Explore every episode of the podcast Disability Matters
Dive into the complete episode list for Disability Matters. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.
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Title
Pub. Date
Duration
Preety Kumar: Disability Advocate and Business Leader Discusses Commitment to Accessible Websites for All People with Disabilities
25 août 2026
00:54:01
Joyce welcomes Ms. Preety Kumar, Founder and CEO of Deque Systems to the show. Ms. Kumar established Deque Systems in 1999 with the vision of unifying web access from both the user and technology perspectives. Under her leadership, Deque has grown into a market leader, serving enterprise and government clients such as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Education, Humana, Intuit, HSBC, and Target. During the show Ms. Kumar will discuss her commitment to providing accessible websites for all people with disabilities.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Nisha Agarwal/Abby Mayeroff: Mission of Mayors Office of New York City
18 août 2026
00:55:43
Joyce welcomes Nisha Agarwal, Commissioner, and Abby Mayerhoff, Director of Programs for the New York City Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD), to the show. Among the topics discussed will be the various achievements of the MOPD and the long-term goals for the MOPD in the areas of transportation, employment, and the importance of voting rights for New Yorkers with disabilities.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
John F Walsh III/Andrew Houghton: A New Era for iDisability®: Growth Insights
11 août 2026
00:54:36
Joyce welcomes iDisability's®, Chief Executive Officer, John F. Walsh III and Co-Founder, Andrew Houghton, back to the show. Discussed will be the mission of iDisability® and its growth since its founding in 2016. Recent product enhancements, including an artificial intelligence solution, AskJoyce AI, will also be discussed.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Chaz Kellem: Allegheny County Disability Advocate Discusses New Appointment to PA Governor's Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities
04 août 2026
00:57:47
Joyce welcomes Allegheny County Disability Advocate, Chaz Kallem, to the show. Chaz will discuss his latest appointment to PA Governor Josh Shapiro's newly established Governor's Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities and what it means to him to be a part of this prestigious group impacting the lives of Pennsylvanians with disabilities. The Commission's purpose is to recommend policy changes across the disabilities spectrum, engage with federal/state/local agencies, communicate Administration initiatives to the public, and compile information on programs, funding, and additional supports to create an inclusive resource for individuals with disabilities and their family members across Pennsylvania.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
AAPD Commemorating the 36th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act with Steadfast Commitment to Fight for Disability Rights for All Americans with Disabilities
28 juil. 2026
00:56:37
As part of Disability Pride Month, Joyce welcomes Maria Town President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) to the show. The AAPD is a national disability-led and cross-disability rights organization, AAPD advocates for full civil rights for over 60 million Americans with disabilities. AAPD does this by promoting equal opportunity, economic power, independent living, and political participation. Ms. Town will discuss the mission of this organization in depth and how it preserves the legacy of the ADA 36 years from its passage and continues to advocate for the rights of all Americans with disabilities.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Senator Tom Harkin and Dr. Victor Santiago Pineada Celebrate Disability Pride Month and Discuss Current Advocacy
21 juil. 2026
00:59:38
As part of Disability Pride Month, Joyce welcomes former Senator Tom Harkin back to the show. Senator Harkin will reflect on the significance of the 36th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. Senator Harkin will share his thoughts on the work that still needs done to advance the lives of Americans with disabilities. Joining Senator Harkin will be Dr. Victor Santiago Pineda. Dr. Pineda is the Executive Director of the Center for Independent Living (CIL) in Berkeley, California, —the world's first independent living center, founded in 1972 by Ed Roberts and other pioneering disability rights activists. Both men will share their insight into the importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act and how we need to continue to advocate for the rights of Americans with disabilities 35 years after its passage. In addition, Dr. Pineda will highlight his advocacy work on behalf of people with disabilities.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the FDR Memorial in Washington, DC
14 juil. 2026
00:58:21
Joyce welcomes Helena Berger, Chair of the FDR Memorial Foundation's Board of Directors and Mary E. Dolan, Executive Director, to the show. The guests will discuss the 25th Anniversary of The FDR Memorial which helps preserve the memory of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt's catalytic involvement in issues of equality and freedom – especially for people with disabilities.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
The Honorable Tony Coelho, Author of the Americans with Disabilities Act-Congressman Steny Hoyer
07 juil. 2026
00:56:48
Joyce welcomes former United States Congressman and author of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the ADA Amendments Act, Tony Coelho and Congressman Steny Hoyer of Maryland to the show. Discuss on the show will be the journey to pass the Americans with Disabilities Act and the ADA Amendments Act. Also discussed will be the current effort to pass comprehensive website accessibility legislation for all people with visual disabilities.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
John F. Walsh, III: Value of iDisability Platform and Impact of AI
30 juin 2026
00:54:48
Joyce John F. Walsh III, Chief Executive Officer of iDisability, to the show. iDisability is an e-learning platform serving more than four million business users with training on compliance, engagement, and retention of customers and employees with disabilities. Mr. Walsh will discuss the product in depth, along with new product enhancements. Additionally, he will discuss the impact of AI on the product and how this will assist customers in revolutionizing their approach to disability training.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Ty Herndon: Country Music Superstar Discusses Memoir
23 juin 2026
00:55:02
"Writing What Mattered Most has been one of the most vulnerable and rewarding experiences of my life. This book is my truth—the highs, the heartbreaks, the lessons, and the love that have shaped me as a man, an artist, and a survivor." Joyce welcomes back country music superstar, Ty Herndon, to the show. Mr. Herndon will discuss his new memoir, What Mattered Most. He will share his struggles with addiction and mental health, becoming the first openly gay male country superstar in a traditionally conservative industry, and the resilience it took to endure more than three decades in the music industry. Mr. Herndon emerged out of those darkest hours with a renewed sense of purpose with his most personal song, God or the Gun.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Jeff Wissel: Internationally Recognized Accessibility Leader Helps Making Accessibility the Standard for All Businesses
16 juin 2026
00:58:14
Joyce welcomes Internationally Recognized Accessibility Leader, Jeff Wissel, to the show. Mr. Wissel will discuss career highlights, including being the first ever Chief Accessibility Officer for Disability:IN and spearheading the groundbreaking Procure Access Initiative, which drives systemic change by making accessibility non-negotiable in procurement practices. He is a trailblazing strategist and inclusion champion who partners with Fortune 500 companies to embed accessibility and disability inclusion into the DNA of their business strategies.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Sara Innamorato/Caylin Snyder: Allegheny County's Commitment to Meet the Needs of Residents Living with Disabilities
09 juin 2026
00:51:55
Joyce welcomes Sara Innamorato, County Executive for Allegheny County and Caylin Snyder, Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator for Allegheny County to the show. The guests will share the Administration's commitment to making sure the county meets the needs of its residents with disabilities.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Gerald Homme/Jill Zomp: Wide Range of Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities Available
02 juin 2026
00:57:22
Joyce welcomes Gerald Homme, Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition and Technology and Jill Zomp, Manager of Talent Acquisition with Bender Consulting Services, Inc., back to the show. A wide range of employment opportunities available at Bender Consulting Services for qualified people with disabilities will be discussed. Opportunities range from early career to leadership roles in healthcare, engineering, artificial intelligence, IT, and skilled trades, among others.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Kent Chevalier: Chaplain for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Keynote Speaker Discusses Passion to Encourage the Community
26 mai 2026
00:56:57
Joyce welcomes Kent Chevalier, keynote speaker and author of Do It Afraid to the show. Among the topics discussed will be the countless motivational speeches he has provided to organizations and companies as well as his role as Chaplain for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
John D. Kemp: Disability Rights Leader Discusses Mission of Lakeshore Foundation and Years of Dedication to Disability Rights
19 mai 2026
00:57:07
Joyce welcomes John D. Kemp, President and CEO of The Lakeshore Foundation to the show. The Lakeshore Foundation has become an internationally renowned organization, serving over 4,000 unique individuals annually through physical activity, sport, recreation, advocacy, policy, and research.
It serves as an Olympic and Paralympic Training Site, strengthening the ongoing commitment to the development of para sports.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Harvey Davis discusses his experience and perspectives on hiring and working with people with disabilities over his 40 year career.
12 mai 2026
00:49:11
Joyce welcomes Harvey Davis, Currently Director of Strategic Development for Service and Critical Support for MC Dean and Retired Senior Executive from the NSA.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Deborah Williamson: Vice President, IWSI Discusses Mission of Organization and Role
05 mai 2026
00:55:32
Joyce welcomes Deborah Williamson, Vice President, Institute for Workplace Skills and Innovation (IWSI) America. IWSI is a workforce development organization that collaborates with enterprising businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies. The organization provides technical assistance and program design to assist these entities in growing pipelines of talent and meeting dynamic workforce needs. Ms. Williamson will discuss the mission of the organization in depth and share her role.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Tracy Saula: Senior Vice President/Chief Product and Experience Officer for Highmark Health Shares Role with the Health Organization and Commitment to All Consumers
28 avr. 2026
00:56:32
Joyce welcomes Tracy Saula, Senior Vice President and Chief Product and Experience Officer of Highmark Health, a $32 billion blended health organization. This includes one of America's largest Blue Cross Blue Shield insurers and a growing regional hospital and physician network, to the show.
Ms. Saula will share details of her role with Highmark and her commitment to helping make the healthcare industry more manageable for all of Highmark's members, including those with disabilities.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Ari Ne'eman: American Disability Rights Activist /Professor at Department of Health Policy and Management, Harvard University Discusses Vast Career
21 avr. 2026
00:56:27
Joyce welcomes Ari Ne'eman an American disability rights activist. Ari is currently serving as an assistant professor of health policy and management at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He is well-known researcher who co-founded the Autistic Self Advocacy Network in 2006. On December 16, 2009, President Barack Obama announced that Ari would be appointed to the National Council on Disability. He chaired the Council's Policy & Program Evaluation Committee. He was the first autistic person to serve on the Council. In 2015, Ari left the National Council on Disability at the end of second term. He will share all this and more during the show.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Colin Killick: Executive Director of ASAN Shares Organization's Mission and Accomplishments
14 avr. 2026
00:53:54
Joyce welcomes welcomes Colin Killick, Executive Director of the Autistic Self-Advocacy Network (ASAN). This nonprofit organization is a national grassroots disability rights organization for the autistic community. It fights for disability rights and works to make sure autistic people are included in policymaking, so that laws and policies meet that community's needs. It also works to support all forms of self-advocacy and to change the perception of autism.
Members and supporters include autistic adults and youth, cross-disability advocates, and non-autistic family members, professionals, educators, and friends. Mr. Killick will highlight the accomplishments of this organization.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Elizabeth Karan, Fred Lado, Amanda Mitchell: Campaign for A National Plan for Epilepsy
07 avr. 2026
00:57:17
Joyce welcomes Elizabeth Karan, Principal, Artemis Policy Group, Fred Lado, Professor of Neurology & Director, Epilepsy Division, Northwell Health Eastern & Central Regions, and Amanda Mitchell, Executive Director, Epilepsy Alliance Louisiana to the show.
These guests are the core organizers of The National Plan for Epilepsy Committee, NPEC, designed to advocate for the creation of a National Plan for Epilepsy. More than 120 epilepsy-related organizations joined together to celebrate these efforts and urge members of Congress to co-sponsor and pass the bill. National plans exist for other neurological conditions and NPEC is lobbying to create a similar National Plan for Epilepsy.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Bobbi Watt Geer: President and CEO of United Way of Southwestern, PA Shares Mission and Accomplishments of Nonprofit Organization
31 mars 2026
00:52:12
Joyce welcomes Bobbi Watt Geer, President and CEO of the United Way of Southwestern, PA to the show. Ms. Geer will share the mission and accomplishments of this non-profit organization.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
CEO of NBDF Shares Mission of Organization and Lifelong Career Leading Various Impactful Nonprofit Organizations
24 mars 2026
00:55:09
Joyce welcomes Philip M. Gattone, the current President and CEO of the National Bleeding Disorder Foundation (NBDF) to the show. NBDF's core mission areas are research, education, and advocacy to improve the lives of people with inherited blood and bleeding disorders.
Mr. Gattone will expound on the mission of the organization and share more about his lifelong career leading various other impactful nonprofit organizations.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Laura Carlson: Executive Director of Development AGH Division of Brain & Spine Health Discusses Latest Advancements in Area of Specialized Healthcare
17 mars 2026
00:57:05
Joyce welcomes Laura Carlson, Executive Director of Development for Allegheny Health Network's Division of Brain & Spine Health, to the show. Among the topics discussed will be the latest advancements in the role of philanthropy in this area of specialized healthcare.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Joy Matoney: Vice President, Diversified Business & Growth Planning and Enablement for Highmark, Inc. Discusses Career/Commitment to Bender Partnership to Hire People with Disabilities
10 mars 2026
00:57:44
Joyce welcomes back to the show, Joy Matoney, Vice President, Diversified Businesses & Growth Planning and Enablement at Highmark, Inc. She will discuss her career at Highmark, Inc. and her commitment to the Bender partnership to hire people with disabilities.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Dr. Bridget Green: Associate Professor at Duquesne University Discusses Path to Rewarding Career Helping Students with Disabilities Achieve Success
03 mars 2026
00:56:56
Joyce welcomes Dr. Bridget Green, Associate Professor in the Department of Educational Foundations & Leadership in the School of Education and the Executive Director of the Institute for Disability Empowerment and Advocacy at Duquesne University.
Dr. Green will discuss her past association with Bender Consulting Services, Inc. and how that experience shaped her career upon graduation from Duquesne University, leading led to her current position at the university helping students with disabilities achieve their goals. She will also discuss her work as a Board member of the Bender Leadership Academy.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Christine Griffin: Her Long Career in Disability Advocacy
24 févr. 2026
00:57:17
Joyce is honored to have back as her guest Christine Griffin, a strong disability rights advocate and current Bender Consulting Services' Senior Search Specialist Consultant.
During the show, she will discuss her long career which, includes her past work as Commissioner of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and Deputy Director of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
She will also discuss her protection and advocacy work, her current work with Bender Consulting Services and the Bender Leadership Academy.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Shaunda McDill: Managing Director of the Pittsburgh Public Theater Discusses Passion for Public Theater and the Arts
17 févr. 2026
00:55:59
As Black History Month continues, Joyce welcomes back to the show, Shaunda McDill, Managing Director of the Pittsburgh Public Theater.
Among the topics discussed will be her passion for public theater productions, the arts, and Pittsburgh Public Theater's commitment to making productions accessible for individuals with disabilities.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Sam Estes: Executive Leader, Published Author, and Philanthropist Discusses Work in the Defense World, and Passion for Helping Youth with Disabilities
10 févr. 2026
00:53:49
Joyce back to the show, Sam Estes, an executive leader, published author, and philanthropist. Mr. Estes will discuss his long-standing career in the defense world and his passion for helping youth with disabilities.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Barãta Bey: President African American Chamber of Commerce of Western, PA Shares Mission of the Organization, and Its Latest Accomplishments to Enhance Business Growth
03 févr. 2026
00:53:59
To kick off February and Black History Month, Joyce welcomes Barãta Bey, President, African American Chamber of Commerce of Western, PA to the show. President Bey will share the mission of the organization and its latest accomplishments to enhance business growth.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Mark Sevco: President of AHN Shares Commitment to Help AHN Succeed in Competitive Industry and Continue Hiring People with Disabilities as Part of Its Workforce
27 janv. 2026
00:56:28
Joyce welcomes Mark Sevco, President of Allegheny Health Network (AHN) to the show. Mr. Sevco will share how he plans to continue to help AHN succeed in a competitive industry.
He will also share what it means to him to be selected as the 2026 King of the Mardi Gras sponsored by the Epilepsy Association of Western/Central PA.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Larry Kleinman: Executive VP and Chief Human Resources Officer of Highmark Health Shares Commitment to Continue Partnership with Bender Consulting Services, Inc., Hiring People with Disabilities as an Integral Part of Workforce.
20 janv. 2026
00:47:05
Joyce welcomes Larry Kleinman, Executive Vice-President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Highmark Health, back to the show. Mr. Kleinman will share the organization's commitment to continue partnering with Bender Consulting Services, Inc., to hire people with disabilities as an integral part of its workforce.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Karen Hanlon: President and COO of Highmark Health Shares Background and Insight into Current Health Care Trends
13 janv. 2026
00:56:43
Highmark month continues with Karen Hanlon, President and Chief Operating Officer. Ms. Hanlon will share her background and her role in the organization. She will also share her insights into current health care trends.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
David Holmberg: Highmark Grows Commitment to Hire People with Disabilities in 2026
06 janv. 2026
00:56:34
Joyce is starting 2026 with the returning champion of competitive employment for Americans with disabilities, David Holmberg, President, and CEO of Highmark Health and Chairman of the Board, Highmark, Inc. Mr. Holmberg launched an initiative in 2020 to hire 30 people with disabilities from Bender Consulting Services to honor the 30th anniversary of the signing of the ADA, called the Highmark 30/30. He and all of Highmark have continued this practice every year since and 2026 is no exception. During the show, he will talk about the initiative and how it happened. Additionally, Mr. Holmberg will discuss how the company plans to continue its unprecedented record of hiring people with disabilities in 2026. Highmark is a $19 billion-dollar integrated health care delivery organization with headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
2025, Maria Town, Jennifer Mathis, Christine Griffin
30 déc. 2025
00:56:48
Disability Matters Joyce welcomes Maria Town, President and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD), Jennifer Mathis, Deputy Director of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law and Christine Griffin, DisabilityAdvocate and former employee of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Office of Personnel Management to the show. Each guest will share their perspective on the status of the disability rights movement as we close out 2025.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Lisa Scales: President and CEO of The Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank Discusses the Value Services for the Under Privileged in the Area
23 déc. 2025
00:57:58
Joyce welcomes Lisa Scales, President and CEO of the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to the show. Ms. Scales will share the mission of this organization and impart upon the listeners the heightened importance of donating to the food bank during the holiday season as well as year-round.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Aaron Kellar: Owner and Long-Standing Producer/Engineer at VoiceAmerica Discusses Career and 20-Year Working Relationship with Host Joyce Bender
16 déc. 2025
00:54:34
Joyce welcomes Aaron Keller, Owner, VoiceAmerica Media and Producer/Engineer for Disability Matters with Joyce Bender at VoiceAmerica. Along with discussing his career, Aaron will share his reflections on having the pleasure of working with Joyce to bring her show to her loyal listeners for the past 20 years.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Dr. Calvin Troup: President of Geneva College Shares College Direction Under Fresh Leadership
09 déc. 2025
00:57:18
Joyce welcomes Dr. Calvin Troup, the current President of Geneva College. Among the topics discussed will be the direction he has taken the college under his leadership.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Charlie LaVallee: Retired CEO of Variety the Children's Charity and Child Advocate Discusses His Long Career with the Charity and His Long-Standing Friendship with Fred Rogers.
02 déc. 2025
00:54:56
Joyce welcomes Charlie LaVallee, former CEO of Variety the Children's Charity back to the show. Mr. LaValle will discuss his long career with this vital organization. With a mission to empower children with disabilities to live life to the fullest, Variety the Children's Charity provides life-changing mobility and communication equipment to ensure its most vulnerable kids are no longer left out, behind, or excluded. Mr. LaVallee will also share his special friendship with Fred Rogers tell how that friendship influenced his passion for helping children in his career and even into retirement.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Colleen Fulkerson, Andrea Zonneveld, and Logan Huwalt: Representatives from Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA (EAWCP) Discuss Importance of Educating Others About Epilepsy and Supporting Those Living with Epilepsy
25 nov. 2025
00:52:41
In recognition of November as National Epilepsy Awareness Month, Joyce welcomes Colleen Fulkerson, Senior Manager, Special Events and Andrea Zonneveld, Director of Community Education & Outreach from Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA (EAWCP) to the show.
Joining them will be Logan Huwalt, a Baldwin-Whitehall high school junior living with epilepsy. He is a valued advocate for people living with epilepsy and works hard to raise funds for the EAWCP. He will talk about his experiences living with epilepsy and what it means to him to have EAWCP's support for himself and for others living with epilepsy.
The guests will discuss the importance of educating others about epilepsy and supporting those who live with epilepsy.
Nanette (Nan) DeTurk: Career and Commitment to Finding Talented People with Disabilities in Healthcare Field
18 nov. 2025
00:56:05
Joyce welcomes Nanette (Nan) DeTurk, executive level leader with financial, strategic, and operational expertise in health care, insurance, and consumer product/service industries, to the show.
As the retired Executive Vice President, CFO & Strategy, Highmark Health, she will be discussing her extensive career in the healthcare industry. Additionally, Ms. DeTurk will discuss her commitment to finding talented people with disabilities to fill roles in the healthcare field.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
ENCORE: Louis Olander: Disability:IN Supports Veterans with Disabilities
11 nov. 2025
00:55:17
ENCORE PRESENTATION of May 27, 2025, Joyce welcomes Dr. Louis Olander, Ph.D., Director of Research and Veterans' Initiatives at Disability: IN. As a veteran and advocate, Dr. Olander will share his work with Disability:IN, and the ways in which the organization supports veterans with disabilities, in honor of Memorial Day.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Landis Wiedner: Leading Voice in Advancement of Epilepsy Research Discusses Latest Treatments for Those Living with Epilepsy
04 nov. 2025
00:57:00
As we enter National Epilepsy Awareness Month, Joyce welcomes Landis Wiedner one of the leading voices in epilepsy today. She's the founder and host of What the EF?, a top 10% global podcast which, was recognized by the California State Legislature with a Media Excellence Award. She will be discussing the latest advances in the treatment of epilepsy for those that are living with the condition.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Molly Burke: Multi-Hyphenate Creative Advocate for Others with Disabilities
28 oct. 2025
01:00:32
Responsible Joyce welcomes Molly Burke, a multi-hyphenate creative and advocate who uses her voice—on stage, on screen, and on the page—to educate, entertain, and drive meaningful change for the world. With over 5 million followers across social media, she has built a globally recognizable brand as a speaker, content creator, author, consultant, and model.
Diagnosed at age 4 with Retinitis Pigmentosa—a rare degenerative eye disease—Molly began public speaking just a year later, sparking a lifelong mission to amplify the voices of the disability community.
During the show, Ms. Burke will share her passion to be an advocate for others with disabilities.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Melissa Anderson: Highmark Health's Long-Standing Commitment to Its Partnership with Bender Consulting Services, Inc., to Hire People with Disabilities in Its Workforce
21 oct. 2025
00:55:05
Joyce welcomes Melissa Anderson, Executive Vice President, Chief Auditor & Compliance Officer at Highmark Health to the show. She serves as the primary staff liaison to the audit committee of the board of directors for Highmark Inc. and Highmark Health.
She will discuss her support of the Bender Consulting Services, Inc. partnership with Highmark Health.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Emily Burkhart/Scott Hammerstrom/Laina Fusarelli: Strong Alliance Among Dollar Bank, Nova Chemical and Bender Leadership Academy
14 oct. 2025
00:53:11
Joyce welcomes back to the show, Scott Hammerstrom, Manager of Programs and Partnerships with Bender Leadership Academy. Joining Mr. Hammerstrom will be Emily Burkhart, Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity Officer at Dollar Bank and Laina Fusarelli, Business Controller (Operations Leadership/Innovation/IT) & Capital Planning Leader, Nova Chemical Corporation. Among the topics discussed will be Pittsburgh, PA's participation in 2025's National Disability Mentoring Day and the long-standing support and commitment that both Dollar Bank and Nova Chemical Corporation have given to Disability Mentoring Day and the Bender Leadership Academy.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Congressman, Steny Hoyer/Former Congressman, Tony Coelho: The 35th Anniversary of the Signing of the ADA; The Progress That Has Been Made and What Has Not Been Fulfilled
30 sept. 2025
00:44:11
Joyce welcomes Congressman Steny Hoyer and former Congressman Tony Coelho to the show. They will be discussing the 35th Anniversary of the ADA and what progress has been made over the years and what has not been fulfilled.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Mark Fleischer/Brady Patsy: History of Pittsburgh CLO, Partnership with Bender Leadership Academy, and Upcoming 2025 Production of A Christmas Carol
23 sept. 2025
00:56:09
Joyce welcomes Mark Fleischer, Executive Producer, and Brady Patsy, Community Engagement Manager, with the Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (CLO) to the show.
Among the topics discussed will be current Pittsburgh CLO programs, the history of the organization, its partnership with the Bender Leadership Academy, and its plans for the 2025 Production of A Christmas Carol.
Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.
Recipient of the 2024 Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law in Washington, DC.
Scott Hammerstrom/Gerald Homme: Overview of Success of 2025's Mary Brougher Memorial Golf Outing and Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities
16 sept. 2025
00:56:29
Joyce welcomes back to the show, Scott Hammerstrom, Manager of Programs and Partnerships with the Bender Leadership Academy and Gerald Homme, Manager of Talent Acquisition for Bender Consulting Services, Inc.
Mr. Hammerstrom will talk about Bender Leadership Academy and its resent golf outing in memory of Mary Brougher and plans for the upcoming Disability Mentoring Day, Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
Mr. Homme will share the numerous career opportunities in STEM, healthcare and AI for people with disabilities through Bender Consulting Services, Inc.
During the show, Mr. Hindes will not only highlight the mission of this organization but will also discuss his advocacy work to support people with disabilities in the workforce.