Podcasts about disability advocate

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of visiting with Gina Schuh who is a Spinal Cord Injury Survivor, Disability Advocate, and Juris Doctor among many other things. We talked about how she suffered a spinal cord injury by diving into a pool and only 18 years old, the multiple surgeries she had to go to after to stabilize her spine, and finding an amazing outpatient rehab facility in Arizona. We also discussed the issues with finding caregivers, how "the system" tries to keep disabled people poor, and some of the amazing things she's doing to advocate for the disability community. Connect with Gina at the links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!! Gina Schuh: IG: @oopsibrokemyneck FB: @ginaschuh YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@GinatheQuad Interview with Daniel West: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CbXpRLketVU ADA Legal Link: https://adalegallink.com/  

    Join Howie Mack on The Gospel Zone as he welcomes special guest, independent gospel artist Mayia Warren. Mayia opens up about her powerful life story, detailing her journey as a disability, foster care, and trauma survivor advocate from North Carolina.   In this inspiring interview, Mayia discusses: Pivoting to Music: How she shifted her career path from physical therapy (kinesiology) after realizing God was calling her into full-time disability  , which eventually led to her pursuing music. Navigating Challenges: Mayia, who is legally blind due to albinism and lives with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, shares how her personal trials influence her music and mission. New Music: A deep dive into her new single, "As The Dear" (based on Psalm 42), an anthem of celebratory praise despite life's challenges, and her musical influences, including neo-soul, R&B, jazz, and even country. The Independent Artist Grind: The challenges and unique freedoms of building a gospel career outside of a major label, and how her community provides invaluable support. Advocacy, Art, and Service: Mayia's one-sentence mission statement as an artist, and how she balances vulnerability with pointing listeners toward the hope of Christ. Connect with Mayia Warren: Find Mayia on all platforms by searching "Mayia Warren"   #MayiaWarren #GospelZone #HowieMack #AffinityXtra #IndependentGospelArtist #AsTheDear #GospelMusic #NeoSoulGospel #DisabilityAdvocate #TraumaSurvivor #ChristianTestimony #NorthCarolinaMusic #WorshipLeader #NewMusic2025   https://youtu.be/mD80Lr7OojU

In this deeply human and inspiring conversation, Bart sits down with Dr. Eric Fishon — author, educator, disability advocate, and nonprofit leader — to explore the lived reality of unseen disabilities and the power of advocacy, empathy, and inclusion. Dr. Eric shares his journey from a successful corporate career in customer experience and organizational culture to discovering his diagnoses of narcolepsy, chronic fatigue, ADHD, anxiety, and depression later in life. What followed was not an ending, but a reinvention. Through his Doctor Disruptor platform, Xtermigator Kids, and his work with the Invisible Disabilities Association, Dr. Eric is helping individuals and families understand that disability is not inabilityand that different is, in fact, beautiful.Major Takeaways / LearningsUnseen disabilities are real — even when others can't see them. Validation can be life‑changing.Diagnosis brings clarity, not limitation. Knowing what you're dealing with opens the door to tools, accommodations, and self‑compassion.It's okay to not be okay. Giving yourself grace is a critical step toward healing and growth.Advocacy often begins with personal struggle. Dr. Eric turned his own challenges into a mission to help others.Accommodations are not special treatment — they're access. Education and workplaces still have work to do.Helping others creates purpose and fulfillment. Service can be as powerful as medicine.Technology and AI can be equalizers. The right tools help people with limited energy amplify their impact.Disability does not define your ceiling. With support, inclusion, and understanding, potential expands.Memorable Quotes“It's okay to not be okay.”“Disability is not an inability — it can be your greatest superpower.”“Those letters after your name mean nothing if you're not helping someone behind you.”“Helping others gives a high no medicine can replace.”“Never forget where you've been — and turn around to help someone else get there.” Why It Matters / How to Use ItThis episode is a powerful reminder that many of the struggles people carry are invisible, and that empathy, awareness, and inclusion are leadership skills, not extras. Dr. Eric Fishon's story offers hope to anyone who has felt misunderstood, dismissed, or alone in their challenges. Whether you're living with an unseen disability, supporting someone who is, or leading a team, this conversation encourages you to ask for help, give grace, and use your experiences to lift others. It's a call to redefine success, not by what we overcome alone, but by how we help others rise with us.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the honor of speaking with Rick Futia who is a Spinal Cord Injury Survivor and Disability Advocate and his nephew and author of the book Rickicello: The Rockstar Life of a Paraplegic Paisan; Jag Jefferson. We spoke about the Mountain Dew commercial that essentially led to Rick becoming paralyzed, getting nearly 9 months in rehabilitation after the injury, and the difficulty adapting to life in a wheelchair early on. We also spoke about Rick becoming one of the bay area's most eligible bachelors in the early 80s, the story of his family immigrating from Italy in the 1950s, and the importance of friends and family after suffering a spinal cord injury. Connect with the guys at the website and social media links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!! Rick Futia/Jag Jefferson: https://rickbio.com/ IG: @rickicello Rickicello Amazon Link: https://a.co/d/fF4YYXs  

Dermot Hayes, founder of the Clare Leader Forum and chair of the Clare branch of the Irish Kidney Association, passed away peacefully on Friday evening. He was a tireless advocate for disability rights in Clare and beyond for more than three decades. Alan Morrissey was joined by Anne Marie Flanagan, a disability rights campaigner and member of the Clare Leader Forum, to remember the life and legacy of her dear friend and colleague Dermot Hayes.

How can you be proactive in your inclusivity?...Today, Abbie, Jamie, and Celia explore disability through the lens of a communication perspective, talking about transforming exclusion into inclusion in every space, changing narratives to focus on "the problem" as an inaccessible society rather than any one disabled individual, unlearning our internalized ableism as a necessary step for all of us, becoming proactive rather than reactive in our inclusive accessibility practices, and creating space for more stories that acknowledge both the systemic nature of ableism with the individual experiences of disability. ...Jamie Shields is a multi-award-winning Disability, Speaker, Trainer and Consultant, Content Creator and Disability Advocate, Registered Blind AuDHD Rhino, the UK's 2nd most influential grassroots Disability advocate. Celia Chartres-Aris is a Disabled Government Advisor, Founder & Investor, Multi-Award Winning Campaigner and Lobbyist, Researcher, Policy and Legal Expert, Speaker and Consultant, recognised as the UK's most influential Disabled person. Together, they are the founders of Disabled By Society, a 100% Disabled owned and led business transforming exclusion to inclusion. 17% of the world's population identifies as Disabled, making us the largest minority group in the world. Despite this, ableism is one of the most under addressed, under-discussed, and underrepresented conversations in society. Society is failing to unlearn our inherent ableism. Everyday, Disabled people face aggressions, encounter inaccessible barriers, are excluded, overlooked, treated as a burden, or seen as a problem to be fixed. As a result, Disabled people are often left to manage internalised ableism in this ableist society. We are on a mission to change this. We cant sit back and do nothing. We partner globally across all sectors to remove the ableism ingrained in cultures, recruitment, products and services, policies, and everything in between. We make the uncomfortable comfortable, ending cycles of oppression and creating an inclusive society that is accessible, empowers, represents and provides opportunity for everyone. Our ground-breaking research and policy work has fed into reviews and cited across the world as never-before-seen data by and for the Disabled community. And through policy, lobbying, consultancy, training, an award-winning podcast, Celia and Jamie deliver award-winning solutions that transform Disability exclusion to inclusion. Having worked with some of the biggest brands and charities in the world, creating systematic change for the 2 billion people affected by ableism.Order Jamie and Celia's book, Unlearning Ableism: The Ultimate No-Nonsense Guide to Understanding Disability and Unlearning Ableism. ...Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created, produced & hosted by Abbie VanMeter.Stories Lived. Stories Told. is an initiative of the CMM Institute for Personal and Social Evolution....Music for Stories Lived. Stories Told. is created by Rik Spann....⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Explore all things Stories Lived. Stories Told. here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Explore all things CMM Institute here.

A monumental change for people caring for severely disabled family members. A landmark Supreme Court ruling yesterday means those providing full-time care for severely disabled family members are entitled to pay. It was brought by two parents, Christine Fleming and Peter Humphreys, who care for severely disabled adult children. Disability Advocate Jane Carrigan told Heather du Plessis-Allan getting minimum wage is the bare minimum for these families. She says this will impact roughly 10 thousand families. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“The whole purpose of the book is to kind of reach kids who might be experiencing some difficulties in life, whether they feel isolated or alone, or maybe they're special needs. So, I really wanted there to be more out there that is inclusive.” – T. L. McCoyToday's featured award-winning, bestselling author is a wife, glam-mom, U.S. Air Force veteran, registered nurse, former educator, and the founder of Blue Round Book Group, LLC, T. L. McCoy. We had a fun on a bun chat about her first book, “Delilah Versus the Ghastly Grim”, her journey from military service and living in Japan to becoming a psychiatric nurse and educator, the importance of inclusion in literature, and more!!Key Things You'll Learn:The benefits and challenges of military lifeHow her experience as a teacher for children with behavioral and developmental disabilities helped her support her grandchild diagnosed with Dravet syndromeWhat she learned about herself through writing her bookThe impact of Dravet syndrome on families and the importance of support and awarenessTL's Site: https://blueroundbookgroup.com/TL's Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0F925Z2RP/allbooksThe opening track is titled, “Unknown From M.E. | Sonic Adventure 2 ~ City Pop Remix” by Iridium Beats. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://www.patreon.com/posts/sonic-adventure-136084016 Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonThe Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awotYou May Also Like…Ep. 484 – “What's Wrong with My Child” with Elizabeth Harris (@elizabethwwwmc): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-484-whats-wrong-with-my-child-with-elizabeth-harris-elizabethwwwmc/Ep. 710 – “Trusting Your Mommy Instincts” with Colleen Faul: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-710-trusting-your-mommy-instincts-with-colleen-faul/Ep. 389 – “Unshakable, Undaunted, & Undefeated” with Elizabeth Meyers (@thelizmeyers): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-389-unshakable-undaunted-undefeated/Ep. 463 – “Crushed” with Linda Bjork (@Linda_Bjork_1): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-463-crushed-with-linda-bjork-linda_bjork_1/247 – “Cozy Mysteries & Inclusive Children's Books” with Kelly Brakenhoff (@inBrakenVille): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/247-cozy-mysteries-inclusive-childrens-books-with-kelly-brakenhoff-inbrakenville/Ep. 969 – Music, Memoirs, and Making a Difference As a Disability Advocate with Jenna Udenberg: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-969-music-memoirs-and-making-a-difference-as-a-disability-advocate-with-jenna-udenberg/Ep. 844 – Different But Special with Owen Rex Daughtry (@daughtry_owen): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-844-different-but-special-with-owen-rex-daughtry-daughtry_owen/Ep. 494 – “Living With Cerebral Palsy & Inspiring Others to Achieve the Extraordinary” with Christopher Powell (@overcomelimits): https://shorturl.at/k5evfEp. 344.5 – “Poohlicious” with Mary Elizabeth Jackson (@Mary_E_Jackson): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-3445-poohlicious-with-mary-elizabeth-jackson-mary_e_jackson/Ep. 385 – “From Wheels to Heals” with Barby Ingle (@BarbyIngle): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-385-from-wheels/Ep. 471 – “How to Turn Suffering Into Something Good” with Darci Steiner (@DarciJSteiner): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-471-how-to-turn-suffering-into-something-good-with-darci-steiner-darcijsteiner/Ep. 918 – From the Boxing Ring to the Book Page with Craig Stilley: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-918-from-the-boxing-ring-to-the-book-page-with-craig-stilley/

Newsmakers Host Rick Zamperin is joined by award-winning disability advocate Anthony Frisina to discuss the barriers that millions of Canadians face and what needs to be done to address their concerns.

Mandeep Lotta is a Kenyan-born poet and author who overcame physical impairment and blindness to share a message of compassion and human connection through his poetry collections Magic mines: The Treasure of Love. His work explores how love is often misunderstood and commodified, reminding readers to slow down, understand one another, and let love grow naturally. Through his personal story of resilience, he shows how disability does not define one's capacity to inspire and create meaning.In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Mandeep discusses how life experiences, pain, and perseverance shape his poetry and worldview. He shares insights on the misconceptions people have about relationships, the importance of openness and communication, and how ambition fuels purpose even through hardship. His journey encourages listeners to embrace their vulnerabilities, own their stories, and find fulfillment through empathy and creativity. Quotes: “Love grows when you give it time and space to breathe.” “I own my blindness. It's not a weakness; it's my identity.” “Life is the vehicle. Ambition is the fuel.” “When you open up, you give others permission to do the same.” Resources: Get "Magic Mines: The Treasure of Love" on Amazon

A disability advocate who relies on social media for his work has had his long-standing Facebook account shut down for unspecified reasons. Ruth Hill reports.

A disability advocate is wanting answers over why his Facebook account has been suspended - joining a growing number of people shut out of social media accounts. Dr Rachel Faleatua spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Disability Advocate, Blogger (The Able Diary), and founder of Disability Matters; Sophie Hagy. We talked with Sophie about the shooting that resulted in the death of her friend Alex and her winding up with a spinal cord injury, the awful medical treatment she was provided early on in her injury, and being able to reenter rehab a couple of years post injury and how much more beneficial that was to her. We also discussed how she dealt with the mental strain this injury puts on you, the decision to start blogging and launch The Able Diary, and designing clothing and other goods for the company she founded; Disability Matters. Connect with Sophie at the links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!! Sophie Hagy: IG: @sophiexhagy TikTok: @sophie_hagy The Able Diary: https://www.theablediary.com/ Disability Matters: https://www.etsy.com/shop/disabilitymatters/?etsrc=sdt&dd_referrer= Gofundme: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-sophie-hagy/donate?utm_campaign=unknown&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=linktr.ee  

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Erica Predum who is a Disability Advocate, Spinal Cord Injury Survivor, and in the Cofounder of Next Step Fort Wayne. We talked with Erica about the car accident that left her paralyzed, the massive challenges she went through during her rehab from the injury, and the tragic loss of her mother less than a year after her accident. We also spoke about overcoming the massive obstacles that were put in her way, the help she was given through the Walking With Anthony Foundation, and her motivation for starting Next Step Fort Wayne. Connect with Erica at the social media links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!! Erica Predum/Next Step Fort Wayne: IG: @nextstepfortwayne       @epredum FB: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576275480349     https://www.facebook.com/erica.lynn.992976    

What happens when the worst moment of your childhood becomes the catalyst for a lifetime of creative power, advocacy, and audacious dreams? In this episode of Wickedly Smart Women, host Anjel B. Hartwell welcomes Lolita Milena, a paraplegic actress, author, and digital creator whose journey from Siberia to the stages of America is nothing short of extraordinary. In this deeply honest conversation, Lolita opens up about transmuting trauma into purpose through dark humor, sisterhood, and relentless creativity. We dive into the hard truths about the U.S. foster care system, what actually keeps kids safe, and how she's building a sustainable creator business while staying true to her mission.  Whether you're interested in disability representation in media, survivor advocacy, or simply how to build an audience that truly cares, this episode delivers proof that your darkest moments don't have to dictate your future.   What You Will Learn: How to turn trauma into creative fuel without letting it consume you through dance, theater, writing, and digital storytelling. Why dark humor became Lolita's survival tool and how she uses comedy to bridge grief and agency while always punching up, never down. The real problems in the U.S. foster care system that most people never hear about, from understaffing to inadequate background checks. A smart awareness strategy for child abuse prevention that starts with people who don't know what they don't know and equips them to share. The difference between performative activism and tangible action, and why survivors need both to create real change. How to build a multi-interest audience that sticks with you by leading with story first, niche second. The meaning behind 2,4,5,9 as Lolita's sci-fi novel title and how she honors family through art and memory. A simple two-part self-soothing practice for hard days using oldies or folk music that grounds your body and soul. Why nuance and independent thinking matter more than ever when you're advocating for systems change.   Connect with Lolita Milena Instagram  TikTok   Connect with Anjel B. Hartwell Wickedly Smart Women Wickedly Smart Women on X Wickedly Smart Women on Instagram Wickedly Smart Women Facebook Community Wickedly Smart Women Store on TeePublic Wickedly Smart Women: Trusting Intuition, Taking Action, Transforming Worlds by Anjel B. Hartwell Listener Line (540) 402-0043 Ext. 4343  Email listeners@wickedlysmartwomen.com  

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we are lucky enough to visit with Emily Powell who is a Disability Advocate, Licensed Professional Counselor, and a Spinal Cord Injury Survivor. We spoke with Emily about the tragic car accident two days after her 16th birthday that left her paralyzed, the grit and determination it took for her to earn a Masters Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling, and the incredible support she received from her family, especially early on after her accident. We also talked about the devastating loss of her boyfriend Zach in a hit-and-run accident, the courage it takes to live on your own as a quadriplegic, and her amazing dog Azul. Connect with Emily at the social media links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!! Emily Powell: IG: @emiii21 FB: https://www.facebook.com/emily.powell.7731 Tik-Tok: @Theoneandonlyemilypowell

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Nicole Snellbaker, better known as Nicki Whitechoc who is an Entrepreneur, Spinal Cord Injury Survivor, Disability Advocate, and Founder of Nicki Strong. We spoke with Nicki about the car accident that left her paralyzed in 2003, laughing at the doctors when they told her she would never walk again, and turning daily tasks into outpatient therapy. We also discussed the immense friend/family support she's had, what Nicki Strong is all about, and sharing her story through social media. Connects with Nicki at the links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!! Nicki Whitechoc/Nicki Strong: IG: @nicki_whitechoc      @nicki.strong https://gofund.me/015d423a

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Derek Demun who is an Adventurer, Disability Advocate, and Spinal Cord Injury Survivor. We spoke about the work accident that left Derek paralyzed at the T8 level, transitioning from snowboarding around the world to hunting/fishing all over the country, and how important his family support was and still is after his injury. We also talked about some of the crazier experiences he's had since finding his love for hunting and fishing, having his dad with him on a lot of his trips, and fighting workers compensation in the state of California for the last 11 years. Connect with Derek and his social media links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!! Derek Demun: IG: @t8_outdoorsman Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@T8_OUTDOORSMAN https://linktr.ee/t8_outdoorsman  

In this WYSO Youth Radio episode, high schooler Tobias Ashlock interviews his mentor Tracey Schalk about navigating life with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita (AMC).

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Trish Brookes who is a Spinal Cord Injury Survivor and Disability Advocate. We chatted about the sequence of events that led to her spinal cord injury, Trish's work fundraising for the Spinal Injuries Association, and the impact the SIA has on the spinal cord injury community in the UK. We also talked about some of the fundraising adventures she's had up to this point, including diving with sharks, rifle shooting competitions, reppelling down a 100 foot building, and this year's upcoming challenge of competing in a Marvel Superhero themed triathlon. Connect with Trish and the Spinal Injuries Association at the links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!! Trish Brookes: IG: @trish.brookes.3       @spinal_injuries FB: @trish.brookes.3       @spinalinjuriesassociation https://www.justgiving.com/page/trish-brookes-7?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=IG  

About this episode:  Medicaid cuts from the recent budget reconciliation law are raising fears of cutbacks among Americans with disabilities who rely on the program for services that allow them to live independently. In this episode: Demi Eckhoff, who has a rare form of muscular dystrophy, and who relies on Medicaid in North Carolina, explains the uncertainty and what people with disabilities are doing to advocate for themselves. Guest: Demi Eckhoff, MPH, is a disability advocate, a registered dietitian, and an incoming doctoral student at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Host: Dr. Josh Sharfstein is vice dean for public health practice and community engagement at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a faculty member in health policy, a pediatrician, and former secretary of Maryland's Health Department. Show links and related content: Disabled Americans Fear What Medicaid Cuts Could Do to Them—New York Times Five Ways the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill' Could Make It More Difficult to Get Health Insurance in N.C.—The Assembly America's Caregiver Crisis—Public Health On Call (July 2025) The Potential Impacts of Cuts To Medicaid—Public Health On Call (March 2025) Transcript information: Click here for a transcript of this episode. Contact us: Have a question about something you heard? Looking for a transcript? Want to suggest a topic or guest? Contact us via email or visit our website. Follow us: @‌PublicHealthPod on Bluesky @‌JohnsHopkinsSPH on Instagram @‌JohnsHopkinsSPH on Facebook @‌PublicHealthOnCall on YouTube Here's our RSS feed Note: These podcasts are a conversation between the participants, and do not represent the position of Johns Hopkins University.

The Smart 7 is an award winning daily podcast, in association with METRO that gives you everything you need to know in 7 minutes, at 7am, 7 days a week...With over 18 million downloads and consistently charting, including as No. 1 News Podcast on Spotify, we're a trusted source for people every day and the Sunday 7 won a Gold Award as “Best Conversation Starter” in the International Signal Podcast Awards If you're enjoying it, please follow, share, or even post a review, it all helps...Today's episode includes the following guests:Guests Yuji Iwasawa - The President on the International Court of Justice, The HagueRalph Regenvanu - Climate Minister for the Pacific Island State of Vanuatu Antonio Guterres - UN Secretary General Will Guyatt - The Smart 7's Tech Guru Tilly Lockey - Influencer, Disability Advocate and Bionic Woman Michael Shanks MP - UK Energy Minister Paul DeGedler - Shark Conservation Activist and host of “How to Survive a Shark Attack”Kinga Philipps - Travel journalist and host of “Dancing with the Sharks”Jessica Toale MP - Member of Cross Party Lobby Group for DES Victims Professor Karen Millinger - Expert in Neuro Imaging at the University of Nottingham Hans Skov - Board member of the organisation Stork Denmark Contact us over @TheSmart7pod or visit www.thesmart7.com or find out more at www.metro.co.uk Presented by Ciara Revins, written by Liam Thompson, researched by Lucie Lewis and produced by Daft Doris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we were lucky enough to visit with Disability Advocate, Racecar Driver, and Spinal Cord Injury Survivor; Torsten Gross. I spoke to Torsten about the diving accident in The Bahamas that left him paralyzed more than 30 years ago, how he became the world's first paralyzed rescue diver, and the unique story of how he became a racecar driver and the fire that lived under him to start the Just Hands Foundation to bring that experience to other people battling with mobility issues. We also talked about the new Amazon documentary series releasing on 7/31, Just Hands: For the Love of Racing. We also discussed the just hands foundation venturing into mountain bike riding, and the amazing bikes and wheelchairs that Bowhead Reach is making Connect with Torsten and the Just Hands Foundation at the links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!! Torsten Gross/Just Hands Foundation: https://www.torstengross.com/ https://www.justhands.org/ IG: @torstenfgross      @justhandsfoundation FB:  @torstenfgross        @justhandsfoundation YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@justhands  

In this episode, we are joined by romance author, disability advocate, and writer of “fiercely inclusive happy endings,” Evie Mitchell! Evie is the author of multiple series across many romance subgenres, including small-town romance, biker romance, bodyguard romance. Her small-town romance series, All Access, focuses on disabled characters as romantic leads! We had a wonderful conversation with Evie and are excited to share this episode during Disability Pride Month. We asked Evie about her journey to becoming an author, why she got into indie publishing, learn more about her personal experiences have influenced her writing, talk about what inclusivity means to her (and to us), touch on the importance of sensitivity readers, expert readers, and editors, and much more! Visit Evie's website to learn more and check out Evie's books on Kobo.

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Michelle Keshk who is a Spinal Cord Injury Survivor, Disability Advocate, Artist, and Ambassador Coordinator at the Triumph Foundation. We talked to Michelle about the freak accident that left her paralyzed, documenting her journey through this injury on social media, and how she doesn't let the injury get in the way of living her best life. We also chatted about how she connected with the Triumph Foundation, using her artwork as therapy, and the importance of the art she makes through her business Begin Within Creations. Connect with Michelle at her social media links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!! Michelle Keshk/Begin Within Creations: IG:  @meesh.peace       @beginwithincreations       @beginwithinbodyart www.etsy.com/shop/BeginWithinCreations   FB: @michellekeshk TikTok: @meeshpeace

Hi Team, I’m under the PhD pump at the moment, but I’ll be back tomorrow with a brand new ep. Today we’re revisiting one of my favourite chats and favourite people Dr. Dinesh Palipana, who since this recording was named Queensland, Australian of the Year (2021). *Medical Doctor, Lawyer, Disability Advocate, Researcher, TED Speaker and Order of Australia recipient Dinesh Palipana does life from a wheelchair because half way through his medical training, a car accident left him a quadriplegic. He is a truly remarkable human with a truly remarkable story. For me, this conversation was a privilege and if there was an ounce of self-pity in me before this podcast, it’s definitely gone now. If you know someone who needs some inspiration, hope and maybe perspective, please share this with them. Enjoy. youtube.com/watch?v=9GxtQo1Xj-sSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the opportunity to visit with friend of the podcast, Tyler Dunham. Tyler is a Wheelchair Bodybuilder, Disability Advocate, Stem Cell Recipient, and a Spinal Cord Injury Survivor. I spoke with Tyler about taking part in the 2025 NPC Wheelchair Nationals Bodybuilding competition, how he's been feeling a year or so after receiving stem cells, his continuing goal of checking out wheelchair accommodations that NFL and NBA arenas, and his future plans and bodybuilding and in life. Connect with Tyler at his Instagram link below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!! Tyler Dunham: IG: @tyler_duhman90

Our guest this week is Peter Gerhardt of Rich Hill Park, NJ who is executive director at EPIC Schools located in Paramus, NJ, author of dozens of publications and books, an internationally recognized Autism expert and outspoken advocate for the disability community.Peter has three degrees from Rutgers University: a BA in Psychology, an EdM in Special Education, and a PhD in Education Psychology and Special Education. He has dedicated his life to researching Autism and serving the disability community.  He has developed workshops and given hundreds of presentations domestically and internationally.  Some of his publications include: Make it Meaningful: Creating Programs that Matter into Adulthood for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders (2024).Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series (2022).Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism: Can We Improve Outcomes? (2022) Social Skill and Adaptive Behavior Intervention with Learners with Autism (2013). Peter also served as a consultant for the widely respected documentary In A Different Key (2021) co-producers: Caren Zucker, John Donovan & Ray Conley with music by Wynston Marsalis.Given the scope of Peter's work we decided to split his interview into two parts. This is part #2. Show Links:Phone – (210) 576-0600Email – PGerhardt@epicschool.orgLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-gerhardt-112a4b29/Website - https://www.epicschool.org/Organization for Autism Research (OAR) - https://researchautism.org/Books – - Make it Meaningful: Creating Programs that Matter into Adulthood for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders - Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series - Publication- Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents and Young Adults  with Autism: Can We Improve Outcomes?. Movie – https://www.inadifferentkeythemovie.com/Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Brandon Parkes who is a Disability Advocate, Digital Creator, Spinal Cord Injury Survivor, and a Twitch Streamer. We talked to Brandon about the rare infection that caused damage to his spinal cord and left him paralyzed at the T5/6 level, his love of wheelchair basketball, and the content he's putting out from gaming to comedy to motivation for other people dealing with an SCI. Connect with Brandon at his social media links below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!!   Brandon Parkes: IG: @professorparkes Twitter: @professorparkes Twitch: @professorparkes12 Tik-Tok: @professorparkes_               @professorparkesclips  

“Don't be afraid to ask for help, because we all do better when we all do better.” – Jenna Udenberg Today's featured author is a former music educator, accessibility educator, disability activist, and the founder of the non-profit, Above & Beyond With U, Jenna Udenberg. Jenna and I had a fun on a bun chat about her book, “Within My Spokes: A Tapestry of Pain, Growth & Freedom”, navigating the world as a manual wheelchair user since age eight, her shift from music education to disability advocacy, challenging assumptions, and more!!Key Things You'll Learn:What inspired Jenna to become an authorHow her teaching skills and lived experience inform her work in accessibility and nonprofit leadershipTerms to avoid and the advocacy for respectful terminologyWhy finding joy in creative activities and building supportive communities is a mustJenna's Site: https://www.aboveandbeyondwithu.org/Jenna's Book: https://a.co/d/5O957BAThe opening track is titled, “North Wind and the Sun” by Trevin P. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://compilationsforhumanity.bandcamp.com/track/north-wind-and-the-sunPlease support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonThe Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awotYou May Also Like…Ep. 844 – Different But Special with Owen Rex Daughtry (@daughtry_owen): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-844-different-but-special-with-owen-rex-daughtry-daughtry_owen/Ep. 494 – “Living With Cerebral Palsy & Inspiring Others to Achieve the Extraordinary” with Christopher Powell (@overcomelimits): https://shorturl.at/k5evfEp. 344.5 – “Poohlicious” with Mary Elizabeth Jackson (@Mary_E_Jackson): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-3445-poohlicious-with-mary-elizabeth-jackson-mary_e_jackson/Ep. 385 – “From Wheels to Heals” with Barby Ingle (@BarbyIngle): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-385-from-wheels/Ep. 471 – “How to Turn Suffering Into Something Good” with Darci Steiner (@DarciJSteiner): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-471-how-to-turn-suffering-into-something-good-with-darci-steiner-darcijsteiner/

Our guest this week is Peter Gerhardt of Rich Hill Park, NJ who is executive director at EPIC Schools located in Paramus, NJ, author of dozens of publications and books, an internationally recognized Autism expert and outspoken advocate for the disability community.Peter has three degrees from Rutgers University: a BA in Psychology, an EdM in Special Education, and a PhD in Education Psychology and Special Education. He has dedicated his life to researching Autism and serving the disability community.  He has developed workshops and given hundreds of presentations domestically and internationally.  Some of his publications include: Make it Meaningful: Creating Programs that Matter into Adulthood for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders (2024).Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series (2022).Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents and Young Adults with Autism: Can We Improve Outcomes? (2022) Social Skill and Adaptive Behavior Intervention with Learners with Autism (2013). Peter also served as a consultant for the widely respected documentary In A Different Key (2021) co-producers: Caren Zucker, John Donovan & Ray Conley with music by Wynston Marsalis.Given the scope of Peter's work we decided to split his interview into two parts. This is part #1. Show Links:Phone – (210) 576-0600Email – PGerhardt@epicschool.orgLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-gerhardt-112a4b29/Website - https://www.epicschool.org/Organization for Autism Research (OAR) - https://researchautism.org/Books – - Make it Meaningful: Creating Programs that Matter into Adulthood for Learners with Autism and Related Disorders - Handbook of Quality of Life for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism and Child Psychopathology Series - Publication- Transition to Adulthood for Adolescents and Young Adults  with Autism: Can We Improve Outcomes?. Movie – https://www.inadifferentkeythemovie.com/Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

Empowering Advocacy: A Deep Dive with Isaac Harvey In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson welcomes Isaac Harvey MBE, an influential disability advocate, entrepreneur, and content creator. Isaac shares his inspiring journey from East London, living with limb pelvic hypoplasia and other conditions, to becoming a leading voice in the disability community. The conversation explores Isaac's accomplishments, including his role as President of Wheels and Wheelchairs, his awards, and his viral impact on LinkedIn. They discuss challenges and triumphs in accessibility, community support, and the power of storytelling in advocacy. Isaac's insights offer a powerful message of resilience, independence, and the importance of breaking down societal barriers for people with disabilities. Minute Markers and Must-Know Points 00:00 Introduction to Pushing Forward with Alycia 00:25 Meet Isaac Harvey: Disability Advocate and Influencer 02:14 Isaac's Early Life and Overcoming Challenges 05:17 Accessibility in London and Personal Experiences 08:42 Wheels and Wheelchairs: Skating from Brighton to Paris 17:55 Advocacy and Recognition: Awards and Impact 24:20 Future Goals and Ongoing Projects 27:31 Advice for the Younger Generation 30:30 Conclusion and Final Thoughts A Quote from Isaac “Pushing out of your comfort zone really helps you grow and become a better advocate.” ~ Isaac Harvey MBE What This Episode Unpacked

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Jerod Nieder who is a Disability Advocate, a Spinal Cord Injury Survivor, and a Disability Consultant among many other titles you could put on him. We spoke to Jerod about the diving accident that left him paralyzed in Mexico, immersing himself in SCI research and the subsequent trials he participated in after his injury, and starting his consulting company Positively Paralyzed. We also chatted about his relationship with his beautiful wife Hanna and having their wedding documented on the Love Stories TV Youtube channel, competing in the 2021 and 2022 New York City marathons using his hand cycle, and the PositivelyFit Wheelchair Guided Workouts he does on his YouTube channel. Connect with Jerod on his social media channels!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!! Jerod Nieder/Positively Paralyzed: IG: @positivelyparalyzed  https://positivelyparalyzed.org/ Twitter: @PstvlyPrlyzd FB: @positivelyparalyzed  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@positivelyparalyzed Jerod & Hanna's Wedding Story:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wv1RWOkPzXQ&list=PLCcjPP2aelyMWaLU0YeA1kfQoqJknVx6Y

Our guest this week is Rebekah Taussig of Shawnee, KS who is a mother, wife, author, podcast host, outspoken advocate for those with disability and who, herself is a paraplegic.  Rebekah and her husband, Micah have been married for seven years and are the proud parents of Otto, who is typical five year old. Rebekah was diagnosed with spine cancer at age one and due to multiple surgeries lost her ability to walk at age four.  She was the youngest of six children and despite her disability, still slept on the top bunk upstairs in her family home.  She credits much of her success and resilience to her parents and siblings, who didn't treat her any differently.  Prior to Otto's birth, Rebekah was a high school English and Literature teacher.  Rebekah combined her PhD in Creative Non-Fiction & Disability Studies from University of Kansas, with her passion for writing to author Sitting Pretty: The View From My Ordinary, Resilient Disabled Body (2020). and more recently, a children's book entitled: We Are the Scrappy Ones (2025).More recently Rebekah has partnered with Caitlin Metz to host the Scratch That: Parenting & Re-Parenting Off Script Podcast, now with more than 50 episodes. It's an uplifting story about family and a woman's resilience all on this episode of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast. Show Notes -Phone – (913) 940-1714Email – rebekahgracetaussig@gmail.comLinkedIn –  https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebekah-g-taussig-458668139/Website - https://www.rebekahtaussig.com/Books - Sitting Pretty: The View From My Ordinary, Resilient Disabled Body - https://tinyurl.com/mv4nc9tkWe Are The Scrappy Ones - https://tinyurl.com/49h7rdb4Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  SFN Mastermind Group - https://21stcenturydads.org/sfn-mastermind-group/

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the pleasure of speaking with Martin Quinn who is a Disability Advocate, Spinal Cord Injury Survivor, and a Defier of Odds. We caught up with Martin just after he completed the Boston Marathon working with the Christopher and Dana Reeve's Foundation to raise money for spinal cord injury research. We talked about the illness that left him temporarily paralyzed from the waist down 25 years ago, still dealing with some issues from the SCI while outwardly looking completely healed, and the thrill of being able to raise money for SCI research and the perspective that gives him having dealt with the injury. Connect with Martin at the Instagram link below!! Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!! Martin Quinn: @martinquinn2207 https://www.givengain.com/project/martin-raising-funds-for-christopher-and-dana-reeve-foundation-89096 https://www.youtube.com/shorts/hIv464E8hGI

A recent survey surprisingly found only 41% of physicians were “very confident” about their ability to provide equal quality care to patients with a disability. Megan Morris, Ph.D., and her allies are trying to figure out why and how to boost that percentage. STAT News' STATUS List recently added Morris to its prestigious collection of influencers because of her role as founder of the Disability Equity Collaborative. In an interview with “Conversations on Health Care” hosts Mark Masselli and Margaret... Read More Read More The post Healthcare Disability Advocate, Fueled by Personal Experience: Megan Morris appeared first on Healthy Communities Online.

A recent survey surprisingly found only 41% of physicians were “very confident” about their ability to provide equal quality care to patients with a disability. Megan Morris, Ph.D., and her allies are trying to figure out why and how to boost that percentage. STAT News' STATUS List recently added Morris to its prestigious collection of […] The post Healthcare Disability Advocate, Fueled by Personal Experience: Megan Morris appeared first on Healthy Communities Online.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our guest this week is Jamiel Owens, of Hatfield, PA who is a volunteer firefighter, advocate for those with disability, founder of Ausomeness Inc. and a father of two, including a son who is autistic.Jamiel and his wife, Marta Santa, have been married for 5 years and you are the proud father of two children: Alejandro (3) and Shane (16), who is Autistic.With little more than a GED, Jamiel has become a disability advocate and role model for others raising children with disability.  Through Ausomeness, Inc. Jamiel has created a social enterprise that provides education, empowerment, engagement, and support to families of children with autism.We also learn about Jamiel's faith, his overcoming the issue of father absence in his youth and how that has informed him about the importance of being present. All on this episode of the SFN Dad to Dad Podcast.Show LinksPhone – (445) 247-2071Email – owensjd@chop.eduLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiel-owens-75a985213/Website - https://ausomenessinc.com/Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/ausomenessinc/Register for the 6th Annual SFN Dads Virthual Conference on May 10, 2025: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/TLkN_ViJTTqnaK-M8pHPNA After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.Special Fathers Network -SFN is a dad to dad mentoring program for fathers raising children with special needs. Many of the 800+ SFN Mentor Fathers, who are raising kids with special needs, have said: "I wish there was something like this when we first received our child's diagnosis. I felt so isolated.  There was no one within my family, at work, at church or within my friend group who understood or could relate to what I was going through."SFN Mentor Fathers share their experiences with younger dads closer to the beginning of their journey raising a child with the same or similar special needs. The SFN Mentor Fathers do NOT offer legal or medical advice, that is what lawyers and doctors do. They simply share their experiences and how they have made the most of challenging situations.Check out the 21CD YouTube Channel with dozens of videos on topics relevant to dads raising children with special needs - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzDFCvQimWNEb158ll6Q4cA/videosPlease support the SFN. Click here to donate: https://21stcenturydads.org/donate/Special Fathers Network: https://21stcenturydads.org/  

Paralympian, and unapologetic voice for change—Al Viney joins ListenABLE hosts Dylan Alcott and Angus O'Loughlin for a bold conversation about disability, elite sport/rowing, and the systems that still need fixing. "Differentiating between an injury was bad and my disability is not bad". Al breaks down what really happens after a life-changing injury, from navigating inaccessible medical language to challenging the rules of Paralympic classification. She shares the highs and hard truths of competing on the world stage, and why the separation between the Paralympics and Olympics still needs to be discussed. This episode cuts through the fluff—touching on adaptive tech, sport governance, the realities of drunk driving, and what meaningful inclusion actually looks like in healthcare and high performance sport. Whether you're in the disability space or just catching up, this one’s essential listening. Want to support Al? Check our the links below! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/al.viney/ Mazenod Panthers All Ability Football Club Watch the Full Episode with Captions Here: https://youtu.be/56OY2SgJ4AcGrab our first merch release at our website Session in Progress.https://fromyourpocket.com.au/work/listenable/merch Recorded, edited and produced by Angus' Podcast Company: www.sessioninprogress.com.auSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Live to Walk Again Podcast we had the honor of speaking with Christa Jo Cairus ( @roll_andsparkle ) who is a Disability Advocate, Author, Mother, Wife, Spinal Cord Injury Survivor among so many other titles. We talk about how Christa suffered a spinal cord injury, the abuse she dealt with four and after the injury at the hands of her former fiancé, and how she was able to finally escape that abuse. We also discussed the two books she's written; Beautiful Survivor: Escaping the Statistics and Turning Adversity into Glitter and the inspiration behind writing them and getting her story out there, and discussed her weight loss journey. Connect with Christa at her social media links below and check out the two books she's written at the Amazon links. Please listen, like, rate, review, and share the podcast!! We're just trying to find a cure for paralysis!! Christa Jo Cairus: IG: @roll_andsparkle FB: https://www.facebook.com/christa.j.sexton https://www.instagram.com/p/DEh6n4Dowa0/   Books: Beautiful Survivor: Escaping the Statistics https://a.co/d/dq8BIx1   Turning Adversity into Glitter https://a.co/d/iWFBHvt  

In this week's episode I sat down with Mark Povinelli. Mark is an activist as well as an actor on stage and screen. He is currently portraying Benjamin Lay, shepherd, sailor, revolutionary, the British Empire's first revolutionary abolitionist, and someone whose story for too long has not been told, in the Off-Broadway production of The Return of Benjamin Lay. We discuss who Benjamin Lay was, how this show came to be, the importance of telling this story at this time, much more. Join The Patreon: Click Here Get your tickets to see The Return Of Benjamin Lay (Use the discount code"LPA"): Here Follow The Return Of Benjamin Lay Play: Instagram: @benlayplay Follow Mark: Instagram: @markpovinelli IMDb: Mark Povinelli Follow Me: Instagram: @jill_ilana , @alwayslookingup.podcast TikTok: @jillian_ilana Website: https://www.jillianilana.com Email: alwayslookingup227@gmail.com Read With Me: Goodreads The StoryGraph Relief For Disabled People Impacted By The Los Angeles Fires: Richard Devylder Disaster Relief Fund: https://disabilitydisasteraccess.org/rd-relief-fund/ United Spinal Disaster Relief Grant: https://unitedspinal.org/disaster-relief-grant/ Inevitable Foundation Emergency Relief Fund: https://www.inevitable.foundation/erf This episode was edited and produced by Ben Curwin

Rabia Khedr is a passionate advocate for equity, justice, and inclusion, particularly for people with disabilities and diverse communities. She's served on the Accessibility Standards Canada board, the Ontario Human Rights Commission, and the Minister's Disability Advisory Group. As the National Director of Disability Without Poverty and CEO of DEEN Support Services, she's also a co-founder of Race and Disability Canada. Rabia, a motivational speaker, has earned awards like the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for her humanitarian work.

In this episode, I have the pleasure of chatting with Jayne Mattingly, an inspiring figure in the realms of chronic illness and disability advocacy. We dive into the concept of body grief and explore its seven stages, offering insights and strategies that can resonate deeply with those living with multiple sclerosis (MS). Jane shares her personal and professional journey, highlighting how acknowledging body grief can lead to healthier coping mechanisms and a more resilient approach to managing chronic illnesses. Our discussion provides valuable perspectives aimed at improving your quality of life with MS while navigating the challenges it may bring. Tune in for a heartfelt and insightful conversation filled with expertise and encouragement for your MS journey! About our guest: Jayne Mattingly, 33, is an Eating Disorder therapist turned, Chronic Illness and Disability Advocate, Author and Body Acceptance social Media Influencer and Artist. Jayne is a leader who speaks up for those that are disabled, chronically ill, struggling with eating disorders, and/or mental illness. Her vulnerable, open, and honest content breaks barriers for those who are left out and unseen in an ableist-focused world. She holds a Master's Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, specializing in eating disorder recovery and body image struggles. Jayne candidly shares her learnings, hardships, and growth, all while breaking stigmas and normalizing body grief. Her content, mission, upcoming book; This is Body Grief (published by Penguin Random House) and newsletter, Body Grief (on Substack), non-profit, provide a safe space and support for an unseen and unheard community. Jayne is also newly disabled by her progressive and degenerative illnesses; Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, intracranial hypertension, and now a severe allergy to the metal that has been implanted in her body and as a result has had more than 19 brain procedures and total hysterectomy. She relies on her rollator, wheel chair and her service dog Wheatie. Jayne is a Chicago, Illinois, native and now lives in Charleston, South Carolina, with her husband and pets. Connect with Jayne: Website: https://www.jaynemattingly.com/ Resources mentioned in the episode: Jayne's book, This Is Body Grief - https://www.jaynemattingly.com/the-book Jayne's substack: https://jaynemattingly.substack.com/ Additional Resources: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/insider Reach out to Me: hello@doctorgretchenhawley.com Website: www.MSingLink.com Social: ★ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/mswellness ★ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.gretchen ★ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/doctorgretchenhawley?sub_confirmation=1 → Game Changers Course: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/GameChangersCourse → Total Core Program: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TotalCoreProgram → The MSing Link: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/TheMSingLink

Send us a textIn this inspiring episode of the Starter Girlz podcast, host Jennifer Loehding interviews Alyssa Cleland, an amputee advocate and influential social media creator. Alyssa shares her powerful journey of disability advocacy, resilience, and authentic content creation. The conversation explores disability representation, breaking stigmas, social media authenticity, and inclusive content strategies. Listeners will learn about navigating challenges as a person with a disability, building an engaged online community, and the importance of disability education and awareness. Alyssa's story demonstrates how embracing your unique journey can create meaningful impact and opportunities for positive change in the digital landscape.TakeawaysAuthenticity on social media creates genuine connections—Alyssa's real-life experiences as an amputee resonate deeply with her audience.Breaking disability stigmas through education and visibility is central to Alyssa's mission as an advocate.Living with a disability presents challenges but also unique opportunities for impact and personal growth.Creating positive online communities requires balancing vulnerability with boundaries.Alyssa's journey from para-dressage athlete to disability advocate demonstrates how embracing your unique story can lead to meaningful influence.

The Americans with Disabilities Act is unquestionably in the premiere class of landmark legislation in American History. On this episode, Greg sits down with the original author and co-sponsor of the ADA -- avid disability rights advocate, the Honourable Tony Coelho, former Representative from California. Tony first introduced the ADA alongside Senator Lowell Weicker in the 100th Congress in 1988 and battled the red tape, opposition and criticism to finally get the bill passed and signed into law by President George H.W. Bush in 1990.  Greg is joined by his Talk About It partner Ken Lowenberg to talk with Tony about his personal history with epilepsy, how the bill came into existence, the importance of enforcing the ADA by presidential administrations, and the dangers of stigma. This episode is so important to listen to, because it's easy to overlook how widespread the impact of the ADA is, touching every American in ways that might be subtle or even hidden. Don't miss it! The Talk About It podcast is excited to be sponsored in part by Neurelis. The Talk About It podcast is excited to sponsored in part by Seizures Are Signs — dedicated to educating families on the importance of early and specific diagnosis by providing an assessment to help get the conversation started, educational information, stories from families who have found a diagnosis, links to advocacy groups, and more. For more information, go to SeizuresAreSigns.com. Seizures are Signs is made available by Jazz Pharmaceuticals.

*Trigger warning: mention of suicide Dan reunites with Jonathan Mooney, an award-winning writer, activist, and friend. Their conversation is an intensely personal and rich discussion about purpose, service, disability, difference, and ultimately, humanity. Jonathan is a Neurodiversity and Disability Advocate with dyslexia and ADHD who did not learn to read until he was twelve years old. He shares intimate stories about his parents, his challenges, and his deep purpose to change the world's view of differences. Dan and Jonathan challenge us all to collectively work towards equity by focusing on asking “What is right with you?” and not “What is wrong with you?” because every individual has value intrinsically. Every. Single. Human. An activist and writer, Jonathan aims to shift cultural perceptions of neurodivergence and disability away from the traditional pathology model and towards a social justice-centric model that embraces different experiences across the human continuum. Jonathan has spent his professional career as a social entrepreneur helping improve the lives of marginalized groups. At Brown University, he co-founded Project Eye-To-Eye, a non-profit advocacy organization for students with learning differences and currently, he is co-founder of The Divergent Fund, a venture philanthropy investing in high-impact social ventures that support and empower neurodivergent individuals and their families. For more information jonathanmooney.com and follow @thejonathanmooney on Instagram. Please listen, follow, rate, and review Make It a Great One on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts. Follow @drdanpeters on social media. Visit www.drdanpeters.com and send your questions or guest pitches to podcast@drdanpeters.com. We have this moment, this day, and this life—let's make it a great one. – Dr. Dan Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices