Disability Matters
Competitive employment and empowerment for people with disabilities is the emphasis of this show. Broadcast live and captioned in real-time for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing, we discuss how people with disabilities can secure career opportunities, and how employers, organizations and individuals can support employment and empowerment of people with disabilities.
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Tim Hindes: Business Professional and Advocate for People with Disabilities
09/09/2025
Tim Hindes: Business Professional and Advocate for People with Disabilities
Joyce welcomes Tim Hindes, CEO of Trailblaze Creative, to the show. Mr. Hindes leads a dedicated team in delivering marketing and creative capacity solutions to mission-driven organizations who share a passion for community-building. across North America. 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. Joyce A. Bender Career Highlights Serves as CEO of and Board Chair and Founder of , a non-profit organization focused on addressing the transition to work for youth and young adults 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. Lives with epilepsy and hard of hearing. Advocates for competitive employment for people with disabilities. Serves as vice-chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and former chair of the board. Represented the State Department in programming with Panama, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Libya, and Tunisia. Serves as chair of Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. Received the 2003 New Freedom Initiative Award from the Bush Administration. Recognized with the 1999 President’s Award from President Clinton. Board member of Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and World Institute on Disability (WID).
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Jeanette Towles: Seasoned and Dedicated Medical Writer, AI Expert and Speaker Shares Mission of Disability Owned Business Enterprise
09/02/2025
Jeanette Towles: Seasoned and Dedicated Medical Writer, AI Expert and Speaker Shares Mission of Disability Owned Business Enterprise
Joyce welcomes Jeanette Towles, Founder and CEO of Synterex, a Disability Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE). Synterex is the home of AgileWriter.ai™, an AI-enabled authoring platform that prioritizes accessibility and gets your important information to the intended audience, be it plain language or technical content. Ms. Towles will share her background as a seasoned and dedicated medical writer with extensive medical/regulatory writing experience, as well as experience building and leading medical writing teams. She will also share her background as an entrepreneur, clinical scientist, responsible sourcing advocate, AI expert, and speaker. Joyce A. Bender Career Highlights Serves as CEO of and Board Chair and Founder of , a non-profit organization focused on addressing the transition to work for youth and young adults 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. Lives with epilepsy and hard of hearing. Advocates for competitive employment for people with disabilities. Serves as vice-chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and former chair of the board. Represented the State Department in programming with Panama, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Libya, and Tunisia. Serves as chair of Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. Received the 2003 New Freedom Initiative Award from the Bush Administration. Recognized with the 1999 President’s Award from President Clinton. Board member of Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and World Institute on Disability (WID).
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Tom Doran: Helping Health Customers and Members Obtain Health Services
08/26/2025
Tom Doran: Helping Health Customers and Members Obtain Health Services
Joyce welcomes Tom Doran, President Highmark Health Plan at Highmark, Inc. Mr. Doran champion’s the voice of the customer and members within the organization. Among the topics discussed will be his commitment to help people with disabilities maintain their health so that they can lead productive lives. Joyce A. Bender Career Highlights Serves as CEO of and Board Chair and Founder of , a non-profit organization focused on addressing the transition to work for youth and young adults 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. Lives with epilepsy and hard of hearing. Advocates for competitive employment for people with disabilities. Serves as vice-chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and former chair of the board. Represented the State Department in programming with Panama, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Libya, and Tunisia. Serves as chair of Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. Received the 2003 New Freedom Initiative Award from the Bush Administration. Recognized with the 1999 President’s Award from President Clinton. Board member of Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and World Institute on Disability (WID).
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Christine Griffin: Her Long Career in Disability Advocacy
08/19/2025
Christine Griffin: Her Long Career in Disability Advocacy
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 on the show. During the show, she will be discussing 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 during the Obama Administration. She will also discuss her protection and advocacy work, and her current work with Bender Consulting Services and the Bender Leadership Academy. Joyce A. Bender Career Highlights Serves as CEO of and Board Chair and Founder of , a non-profit organization focused on addressing the transition to work for youth and young adults 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. Lives with epilepsy and hard of hearing. Advocates for competitive employment for people with disabilities. Serves as vice-chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and former chair of the board. Represented the State Department in programming with Panama, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Libya, and Tunisia. Serves as chair of Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. Received the 2003 New Freedom Initiative Award from the Bush Administration. Recognized with the 1999 President’s Award from President Clinton. Board member of Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and World Institute on Disability (WID).
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Craig Leen: Shares Commitment to Advocacy for Those with Disabilities in Both Public and Private Sectors
08/12/2025
Craig Leen: Shares Commitment to Advocacy for Those with Disabilities in Both Public and Private Sectors
Joyce welcomes Craig Leen, K&L Gates Partner, President-Elect of the Bar Association of the District of Columbia, GW Law Professorial Lecturer in Law, Former OFCCP Director at the U.S. Department of Labor, and Former Coral Gables City Attorney to the show. Among the topics discussed by Mr. Leen will be his commitment to advocacy for those with disabilities in both the public and private sector. Joyce A. Bender Career Highlights Serves as CEO of and Board Chair and Founder of , a non-profit organization focused on addressing the transition to work for youth and young adults 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. Lives with epilepsy and hard of hearing. Advocates for competitive employment for people with disabilities. Serves as vice-chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and former chair of the board. Represented the State Department in programming with Panama, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Libya, and Tunisia. Serves as chair of Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. Received the 2003 New Freedom Initiative Award from the Bush Administration. Recognized with the 1999 President’s Award from President Clinton. Board member of Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and World Institute on Disability (WID).
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Marcia Oglan: Fostering A Workforce That Showcases Talents of All Employees
08/05/2025
Marcia Oglan: Fostering A Workforce That Showcases Talents of All Employees
Joyce welcomes Marcia Oglan, Chief Human Resources Officer at Allegheny Health Network and Senior Vice President of Enterprise Human Resources at Highmark Health to the show. Ms. Oglan will share how she uses her position to help foster a workforce across all of Highmark that showcases everyone’s talents, even those with disabilities. Joyce A. Bender Career Highlights Serves as CEO of and Board Chair and Founder of , a non-profit organization focused on addressing the transition to work for youth and young adults 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. Lives with epilepsy and hard of hearing. Advocates for competitive employment for people with disabilities. Serves as vice-chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and former chair of the board. Represented the State Department in programming with Panama, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Libya, and Tunisia. Serves as chair of Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. Received the 2003 New Freedom Initiative Award from the Bush Administration. Recognized with the 1999 President’s Award from President Clinton. Board member of Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and World Institute on Disability (WID).
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Veronica Villalobos, Vice President of the Institute for Strategic Social and Workforce Programs for Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network
07/29/2025
Veronica Villalobos, Vice President of the Institute for Strategic Social and Workforce Programs for Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network
Joyce closes Disability Pride Month, with Veronica Villalobos, Vice President of the Institute for Strategic Social and Workforce Programs for Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network. She strives to ensure the workforce enables belonging and health access is achieved among members, patients, and communities in PA, western NY, DE, and WV. Among the topics discussed, Veronica will share how Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network foster a workforce that has Americans with disabilities, her work with the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD). In addition, she will discuss her past work with Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Joyce A. Bender Career Highlights Serves as CEO of and Board Chair and Founder of , a non-profit organization focused on addressing the transition to work for youth and young adults 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. Lives with epilepsy and hard of hearing. Advocates for competitive employment for people with disabilities. Serves as vice-chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and former chair of the board. Represented the State Department in programming with Panama, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Libya, and Tunisia. Serves as chair of Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. Received the 2003 New Freedom Initiative Award from the Bush Administration. Recognized with the 1999 President’s Award from President Clinton. Board member of Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and World Institute on Disability (WID).
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Senator Tom Harkin: Reflects on Significance of 35th Anniversary of Signing of the ADA and What Commitment Remains to Advance the Lives of Americans with Disabilities
07/22/2025
Senator Tom Harkin: Reflects on Significance of 35th Anniversary of Signing of the ADA and What Commitment Remains to Advance the Lives of Americans with Disabilities
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 35th 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. Also, he will discuss the work of the Harkin Institute for Public Policy and Citizen Engagement which exists to inform citizens, inspire creative cooperation, and catalyze changes on issues of social justice, fairness, and opportunity. Joyce A. Bender Career Highlights Serves as CEO of and Board Chair and Founder of , a non-profit organization focused on addressing the transition to work for youth and young adults 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. Lives with epilepsy and hard of hearing. Advocates for competitive employment for people with disabilities. Serves as vice-chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and former chair of the board. Represented the State Department in programming with Panama, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Libya, and Tunisia. Serves as chair of Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. Received the 2003 New Freedom Initiative Award from the Bush Administration. Recognized with the 1999 President’s Award from President Clinton. Board member of Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and World Institute on Disability (WID).
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Jennifer Mathis, Deputy Director of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health
07/15/2025
Jennifer Mathis, Deputy Director of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health
Joyce welcomes Jennifer Mathis, Deputy Director of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health back to the show. Since 1972, the Judge David L. Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law has advocated for the civil rights, full inclusion and equality of adults and children with mental disabilities. Ms. Mathis will share how the Center was instrumental in the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) (1990) and played a key role in the historic case of Olmstead v. L.C. (1999), in which the Supreme Court found that needless segregation of people with psychiatric disabilities violated the ADA. Joyce A. Bender Career Highlights Serves as CEO of and Board Chair and Founder of , a non-profit organization focused on addressing the transition to work for youth and young adults 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. Lives with epilepsy and hard of hearing. Advocates for competitive employment for people with disabilities. Serves as vice-chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and former chair of the board. Represented the State Department in programming with Panama, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Libya, and Tunisia. Serves as chair of Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. Received the 2003 New Freedom Initiative Award from the Bush Administration. Recognized with the 1999 President’s Award from President Clinton. Board member of Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and World Institute on Disability (WID).
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Doro Koch, Daughter of President George H.W. Bush, Shares Insight into What Signing the ADA into Law Meant to Father
07/08/2025
Doro Koch, Daughter of President George H.W. Bush, Shares Insight into What Signing the ADA into Law Meant to Father
Joyce is honored to welcome “Dorthy” Doro Koch, author, businesswoman, advocate, and daughter of late President George H.W. Bush to the show. As we continue recognizing ADA Month and prepare to celebrate the 35th Anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Ms. Koch will share insight into what signing the ADA into law meant to her father, and his dedication to ensuring its passage. Joyce A. Bender Career Highlights Serves as CEO of and Board Chair and Founder of , a non-profit organization focused on addressing the transition to work for youth and young adults 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. Lives with epilepsy and hard of hearing. Advocates for competitive employment for people with disabilities. Serves as vice-chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and former chair of the board. Represented the State Department in programming with Panama, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Libya, and Tunisia. Serves as chair of Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. Received the 2003 New Freedom Initiative Award from the Bush Administration. Recognized with the 1999 President’s Award from President Clinton. Board member of Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and World Institute on Disability (WID).
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The Honorable Tony Coelho Shares History of the Civil Rights Legislation the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
07/01/2025
The Honorable Tony Coelho Shares History of the Civil Rights Legislation the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Joyce welcomes The Honorable Tony Coelho, former U.S. Congressman and author of the Americans with Disabilities Act, back to the show. As celebrations around the Americans with Disabilities Act anniversary and Disability Pride month commence, it is important to recognize key advocates who led efforts to make the ADA the law of the land. Tony Coelho drafted the ADA and the ADA Amendments Act of 2007, restoring the original intent of the law. The ADA Amendments Act clarified and codified the protections of the ADA passed by Congress in 1990. During the show Mr. Coeho will share the history of passing these landmark pieces of legislation and what more needs to be done to ensure the promise of these laws is realized. Joyce A. Bender Career Highlights Serves as CEO of and Board Chair and Founder of , a non-profit organization focused on addressing the transition to work for youth and young adults 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. Lives with epilepsy and hard of hearing. Advocates for competitive employment for people with disabilities. Serves as vice-chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and former chair of the board. Represented the State Department in programming with Panama, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Libya, and Tunisia. Serves as chair of Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. Received the 2003 New Freedom Initiative Award from the Bush Administration. Recognized with the 1999 President’s Award from President Clinton. Board member of Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and World Institute on Disability (WID).
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Jonathan Lovitz: Discusses his Work with the HRC and the NGLCC
06/24/2025
Jonathan Lovitz: Discusses his Work with the HRC and the NGLCC
In recognition of June as Pride Month, Joyce welcomes Jonathan Lovitz, Senior Vice President of Campaigns and Communications, Human Rights Campaign (HRC). During the show he will discuss his work as a nationally recognized leader in public affairs, economic policy, and strategic communications, with deep expertise in advancing inclusive growth through both government and nonprofit leadership. Joyce A. Bender Career Highlights Serves as CEO of and Board Chair and Founder of , a non-profit organization focused on addressing the transition to work for youth and young adults 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. Lives with epilepsy and hard of hearing. Advocates for competitive employment for people with disabilities. Serves as vice-chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and former chair of the board. Represented the State Department in programming with Panama, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Libya, and Tunisia. Serves as chair of Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. Received the 2003 New Freedom Initiative Award from the Bush Administration. Recognized with the 1999 President’s Award from President Clinton. Board member of Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and World Institute on Disability (WID).
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Evan Low: Discusses his Work with the LGBTQ + Victory Fund and Victory Institute
06/17/2025
Evan Low: Discusses his Work with the LGBTQ + Victory Fund and Victory Institute
In recognition of June as Pride Month, Joyce welcomes Evan Low, named president and CEO of the LGBTQ+ Victory Fund and LGBTQ+ Victory Institute, in March 2025. During the show he will discuss his work with these organizations. Joyce A. Bender Career Highlights Serves as CEO of and Board Chair and Founder of , a non-profit organization focused on addressing the transition to work for youth and young adults 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. Lives with epilepsy and hard of hearing. Advocates for competitive employment for people with disabilities. Serves as vice-chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and former chair of the board. Represented the State Department in programming with Panama, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Libya, and Tunisia. Serves as chair of Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. Received the 2003 New Freedom Initiative Award from the Bush Administration. Recognized with the 1999 President’s Award from President Clinton. Board member of Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and World Institute on Disability (WID).
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Kate Musler: 2025 Pittsburgh Business Times Woman of Influence Shares Passion for Work in the Health Insurance Industry at Highmark
06/10/2025
Kate Musler: 2025 Pittsburgh Business Times Woman of Influence Shares Passion for Work in the Health Insurance Industry at Highmark
Joyce welcomes fellow Pittsburgh Business Times Woman of Influence recipient, Kate Musler, to the show. Kate is Highmark Health’s Chief Financial Officer and will share her responsibilities in that role, and what drives her to help Highmark continue to be a leader in the healthcare insurance industry. Joyce A. Bender Career Highlights Serves as CEO of . and Board Chair and Founder of , a non-profit organization focused on addressing the transition to work for youth and young adults 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. Lives with epilepsy and hard of hearing. Advocates for competitive employment for people with disabilities. Serves as vice-chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and former chair of the board. Represented the State Department in programming with Panama, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Libya, and Tunisia. Serves as chair of Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. Received the 2003 New Freedom Initiative Award from the Bush Administration. Recognized with the 1999 President’s Award from President Clinton. Board member of Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and World Institute on Disability (WID).
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Homme/Zomp: Bender Consulting Services Sponsors Webinar on Transferable Skills for New Career Paths in Today’s Changing Job Search Environment
06/03/2025
Homme/Zomp: Bender Consulting Services Sponsors Webinar on Transferable Skills for New Career Paths in Today’s Changing Job Search Environment
Joyce welcomes Gerald Homme, Manager of Talent Acquisition and Technology and Jill Zomp, Talent Acquisition Coordinator with Bender Consulting Services, Inc., to the show. Joyce, Jill, and Gerald will be discussing the upcoming webinar sponsored by Bender Consulting Services, Inc., Transferable Skills for New Career Paths in Today’s Changing Job Search Environment. The webinar will be held on Monday, June 30, 2025. BIO OF GERALD HOMME Manager of Talent Acquisition and Technology for Bender Consulting Services, Inc. Has over 15 years of experience in supporting disability employment programming. Supports internal technology at Bender and projects in Digital Accessibility in a project management capacity. Product manager of Bender’s Careers2B program, Workplace Mentoring, and the Bender Virtual Career for persons with disabilities. Supports the Bender Leadership Academy as a volunteer and is integral in supporting PA REV UP Coalition and head of the Bender Lead On Team, a grassroots social media team focused on ending bullying and supporting self-advocacy. Current member of the NTID Employer Advisory group and has previously served on the advisory board for IUP’s career services. As a person with Dysgraphia, Dyslexia, and mental health disabilities, is an advocate for employment equity for people with disabilities. BIO OF JILL ZOMP Human Resources professional with over 10 years of experience in the area of disability engagement in the workforce. Seasoned resume building expert with over 8 years of experience helping individuals successfully navigate their career transitions. With extensive training in federal resume and CV building, as well as expertise in crafting tailored resumes for the private sector, has worked with candidates representing a wide range of industries to position them as standout candidates in their job search. Serves as Talent Acquisition Coordinator for the entire Bender Consulting Services organization, experienced in working with both customers in the Federal and Private Sectors, as well as candidates with disabilities to ensure precise placements in a myriad of career areas. Team Lead for many initiatives including Community Partnership Building, Resume Preparation, and Event Coordination. Regional Coordinator of PA and DE for the Disability Mentoring Day Program, a national program assisting High School students with disabilities travel to organizations and explore the world of work, through Bender Leadership Academy. Disability rights advocacy experience in promoting reasonable accommodation in the school, higher education, and work environments. JOYCE A. BENDER CAREER HIGHLIGHTS Serves as CEO of Bender Consulting Services, Inc. - . Board Chair and Founder of Bender Leadership Academy, a non-profit organization focused on addressing the transition to work for youth and young adults with disabilities. . 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. Lives with epilepsy and hard of hearing. Advocates for competitive employment for people with disabilities. Serves as vice-chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and former chair of the board. Represented the State Department in programming with Panama, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Libya, and Tunisia. Serves as chair of Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. Received the 2003 New Freedom Initiative Award from the Bush Administration. Recognized with the 1999 President’s Award from President Clinton. Board member of Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and World Institute on Disability (WID).
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Louis Olander: Disability:IN Supports Veterans with Disabilities
05/27/2025
Louis Olander: Disability:IN Supports Veterans with Disabilities
Joyce welcomes Louis Olander, Ph.D., Director of Research and at . As a veteran and advocate, Mr. Orlander will share his work with Disability:IN, and the ways in which the organization supports veterans with disabilities, in honor of Memorial Day.
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Hammerstrom, Krause, Frazier: The Bender Leadership Academy plans for 2025’s 4th Annual Mary Brougher Memorial Golf Outing
05/20/2025
Hammerstrom, Krause, Frazier: The Bender Leadership Academy plans for 2025’s 4th Annual Mary Brougher Memorial Golf Outing
Joyce welcomes back to the show Scott Hammerstrom, Manager of Programs and Partnerships, Lisa Krause, Secretary and Board Member and Evan Frazier, Board Member of the Bender Leadership Academy. Among the topics discussed will be the mission of the Bender Leadership Academy and plans for the at River Forest Country Club in Freeport, PA on Saturday, August 16, 2025, to benefit the .
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Vesper Moore, Board Member, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
05/13/2025
Vesper Moore, Board Member, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. To commemorate this, Joyce welcomes Vesper Moore, Board Member of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, to the show. Discussed will be the mission of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health, advancements made in treating those with mental health disabilities and Moore’s advocacy for mental health awareness worldwide.
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Hammerstrom/Davis: The Bender Leadership Academy Prepares for Disability Mentoring Day 2025
05/06/2025
Hammerstrom/Davis: The Bender Leadership Academy Prepares for Disability Mentoring Day 2025
Joyce welcomes Scott Hammerstrom, Manager of Programs and Partnerships, the Bender Leadership Academy and Sabrina Davis, Recruitment Marketing & Brand Specialist, EQT Corporation. The guests will share details about the mission of the Bender Leadership Academy and the plans for EQT Corporations participation in Disability Mentoring Day, Wednesday, October 22, 2025.
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PA State Representative Dan Miller: Discusses Legislative Accomplishments on Behalf of Those with Disabilities and Upcoming 2025 Disability Mental Health Summit
04/29/2025
PA State Representative Dan Miller: Discusses Legislative Accomplishments on Behalf of Those with Disabilities and Upcoming 2025 Disability Mental Health Summit
Joyce welcomes Allegheny County State Representative for the 42nd District, Dan Miller, to the show. Representative Miller will discuss his body of work as a state legislator and advocate for those with disabilities since he was elected to the PA House of Representatives in 2013. Among other topics, he will discuss his upcoming Disability & Mental Health Summit, a free event in Western PA that brings hundreds of people and participating organizations together to share information on a wide range of topics in the disability and mental health arena.
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Mission of Disability:IN and the 2025 Global Conference and Expo
04/22/2025
Mission of Disability:IN and the 2025 Global Conference and Expo
Joyce welcomes Rosemarie Rosetti, Ph.D., a globally recognized expert on disability engagement, accessibility, and accessible meeting design. Joining her will be Artura Taylor, President and CEO of TGC Scientific and Cami Turcotte Sr. Director, Supplier Inclusion at Disability:IN. The guests will highlight the mission of the organization and the benefits of being members. Lastly, they will discuss plans for the Disability:IN Global Conference and Expo is July 14th - July 17th in Orlando, FL.
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Nicole Clark: Expert on Autism Awareness Discusses the Latest Advancements in Treating This Population
04/15/2025
Nicole Clark: Expert on Autism Awareness Discusses the Latest Advancements in Treating This Population
April is Autism Awareness Month. To commemorate this, Joyce welcomes Nicole Clark Co-Founder and CEO of Adult and Pediatric Institute for Health and Wellness. She is also an expert on Autism Awareness insights. Ms. Clark will share her duties at the Institute and discuss the latest advancements in treating those on the Autism spectrum.
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Sadie Restivo: Executive Director of PAAR Discusses How Organization Has Served Pittsburgh Community for over 50 Years
04/08/2025
Sadie Restivo: Executive Director of PAAR Discusses How Organization Has Served Pittsburgh Community for over 50 Years
Joyce welcomes Sadie Restivo, Executive Director of Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR). PAAR has been serving the Pittsburgh community for over 50 years through advocacy, counseling, prevention, and education. It was the first victim service agency in Allegheny County, and one of the first rape crisis centers in the nation. The agency was incorporated as a non-profit entity in 1972 and has been providing essential no-cost services to victims of sexual violence in Allegheny County for 50 years. Ms. Restivo will highlight the programs and services offered to the community by this vital organization.
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Walsh/Houghton: New CEO of iDisability and Co-Founder Discuss Direction of Organization Under New Leadership
04/01/2025
Walsh/Houghton: New CEO of iDisability and Co-Founder Discuss Direction of Organization Under New Leadership
Joyce welcomes the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer, John F. Walsh III and Andrew Houghton, Co-Founder of ®, to the show. As leaders in disability employment and accessibility, Joyce serves as Chief Executive Officer of Bender Consulting Services, Inc., and Andrew as President of DisabilityInclusion Solutions. Discussed will be John's appointment after incredible growth of iDisability since its founding in 2016, and the planned direction of the organization under its new leadership.
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Ellen Duffield: Highmark Wholecare Continues Long-Standing Commitment to Hire People with Disabilities
03/25/2025
Ellen Duffield: Highmark Wholecare Continues Long-Standing Commitment to Hire People with Disabilities
Joyce welcomes Ellen Duffield, President and CEO of Highmark Wholecare, to the show. Highmark Wholecare is a managed care organization caring for the whole person - physically, mentally, and socially. It is committed to connecting its members with the right resources to meet their whole health needs. Among the topics Ms. Duffield will cover with listeners include: her story of how she became the President and CEO of Highmark Wholecare, who is eligible to become a member of Highmark Wholecare, and the personal reason she supports the commitment that Highmark Wholecare places on hiring people with disabilities in its workforce.
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Homme/Zomp: Bender Consulting Services Sponsors Webinar on Resume Building /Marketing Yourself in Today’s Changing Job Search Environment
03/18/2025
Homme/Zomp: Bender Consulting Services Sponsors Webinar on Resume Building /Marketing Yourself in Today’s Changing Job Search Environment
Joyce welcomes Gerald Homme, Manager of Talent Acquisition and Technology and Jill Zomp, Talent Acquisition Coordinator with Bender Consulting Services, Inc., to the show. Joyce, Jill, and Gerald will be discussing the recent webinar sponsored by Bender Consulting Services, Inc. The webinar, Master Resume Building & Networking in a Changing Job Market, was held virtually on Monday, March 10, 2025. The webinar provided insight into resume preparation for people making a career change. Topics covered in the webinar included how to identify and highlight transferable skills that make a person stand out from other applicants, how to build a resume that captures the attention of hiring managers in any industry, and other topics related to the art of looking for employment in a new environment.
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Hammerstrom/Rubin: The Bender Leadership Academy Prepares High School Students with Disabilities for the World of Work
03/11/2025
Hammerstrom/Rubin: The Bender Leadership Academy Prepares High School Students with Disabilities for the World of Work
Joyce welcomes Scott Hammerstrom, Manager of Programs and Partnerships, and Bonnie Rubin, Senior Program Specialist with the Bender Leadership Academy, to the show. This non-profit organization empowers students with disabilities to address bullying, pursue education, and achieve their career goals. During the show, the guests will share how to support this worthwhile organization and highlight the missions of the Ready to Lead and Junior Student Leaders program. Joining them will be Alex Walmsley, a graduate of Bender Leadership Academy, and high school senior, CJ Reicks currently engaged in its Virtual Student Leaders program. They will share their experiences at the Bender Leadership Academy. Joyce A. Bender Career Highlights Serves as CEO of Bender Consulting Services, Inc. - Board Chair and Founder of Bender Leadership Academy, a non-profit organization focused on addressing the transition to work for youth and young adults with disabilities. 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. Lives with epilepsy and hard of hearing. Advocates for competitive employment for people with disabilities. Serves as vice-chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and former chair of the board. Represented the State Department in programming with Panama, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Libya, and Tunisia. Serves as chair of Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. Received the 2003 New Freedom Initiative Award from the Bush Administration. Recognized with the 1999 President’s Award from President Clinton. Board member of Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and World Institute on Disability (WID).
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Alexander Geht – Designer, Innovator, and Founder of Testa-Seat
03/04/2025
Alexander Geht – Designer, Innovator, and Founder of Testa-Seat
Joyce welcomes industrial designer and entrepreneur, Alexander Geht, to the show. He will explain why he has dedicated his career to pioneering adaptive seating solutions for children with disabilities. He is dedicated to developing innovative, accessible, and transformative solutions through digital manufacturing.
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Hannah Smith: Author/Advocate for Food Allergy Communities
02/25/2025
Hannah Smith: Author/Advocate for Food Allergy Communities
Due to a program change, appearing on Disability Matters today is Hannah Smith, a passionate children's book author and dedicated advocate for the celiac and food allergy communities. Through her inspiring journey and heartfelt stories, Ms. Smith empowers children to embrace their unique identities and teaches the importance of inclusion and compassion. She will share her own diagnosis of celiac and how a gluten-free diet led her to manage her condition. Joyce A. Bender Career Highlights Serves as CEO of and Board Chair and Founder of , a non-profit organization focused on addressing the transition to work for youth and young adults with disabilities. 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. Lives with epilepsy and hard of hearing. Advocates for competitive employment for people with disabilities. Serves as vice-chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and former chair of the board. Represented the State Department in programming with Panama, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Libya, and Tunisia. Serves as chair of Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. Received the 2003 New Freedom Initiative Award from the Bush Administration. Recognized with the 1999 President’s Award from President Clinton. Board member of Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and World Institute on Disability (WID).
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Debra Germany: Helping Current/Former Incarcerated Adults and At-Risk Youth Reach Full Potential
02/18/2025
Debra Germany: Helping Current/Former Incarcerated Adults and At-Risk Youth Reach Full Potential
Joyce welcomes Debra Germany the Executive Director of Divine Intervention Ministries (DMI). DMI provides currently and formerly incarcerated adults and at-risk youth with coordinated resources that will connect them to supportive services and job training opportunities focusing on restoring and realizing their maximum potential spiritually, physically, and economically. Ms. Germany will share the programs and services available to support this mission and vision of the organization. Joyce A. Bender Career Highlights Serves as CEO of . and Board Chair and Founder of , a non-profit organization focused on addressing the transition to work for youth and young adults with disabilities. 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. Lives with epilepsy and hard of hearing. Advocates for competitive employment for people with disabilities. Serves as vice-chair of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and former chair of the board. Represented the State Department in programming with Panama, South Korea, Indonesia, Japan, Kazakhstan, Libya, and Tunisia. Serves as chair of Epilepsy Association of Western and Central PA. Received the 2003 New Freedom Initiative Award from the Bush Administration. Recognized with the 1999 President’s Award from President Clinton. Board member of Pittsburgh’s Civic Light Opera, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, and World Institute on Disability (WID).
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