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.
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Scott Hammerstrom/Gerald Homme: Overview of Success of 2025’s Mary Brougher Memorial Golf Outing and Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities
September 16, 2025 · 56 min
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.
Tim Hindes: Business Professional and Advocate for People with Disabilities
September 9, 2025 · 56 min
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
Jeanette Towles: Seasoned and Dedicated Medical Writer, AI Expert and Speaker Shares Mission of Disability Owned Business Enterprise
September 2, 2025 · 52 min
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
Tom Doran: Helping Health Customers and Members Obtain Health Services
August 26, 2025 · 48 min
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
Craig Leen: Shares Commitment to Advocacy for Those with Disabilities in Both Public and Private Sectors
August 12, 2025 · 59 min
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
Marcia Oglan: Fostering A Workforce That Showcases Talents of All Employees
August 5, 2025 · 52 min
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
Veronica Villalobos, Vice President of the Institute for Strategic Social and Workforce Programs for Highmark Health and Allegheny Health Network
July 29, 2025 · 54 min
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
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
July 22, 2025 · 54 min
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
Jennifer Mathis, Deputy Director of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health
July 15, 2025 · 54 min
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
Doro Koch, Daughter of President George H.W. Bush, Shares Insight into What Signing the ADA into Law Meant to Father
July 8, 2025 · 56 min
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