Disability Matters with Joyce Bender focuses on the employment and empowerment of people with disabilities. Episodes feature prominent disability leaders such as Congressman Tony Coelho, Governor Dick Thornburgh, Andy Imparato, and senior executives from the private sector.
Listen on the web or subscribe on your favorite podcast app for new weekly episodes. Tell your friends!
Special Thanks to Our Sponsor!

Former Students with Disabilities Share Perspectives on Programs
October 31, 2023 · 51 min
Joyce welcomes Scott Hammerstrom, Manager of Programs and Partnerships with the Bender Leadership Academy, to the show. Joining Scott will be Jesse Donald Lester, a participant in the Bender Leadership
Mission of 412 Ability Tech Ecosystem
October 24, 2023 · 55 min
Joyce welcomes Alexander Geht, Gal Inbar, and Jeffery Cohen, members of the 412 Ability Tech Ecosystem to the show. This Pittsburgh organization is a vibrant, interconnected network of individuals and
Mary E. Dolan: Latest With FDR Memorial Legacy Committee
October 17, 2023 · 44 min
Joyce welcomes Mary E. Dolan, Executive Director of the FDR Memorial Legacy Committee to the show. She will be discussing the latest goals of the FDR Legacy Committee and what
October – Disability Employment Awareness Month/November 2023 VCF
October 10, 2023 · 55 min
Joyce welcomes to the show Gerald Homme, Manager of Talent Acquisition and Technology with Bender Consulting Services, Inc. In celebration of National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Gerald will be discussing
Encore A Tribute to Judy Heumann
October 3, 2023 · 54 min
Joyce and callers reflect on the life and disability rights work of the late Judy Heumann.
Lachi/Ian: The Art of Two Entertainers in the Music Industry
September 26, 2023 · 55 min
Joyce welcomes Lachi, an award-winning internationally touring creative artist and personality, back to the show. Lachi is founder and President of the U.N. recognized Recording Artists and Music Professionals with
Bazelon/O’Donnell/Hill: 2023 Bazelon Center Awards Gala
September 19, 2023 · 53 min
Joyce welcomes The Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law’s Jill Bazelon, Member of the Board of Trustees, Holly O’Donnell, President & CEO and Eve Hill one of the nation’s leading
Mascia/Aurigemma: Disability:IN DOBE Mentoring Experience
September 12, 2023 · 54 min
Joyce welcomes Colleen Mascia, Category Strategy Manager in Pfizer’s Global Procurement Group managing the engagement of creative advertising agencies, with a specific focus on Public Relations, and Christine Aurigemma, Senior
Rebecca Williford: Attorney/National Disability Community Leader
September 5, 2023 · 55 min
Joyce welcomes to the show, Rebecca Willford, the new CEO of Disability Rights Advocates. Rebecca is a seasoned, nationally recognized disability community leader and attorney with extensive experience litigating class
John Walsh: Dedicated Businessman and Disability Rights Leader
August 29, 2023 · 54 min
Joyce welcomes John Walsh, a highly successful business leader and real advocate for employing people with disabilities, back to the show. He has hired people with disabilities from Bender Consulting
