Disability Matters

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.

Episodes

The Honorable Tony Coelho Shares History of the Civil Rights Legislation the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

July 1, 2025 • 55 mins

    
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 inte...

Mark as Played

Jonathan Lovitz: Discusses his Work with the HRC and the NGLCC

June 24, 2025 • 55 mins

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

Mark as Played

Evan Low: Discusses his Work with the LGBTQ + Victory Fund and Victory Institute

June 17, 2025 • 56 mins

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 Bender Consulting Services, Inc. and Board Chair and Founder of Bender Leadership Academy, a non-profit organization focused on addressing the transition ...

Mark as Played

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

June 10, 2025 • 50 mins

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 ...

Mark as Played

Homme/Zomp: Bender Consulting Services Sponsors Webinar on Transferable Skills for New Career Paths in Today’s Changing Job Search Environment

June 3, 2025 • 58 mins

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 H...

  • Mark as Played

    Louis Olander: Disability:IN Supports Veterans with Disabilities

    May 27, 2025 • 55 mins

    Joyce welcomes Louis Olander, Ph.D., Director of Research and Veterans’ Initiatives at Disability:IN. 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. 

    Mark as Played

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

    May 20, 2025 • 53 mins

    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 4th Annual Mary Brougher Memorial Golf Outing at River Forest Country Club in Freeport, PA on Saturday, August 16, 2025, to benefit the Mary Br...

    Mark as Played

    Vesper Moore, Board Member, the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law

    May 13, 2025 • 55 mins

    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. 

    Mark as Played

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

    May 6, 2025 • 54 mins

    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 Mento...

    Mark as Played

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

    April 29, 2025 • 57 mins

    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 fr...

    Mark as Played

    Mission of Disability:IN and the 2025 Global Conference and Expo

    April 22, 2025 • 56 mins

    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...

    Mark as Played

    Nicole Clark: Expert on Autism Awareness Discusses the Latest Advancements in Treating This Population

    April 15, 2025 • 54 mins

    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.

    Mark as Played

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

    April 8, 2025 • 57 mins

    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 ess...

    Mark as Played

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

    April 1, 2025 • 56 mins
    Joyce welcomes the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer, John F. Walsh III  and Andrew Houghton, Co-Founder of iDisability®, to the show.
     
    As leaders in disability employment and accessibility, Joyce serves as Chief Executive Officer of Bender Consulting Services, Inc....
    Mark as Played

    Ellen Duffield: Highmark Wholecare Continues Long-Standing Commitment to Hire People with Disabilities

    March 25, 2025 • 53 mins

    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. Duff...

    Mark as Played

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

    March 18, 2025 • 51 mins
    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 w...
    Mark as Played

    Hammerstrom/Rubin: The Bender Leadership Academy Prepares High School Students with Disabilities for the World of Work

    March 11, 2025 • 54 mins

    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...

    Mark as Played

    Alexander Geht – Designer, Innovator, and Founder of Testa-Seat

    March 4, 2025 • 53 mins
    Read more
    Mark as Played

    Hannah Smith: Author/Advocate for Food Allergy Communities

    February 25, 2025 • 54 mins
    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...
    Mark as Played

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

    February 18, 2025 • 56 mins

    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...

    Mark as Played

    Popular Podcasts

      United States of Kennedy

      United States of Kennedy

      United States of Kennedy is a podcast about our cultural fascination with the Kennedy dynasty. Every week, hosts Lyra Smith and George Civeris go into one aspect of the Kennedy story.

      Stuff You Should Know

      Stuff You Should Know

      If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.

      Dateline NBC

      Dateline NBC

      Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

      The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

      The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

      The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.

      Crime Junkie

      Crime Junkie

      Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.

    Advertise With Us
    Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

    Connect

    Explore

    iHeart

    Live Radio

    Podcasts

    Artist Radio

    Exclusives

    News

    Features

    Events

    Contests

    Photos

    Information

    About

    Advertise

    Blog

    Brand Guidelines

    Contest Guidelines

    Subscription Offers

    Jobs

    Get the App

    Automotive

    Home

    Mobile

    Wearables

    © 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.