landscape Instagram PageNews LetterThe Landscape LinkedIn

It was a great honor to close the Project SEARCH international Conference by interviewing these two thriving and charming graduates of the program.  The interview was recorded at West Tennessee Healthcare, which is a hospital in Jackson, TN. As you'll hear in the interview, David currently works at Starbucks at the hospital, and David is a surgical sterilization technician. There were a handful of people watching us record live and almost 600 others virtually from different countries, although over 1000 attended some part of the conference. We recorded via Zoom and therefore I will also be posting the video recording on all social media outlets, as well as on YouTube; and my favorite part of the recording is we have American Sign Language translators throughout. Of course I will add a link to the video below.Susie Rutkowski is the co-founder of Project SEARCH and gave an outstanding interview early in season one of my podcast, which covers the history of the program, her motivation, and some stories into her early life, which molded her into the force she's become. It is my 2nd most downloaded episode and I'll add the link to that below as well. Links:Zoom Recording of This InterviewInterview with Project SEARCH Co-Founder Susie RutkowskiProject SEARCH HomepageLinks for The Landscape PagesThe Landscape FB Page The Landscape Instagram Page News Letter The Landscape LinkedIn

World champion at the age of 14. First athlete to qualify for the Tokyo Paralympic games in the debut of Taekwondo. Disability Advocate. Diversity and Inclusion Champion. Amy Truesdale is one of the biggest names and pioneer of Para Taekwondo, and though her name has already been etched in history, she is far from done. In this episode, Amy speaks about why she got into the sport, her success, why she donated most of her trophies (LOL) and why she's a disability advocate. I've been a fan for over a year, and it was such an honor to interview this trailblazer and one of the greatest to ever do it! Amy's Links:Instagram: HereGB Taekwondo Page: HereInternational Paralympic Committee Page: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Very few people are aware of the history and cultural background of conservatorships, also known as guardianships. In this episode we discuss that history, as well as alternatives to the legal practice, which are seldom known or talked about.Guests:Jonathan Martinis, Esq., J.D. is the Director for Law and Policy with the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University, and was part of a ground breaking case around guardianships for individuals with disabilities. Penny Johnson of the Arc of Tennessee is the Program Coordinator for the Tennessee Center for  Decision-Making Support, which is the first of its kind in the country. Links:Jenny Hatch Justice Project: HereSupported Decision Making: From Justice for Jenny to Justice for All (paperback): HereTennessee Center for Decision-Making Support: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Actor and fellow podcaster, Maddi Albregts speaks about IIH, internal ableism, and living with an invisible disability. Please check out her wonderful podcast BrainFart and add it to your playlist! Links for MaddiEpisode where Maddi is interviewed by her friend who took her to the hospital her sophomore year. One of my favorite episodes: HereLink to BrainFart homepage: HereLink to BrainFart IG Page: Here Links for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Doug Crandell is a national subject matter expert in Supported Employment, with expertise working with individuals with severe mental illness; and developmental disabilities. Doug is also and award winning author with both fiction and non-fiction books published. In this episode he speaks about his work helping states shape and improve their supports of individuals with disabilities, his writing and more. Doug is passionate, creative, informed and a great story teller. It's an important episode for disability advocates across the board, but especially individuals in the supported employment field, from state leadership, to DSP's and employment specialists. Link to Griffin-Hammis Associates: HereLink to UGA Institute on Human Development and Disability: HereDoug's Literary Page: HereTell the Valued Story: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

June 6th is National Cancer Survivors Day, and there is no better way to celebrate than to feature St. Jude Hospital, which leads the world in improving the survival rate from childhood cancer. This episode dives into the rich history of St. Jude, their mission and some keys to their success. Like any organization, it is the people that make it go; that carry out the mission and goals. Justin Baker, MD gives an interview that shows you the passion and dedication of the staff, and you will finish listening and want to support this great hospital in any way possible! It was an interview full of hope, compassion, purpose and inspiration. Guest:Justin N. Baker, MDMember, St. Jude FacultyChief, Division of Quality of Life and Palliative CareAttending Physician, Quality of Life ServiceDirector, Hematology/Oncology Fellowship ProgramLinks for St. Jude:St. Jude Children's Research Hospital homepage: HereSt. Jude - Ways to Get Involved: HereSt. Jude Instagram Page: HereSt. Jude LinkedIn Page: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Lisa A Mills, Ph.D. is a national subject matter expert on supported employment who has helped over 20 states create or improve Medicaid and Department of Vocational Rehabilitation services. Lisa is also the parent of a son who has a disability and utilized supported employment to obtain competitive, integrated employment. I've had the pleasure of working with Lisa, and she has such an amazing and unique skillset, that both pushes and humbles me as I move forward in my career.   We are all lucky that Lisa found her way to this work. Links for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Tyler Samuel is a gifted and passionate opera singer who happens to be a woman of color; happens to be from a predominantly black high school; happens to be blind; and happens to be hard of hearing. She comes from a family that has never accepted being limited, going back to even before the civil rights movement. This episode is a celebration of art, and diversity and the bonds that can pull us together. It was one of the most enjoyable interviews I've conducted to date.Link to Tyler Samuels website: HereLink to Tyler's Facebook Page: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Andre Carter is an intern from Vanderbilt University's Next Steps Program. Andre conducted the interview, as well as did all sound mastering and editing in this episode. Guest:Big 12 Women's Soccer Coach of the Year, Eric Bell of TCU. Coach Bell led the TCU Horned Frogs to their first ever Big 12 championship, and they made further history by being named the overall #4 seed in the upcoming NCAA Championship. The Landscape Podcast would like to wish the Coach Bell and the women of TCU the best of luck in the tournament and into the future. Link to Episode on Inclusive Higher Education: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

April is Child Abuse and Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Month. Nichole Moehring and her family have weathered the storm of child sexual abuse three times. Her son who is diagnosed with autism and Fragile X Syndrome had a very different level of support and resources than when her neurotypical daughter as they sought justice against the perpetrator. In this episode, Nicole shares their story, and tells us about the agency they created, Voices of Change 2018, which has the mission to build access to safety, healing and justice for sexually abused children with disabilities through advocacy, education and collaboration.  It's an interview that will make you want to take action.Links:Voices of Change 2018: Here Child Abuse Prevention Resource Guide: HereVoices of Change 2018 IG Page: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Jermaine Greaves is the organizing founder of Black Disabled Lives Matter. He is a force to be reckon with, as he has a dance video that went viral to the tune of 20M downloads, has started a brand "Not Like The Other Kids" and is an amazing activist. Listen to Jermaine's story from immigrating to the United States, to clubbing, to being a college student, to organizing BDLM events. Oh, and he's been in a few commercials, too. Listen with an open mind and open heart. Jermaine's IG Account: Here BDLM IG Account: HereNot Like The Other Kids Homepage: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

She's one of my favorite contestants, on one of my favorite shows. I got to be a bit of a fanboy while interviewing Briony, who was a semi-finalist on The Great British Bake Off, and is now a presenter on Britain's Channel 4 show - Food Unwrapped. Briony speaks about how she got into baking; what it was like auditioning for the show; how and why she became a disability advocate; her close-knit family; and more. At the end I got to have additional selfish joy by speaking with her about Bridgerton. I will not be judged! LOL Briony's Links:Instagram Page: Here YouTube Channel: HereTwitter: HereBaking Blog: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Hannah Setzer (known on social media as @feedingtube.fitness) speaks about working full-time; helping to run a family business with her husband; tending to their small farm; being an exercise influencer, fostering four boys, writing a memoir and more. She also speaks about Cystic Hygroma, using a feeding tube and trach, and gives tips such as why she started blending her own food instead of using a formula. Hannah's "why" is to show individuals that they don't have to settle, and can live a full and happy life. Hannah's Link Tree: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Gabriel Mayr of Brazil, has worked with the Paralympics, United Nations, and was a co-founder of Brazil's Urece Sports and Culture for the Blind, which has been recognized by the likes of FIFA.  Gabriel has studied and worked all over the world, with civil rights being at the root of what he does. He has impacted Brazil and the world through his work, yet is one of most humble people I've met. His story is one that shows the power of sharing knowledge and experience across borders and cultures. Video of 5-a-side soccer (Blind Soccer): Here Urece Sports and Culture for the Blind Website: Here Mundo Para Esporte Podcast: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Roughly 70% of individuals with a disability are unemployed. One of the main barriers is the fear of employment causing them to lose their disability benefits. Todays guest, Raymond Cebula, has spend his professional career educating people that going to work is possible, and almost the only means to get out of poverty.  Raymond Cebula, who is a program director at Cornell University's Yang tan Institute for unemployment and disability. Raymond has dedicated his professional career educating on how employment impacts benefits, and advocating for individuals with a disability, both in court and in Washington DC. You won't want to miss any part of this interview. After listening to the episode, find more information at any of the links below. And please make sure to share this episode with individual with a disability, families and professionals that support individuals with a disability who are interested in going to work! Disability Work Incentives General Information: HereThe Red Book -  A 60 page summary guide to employment supports for people with a disability on SSI/SSDI: Here Information on Ticket to Work: HereInformation on 1619(B) and the threshold for each state: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Carrissa, known to her over 300K social media followers as Invisible Melanin, speaks about her specific type of albinism, how it causes vision impairment, and how it has impacted her identity. She gives a fantastic interview that also touches on ADHD, plus size modeling, social media trolling, how she works to grow and learn more about herself, and so much more. Carrissa's Link Tree: Here Link to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News Letter

The first episode of season two features host Naveh Eldar being interviewed by his friend of over 35 years, Angelo Singleton. Naveh speaks about his career, mental health and podcasting. Please be aware that parts of this episode discusses suicide and suicidal Ideations.Guest Music by Garrett DeVaughn. Link to video below:The Climb Music VideoLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News Letter

Learn about the more than 305 post-secondary programs in the United States for individuals with an intellectual disability. This episode features Tammy Day, the director of Next Steps at Vanderbilt who speaks about how the program operates, criteria to enter a program, how funding works in Tennessee, and what the ultimate goal is for these programs. Also hear from Fermina Lopez, who is a recent graduate of IDEAL (Igniting the Dream of Education and Access at Lipscomb). Fermina speaks about what is was like to attend a program, why she chose the program at Lipscomb University, and gives advice to high school students who are thinking of a Inclusive Higher Education program. This episode is chalk full of information and sets the bar for inclusion and universal design.Link to Think College; HereLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterSee you in season two! 

Ryann Kress, known as Chronically_Ry on social media, is a registered nurse, disability advocate, adaptive athlete, speaker, model and current Ms. Wheelchair Virginia. The first platform Ry ran on was the need for mental health supports for individuals who experience mobility disabilities. She is tattooed, has a partially shaved head, and is as fierce as she sounds. You'll hear her speak about mental health, her personal journey with EDS, ableism, her favorite Broadway play, and more! You'll love her as much as I do, and make sure to follow her on social media. The links are below:Ryann's Instagram HereRyann's Facebook HereLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News Letter

Former Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania, current head of the Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania organization, public speaker, advocate, spokesperson and more. Barb has an amazing story that goes from denial and rejection of the disability community, to becoming a major catalyst in the creation of ambassadors and community in the state of Pennsylvania and beyond. Barb was called to advocate, and from her roots in small town America, to the national stage, she has proven that she can grind to success, and rise to the need to educate on disability issues and inclusion. It's not an episode you'll want to miss.  Barb's Link Tree HEREBarb's Instagram: HERELink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News Letter

Jenny Smith is an amazing advocate and blogger who speaks about finding her passion in the workplace, ableism, the importance of communication, being the former Ms. Wheelchair Kentucky, and more. Her insights and passion shouldn't be missed and you MUST subscribe to her blog at: Jenny Smith Rolls OnMake sure to subscribe to the podcast on the any podcasting platform, and follow The Landscape Podcast on social media. Become part of the movement! 

Born with a vision impairment, Kevin is a former world champion in the shot put and discus who has so much to offer. Kevin is inspired to speak about mental health issues, the underemployment of the disability community, and living a full life. In this episode he speaks about suicidal ideations while in elementary school due to bullying, coping mechanisms, individuals who supported and pushed him to be his best, and the underemployment of the disability community, which needs to change. Kevin is honest, direct and spot on throughout the entire episode. Kevin's website: Talks By KevinKevin's TEDx Talk: Enable the DisabledLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News Letter

In the second part of the interview, Linda speaks about the remainder of her career in the United States Air Force, as well as her work once her time in the service comes to an end. It's a remarkable career and life, that has Linda witnessing the impacts of genocide in Africa, war crimes in Europe and disappearances in South America. Both at home and abroad, Col. Linda Murnane has been fighting for justice and human rights with skill, passion and relentlessness. Oh, and she somehow meets some famous gorillas along the way as well. I personally would call her a hero, and she certainly is a role model who wants all of us to make the world a better place in any way we can. 

Retired Air Force Colonel Linda Strite Murnane obtained her undergraduate and law degree while serving in the US Air Force. During her illustrious military career, she became a lawyer and then a judge, including being named the Chief Trial Judge for the United States Air Force in Europe. When she retired from the Air Force, amongst other impactful positions, she was invited to travel to the Netherlands to work for the UN where she took over the complex litigation of the war crimes tribunal for the formal Yugoslavia. Linda's accomplishments and reputation has led to a personal audience with people such as Pope Francis and Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Linda has overcome significant obstacles from misogyny; to having a father who wouldn't pay for his daughters' education; to being pregnant, and in law school while her husband became paralyzed. She let nothing get in her way!  This is part one to an amazing interview with one of the most impressive individuals I've ever met. Link to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News Letter

The Lakeshore Foundation was the first facility in the United States designated as an Olympic AND Paralympic training facility. They are leaders in rehabilitation, adaptive sports, research, and advocacy. In this episode, President and CEO, Jeff Underwood speaks about the history of Lakeshore, their youth programs, work with injured veterans, being an Olympic and Paralympics training facility, and Research. Jeff also discusses his work as a member of the USOC Paralympic Advisory Committee, and much more. As I state in the opening of this episode, Jeff gives a master class in how to adapt a business and the importance of having a progressive strategic plan. Lakeshore's official website can be found here: http://Lakeshore.orgLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News Letter

RJ Nealon is a Special Olympics North American Fellow and Athlete Reporter. RJ also won three medals at the Special Olympics National Games, as well as a state championship in unified basketball with Special Olympics Maryland. RJ is working to be a sports reporter, has graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in journalism, and was also chosen to be an intern with ESPN. If you listened to the previous episode with ESPN they mentioned him, and at the time, they were unaware that I even knew who he was. RJ is a passionate advocate for unified sports, the Special Olympics, and inclusion in all settings - which are all topics he covers in this episode. Link to RJ's Twitter PageLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News Letter

This episode explores the partnership between ESPN and the Special Olympics, including broadcasting the games, creating year-round content and Inclusive Sports. We also have an in-depth conversation on the importance of Diversity and Inclusion at ESPN as a company. Guests Include:Kate Jackson - Emmy Award Winning Coordinating Producer, Special Events. Her primary responsibilities include oversight of the ESPYs, NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship, The Heisman Trophy Presentation, Sports Humanitarian Awards and other special events, Special Olympics and Formula 1 Racing.John Papa - VP, Programming & Acquisitions, overseeing the cross-platform business strategies and partnerships for numerous sport categories, including the NBA, tennis (including the Australian Open, Wimbledon, US Open and the ATP), golf (including the Masters), motorsports (including IndyCar, the Indianapolis 500 and Formula One), boxing (including Top Rank) and the Special Olympics.Wokie Daboh - Director of Diversity & InclusionLink to ESPN Game Changers Link to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News Letter

Gary Pate is a retired divorce judge from Birmingham, Alabama, who discovered and fell in love with wheelchair rugby, which was originally called Murderball. Gary is a staff member with the Paralympic team, and has also been an NBC Paralympic color commentator, wheelchair rugby official, and President of the U.S. Wheelchair Rugby Association. He's witty, knowledgeable and passionate about the sport, which makes for one entertaining episode! Hear him speak about the only full contact wheelchair sport out there, from how practices are run, to how teams are picked, to why there are specialized chairs that can be quite pricey. For those interested in the the Angel City Games to participate or hear from professional and Paralympic Athletes, please visit: https://www.angelcitygames.org/Virtual/Next episode will be with leadership from ESPN on their relationship with the Special Olympics, disabled athletes and their dedication to being an inclusive employer. 

Oz Sanchez is a six-time medal winning Paralympic hand cyclist; Marine Veteran; Motivational Speaker; Life Coach and much more. In this episode, Oz pulls back the curtain on his physical and mental rehabilitation journey, which was far from smooth and easy. Oz has put in a tremendous amount of work on his body and mind to elevate himself to be one the most elite athletes in the world, as well as to find happiness and peace. Listen to his story, and find out why his mental rehabilitation took far longer than his physical rehabilitation. Oz is inspirational and a role model for people around the world, and in areas far beyond sports.

President of the Arc of the United States, Fred Misilo, Jr., speaks about the mission of The Arc and its roots as a civil rights organization fighting for the rights and inclusion of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We discuss several initiatives such as: Criminal Justice, Health, Employment, and Travel. Learn how The Arc made national news just days before the recording by joining other advocacy groups in obtaining a resolution from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office for Civil Rights (OCR) around COVID-19 treatment policies for individuals with disabilities. It was a resolution that resonated across the country as other states have similar complaints filed against them. Link to The Arc website: https://thearc.org/

This episode speaks candidly about sexuality and has quotes that can be graphic in nature. Therefore, it is only recommended for a mature audience. MTSU professor, Gerald Christian, speaks about his published research Quadriplegic Sexuality; Demystifying Misconceptions, where he hopes to educate and clarify frequent misconceptions on leisurely sex in the disability community. Gerald also speaks about his personal story of obtaining a spinal cord injury and how he overcame obstacles along his journey. Make sure to stick around to hear about his brush with stardom by becoming a "rock star" and landing on national television.  Normally to read and download the full article of his research, it would cost $44, however, the first 50 people using the provided link will be able to access and download the full manuscript for free. That link can be found here: https://www.tandfonline.com/eprint/KYDYXCXIVYV779SF5GME/full?target=10.1080/01490400.2020.1712281 

Fourteen year old Josiah Evans speaks about his published children's book, Beth's Umbrella: Loving My Sister with Special Needs, a book that can help families have important conversations with their own children. Beth's Umbrella can be found on Amazon in paperback, or as a Kindle download, so don't miss out! 

Sr. Accessibility Technical Evangelist at Microsoft, Megan Lawrence, PhD, speaks not only about the accessible tools in Microsoft, but also how products are tested, the cutting edge of technology and even how Microsoft has changed its recruitment methods to be more inclusive of individuals with a disability. Learn how Microsoft is not just focused on customers, but on being a disability inclusive employer. We speak about Microsoft's Disability Answer Desk during the webinar, and that can be found here: Microsoft Disability Answer Desk. Make sure to subscribe to the podcast and you are encouraged to leave a review.

Listen to David Quilleon, the Sr. Vice President of Global Mission, State Development and Operations speak about the four pillars of Best Buddies International, which are: One-to-One Friendships; Integrated Employment; Leadership Development; and Inclusive Living. Learn how this organization went from a single chapter, to having 2,976 Chapters, and 130,678 Participants across 50 U.S. states and 56 countries. 

Dr. Sheryl Fleisch of Vanderbilt Medical Center has established her third Street Psychiatry Program in the country; this time in partnership with Park Center, a Nashville mental health, nonprofit organization with one of the best homeless outreach programs in the nation, headed by director, Ashley Blum. The two trailblazers call in to debunk myths, explain about the program, discuss adjustments during the COVID-19 pandemic, and more. You will leave inspired and impressed with these amazing women who bring humanity and care to a population that is far too often overlooked. 

Deb Dagit is an amazing woman who lobbied for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and was present at its signing; was one of the pioneers of the Diversity and Inclusion movement that is in almost all large companies now, and worked for a fortune 500 company in that role. She was born with a brittle bone disorder that kept her in the hospital much of her childhood, and has come to understand that she needs to emphasize her disability instead of expecting people to ignore it. She explains how she came to that understanding in the episode. Deb is truly a pioneer and one of the brightest minds out there! Her current work as a consultant is changing the culture for some of the biggest corporations across the country. This episode also has Deb speaking about how COVID-19 is impacting the disability community, and how technology created for the disability community is helping all Americans who working from home during this pandemic.

Emma Dillard has an open, and blunt conversation about having a dual diagnosis of major depression and alcohol addiction. She opens up about the first time she had a drink; how her dealer signed her into rehab; and much more. 

Susie Rutkowski, the co-founder of ProjectSEARCH speaks about the early days, growth, and changes in the internship program for individuals with an intellectual and/or developmental disability (IDD). ProjectSEARCH changes lives, businesses and communities across the United States, and around the world by bringing interns into some of the largest employers in their communities.

Deborah (Debbie) R. Becker, MEd, CRC - Senior Research Associate with Individual Placement and Support speaks about the gold-standard, evidence based method of supported employment for individuals with serious mental illness, which brought hard research into the supported employment world. Debbie speaks about early research, key parts of the method, and the international IPS learning community, which includes 24 states and six countries/regions outside of the United States.