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.

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. 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). /episode/index/show/1ee0dd03-f7fd-4d27-9b16-149ae9ef6650/id/37241185

Jonathan Lovitz: Discusses his Work with the HRC and the NGLCC 06/24/2025

Evan Low: Discusses his Work with the LGBTQ + Victory Fund and Victory Institute 06/17/2025

Kate Musler: 2025 Pittsburgh Business Times Woman of Influence Shares Passion for Work in the Health Insurance Industry at Highmark 06/10/2025

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). /episode/index/show/1ee0dd03-f7fd-4d27-9b16-149ae9ef6650/id/36833500

Louis Olander: Disability:IN Supports Veterans with Disabilities 05/27/2025

Hammerstrom, Krause, Frazier: The Bender Leadership Academy plans for 2025’s 4th Annual Mary Brougher Memorial Golf Outing 05/20/2025

Vesper Moore, Board Member, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law 05/13/2025

Hammerstrom/Davis: The Bender Leadership Academy Prepares for Disability Mentoring Day 2025 05/06/2025

PA State Representative Dan Miller: Discusses Legislative Accomplishments on Behalf of Those with Disabilities and Upcoming 2025 Disability Mental Health Summit 04/29/2025

Mission of Disability:IN and the 2025 Global Conference and Expo 04/22/2025

Nicole Clark: Expert on Autism Awareness Discusses the Latest Advancements in Treating This Population 04/15/2025

Sadie Restivo: Executive Director of PAAR Discusses How Organization Has Served Pittsburgh Community for over 50 Years 04/08/2025

Walsh/Houghton: New CEO of iDisability and Co-Founder Discuss Direction of Organization Under New Leadership 04/01/2025

Ellen Duffield: Highmark Wholecare Continues Long-Standing Commitment to Hire People with Disabilities 03/25/2025

Homme/Zomp: Bender Consulting Services Sponsors Webinar on Resume Building /Marketing Yourself in Today’s Changing Job Search Environment 03/18/2025

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). /episode/index/show/1ee0dd03-f7fd-4d27-9b16-149ae9ef6650/id/35640090

Alexander Geht – Designer, Innovator, and Founder of Testa-Seat 03/04/2025

Hannah Smith: Author/Advocate for Food Allergy Communities 02/25/2025

Debra Germany: Helping Current/Former Incarcerated Adults and At-Risk Youth Reach Full Potential 02/18/2025

Barãta A. Bey: Driving Mission of African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania 02/11/2025

Evan Frazier, President and CEO of The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI) 02/04/2025

Larry Kleinman: Highmark Health Hires People with Disabilities 01/28/2025

Larry Kleinman: Highmark Health Hires People with Disabilities Larry Kleinman: Highmark Health Hires People with Disabilities Joyce welcomes Larry Kleinman, Executive Vice-President, and Chief Human Resources Officer for Highmark Health, 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 a valuable part of their diverse workforce. Bio of Larry Kleinman: Responsible for all aspects of human resources across Highmark Health, including compensation, organization effectiveness, benefits, talent acquisition, diversity and inclusion, and talent management.Possesses extensive experience developing and implementing large-scale workforce and organizational change strategies connecting the knowledge, experience, resources, and ideas needed to simultaneously drive revenue and improve employee engagement.Prior to joining Highmark Health in 2015, worked for Covenant Health, serving as Executive Vice-President of Human Resources. Career experience has also included SAP, Providence Health and Services, and Campbell’s Soup.Currently serving on the Board of Vibrant Pittsburgh, an organization dedicated to attracting and retaining diverse talent to the city of Pittsburgh.Completed the Harvard Executive Program, holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from the New School for Social Research, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Ithica College. Joyce A. Bender Career Highlights: Serves as CEO of 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). /episode/index/show/1ee0dd03-f7fd-4d27-9b16-149ae9ef6650/id/35028500

Karen Hanlon: Highmark Health’s Commitment to Diverse Workforce 01/21/2025

Karen Hanlon: Highmark Health’s Commitment to Diverse Workforce Joyce welcomes Karen Hanlon, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of Highmark Health. Ms. Hanlon will share her background and her role in the organization. She will also share her insights on how AI will influence healthcare and what impact the shortage in healthcare labor may have in the future. Karen Hanlon Bio: A key leader, strategist and visionary for Highmark Health, helping to guide the organization’s mission to create remarkable health experiences that frees people to be their best. Responsible for overseeing the strategy and long-term operations of Highmark Health and Highmark Inc., as the organization focuses on bringing transformational care to its customers and disrupting traditional health care models, products, and services. Also oversees the operations of Allegheny Health Network, Highmark Wholecare, the Highmark Health-Penn State Health partnership and enGen. Began career in public accounting at KPMG Peat Marwick prior to joining Highmark Inc. in 1997, where she held several positions within the finance division before becoming the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Highmark Health in 2014, and the Chief Operating Officer of Highmark Health in 2018. As Chief Financial Officer, played a significant role in strengthening the overall financial performance of the enterprise, resulting in Highmark Health’s achievement of consecutive record net revenues in 2017 and 2018. Guided the financial turnaround of Allegheny Health Network, this health delivery system has expanded to include 14 hospitals in Western Pennsylvania, as well as 6 multi-specialty medical malls. In recognition of achievements, was named to Modern Healthcare’s 2024 Women Leaders in Healthcare list, the 2023 Power 100 list of the region’s most influential business leaders, a 2023 Pittsburgh Business Times (PBT) C-Suite award winner and 2018 PBT CFO of the Year. Was also recognized as a 2019 recipient of The Grove City College Alumni Association Jack Kennedy Memorial. Strong advocate of supplier diversity and women in the workforce, serving as an executive sponsor for these important initiatives at Highmark Health. Believes in implementing best practices, innovation and community partnerships that encourage businesses to provide consistent opportunities for minority-owned and operated businesses in the supply chain. Current professional affiliations include Board of Directors, Allegheny Conference on Community Development, Board of Directors, Federated Hermes, Inc. Distribution Committee Member, and The McCune Foundation, among others. 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).  Upcoming guest: January 28, 2025 Joyce welcomes Larry Kleinman, Executive Vice-President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Highmark Health, 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 a valuable part of their diverse workforce. /episode/index/show/1ee0dd03-f7fd-4d27-9b16-149ae9ef6650/id/34935570

Deborah Rice-Johnson: Helping Highmark Stay Committed to Hiring People with Disabilities 01/14/2025

Deborah Rice-Johnson: Helping Highmark Stay Committed to Hiring People with Disabilities Joyce welcomes Deborah Rice-Johnson, CEO of Diversified Businesses and Chief Growth Officer for Highmark Inc., to Disability Matters. As Joyce focuses January on the key figures within Highmark that drive its commitment to hire people with disabilities, Ms. Rice-Johnson will highlight her duties organization-wide that assist the commitment to hiring people with disabilities. Bio of Deborah Rice-Johnson: CEO of Diversified Businesses for Highmark Inc. and chief growth officer. An innovative health leader, driven by a passion for reinventing health care experiences and pioneering provider relationships designed to keep care close to home and change antiquated reimbursement methods. Through diverse and inventive relationships ranging from joint ventures to equity interest partnerships, has spearheaded affiliations and clinical alliances with Penn State Health and many other regionally based health care providers. Leads a national network of diversified businesses and market-leading capabilities collectively known as Alloyed Works, which drive growth, reduce costs, and improve outcomes for Highmark Health, as well as forward-thinking health organization customers across the country. As CEO of Diversified Businesses, is responsible for Highmark subsidiaries including United Concordia Dental, a top ten national dental plan that serves the largest voluntary dental program in the world with TRICARE; HM Insurance Group, a top ten national stop loss carrier with additional managed care reinsurance solutions; and Helion, a health care technology and services firm that helps payers cultivate high-performing networks while empowering providers to operate at their best. As Chief Growth Officer, responsible for pursuing a range of strategic partnerships, affiliations, and acquisitions that enables Highmark to unlock the shared value to organizations and transform healthcare. Together, will realize the potential of a Living Health model, which creates a better system for customers and clinicians through innovative solutions and partnerships while strengthening community-based care, improving health outcomes, and lowering costs for members. When in role as President of Highmark Inc., provided senior leadership and strategic direction for the company's multi-state health insurance organization. During this time, guided Highmark through successful affiliations in Delaware, West Virginia, Western and Northeastern New York, as well as a merger in Northeastern Pennsylvania. As a result, Highmark Health Plans are now among the largest Blue Plans in the country, serving approximately 7 million members, and Highmark Inc.’s revenue has grown to approximately $27 billion. Has more than 40 years of experience in the health insurance industry. Leadership has not only redefined the payer-provider relationship and yielded unparalleled financial performance but has also delivered innovative clinical solutions that aim to improve health outcomes. Keenly committed to positively impacting the employment situation of the nation’s military veterans and those with disabilities through championing private sector hiring efforts. Holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from Carlow University. In 2014, named a Carlow Laureate, the university's most prestigious alumni award recognizing those whose work, thought, and action demonstrate the highest standards of professional accomplishment and leadership. Named to Modern Healthcare's Top 25 Women Leaders in 2022, a program honoring female executives who are guiding health care delivery improvement across the country. 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). Upcoming guest: Joyce welcomes Karen Hanlon, Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer of Highmark Health. Ms. Hanlon will share her background, explain what Highmark Health does and her role in the organization and how it has grown since she started. In addition, as the first female COO of Highmark Health she will share what she does to encourage other women in the organization to attain leadership roles. Lastly, she will share her insights on how AI will influence healthcare and what impact the shortage in healthcare labor may have in the future. /episode/index/show/1ee0dd03-f7fd-4d27-9b16-149ae9ef6650/id/34855625

David Holmberg: Highmark Grows Standard to Hire Disabled in 2025 01/07/2025

Town/Schuller/Radecic: Disability Rights Year in Review 12/31/2024

Encore Judith Heumann, Disability Rights Leader Discusses Memoir 12/24/2024

Encore Judith Heumann, Disability Rights Leader Discusses Memoir As a special gift to listeners this holiday season here is a rebroadcast from December 15, 2020. Joyce welcomed the late Judith Heumann, internationally recognized leader in the disability rights independent living movement, to the show. Ms. Heumann worked with a wide range of activist organizations (including the Berkeley Center for Independent Living and the American Association of People with Disabilities), NGOs, and governments since the 1970s and contributed greatly to the development of human rights legislation and policy benefiting disabled people. In the show, she discussed her memoir, “Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist,” which was published in February 2020. Judith (Judy) E. Heumann - Judy Heumann was an internationally recognized leader in the disability rights community. She authored her memoir, with Kristen Joiner, “Being Heumann: An Unrepentant Memoir of a Disability Rights Activist,” published by Beacon Press and audio recorded by Ali Stroker, who is the first wheelchair actor to perform on Broadway. Judy was featured on the Trevor Noah show. Judy is featured in “Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution,” a 2020 American award-winning documentary film, directed by James LeBrecht and Nicole Newnham, produced by the Obama Higher Ground Production. Ms. Huemann has been featured in numerous documentaries on the history of the disability rights movement, including “Lives Worth Living” and the “Power of 504.” She delivered a TED talk in the fall of 2016, “Our Fight for Disability Rights and Why We’re Not Done Yet.” Her story was also told on Comedy Central’s Drunk History in early 2018, in which she was portrayed by Ali Stroker. As Senior Fellow at the Ford Foundation (2017-2019), she wrote “Road Map for Inclusion: Changing the Face of Disability in Media.” She also served on several non-profit boards, including the American Association of People with Disabilities, the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, Humanity and Inclusion, as well as the Human Rights Watch board. /episode/index/show/1ee0dd03-f7fd-4d27-9b16-149ae9ef6650/id/34623695

Mercer, Libengood, Beggs: North Way Christian Communities’ Goals 12/17/2024

Cathy Battle: Keeping Families in Need Supplied with Diapers 12/10/2024

Disability Matters

TOPICS