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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Hammerstrom/Rubin: The Bender Leadership Academy Prepares High School Students with Disabilities for the World of Work
March 11, 2025 · 54 min
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
Alexander Geht – Designer, Innovator, and Founder of Testa-Seat
March 4, 2025 · 53 min
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
Hannah Smith: Author/Advocate for Food Allergy Communities
February 25, 2025 · 54 min
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
Debra Germany: Helping Current/Former Incarcerated Adults and At-Risk Youth Reach Full Potential
February 18, 2025 · 56 min
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
Barãta A. Bey: Driving Mission of African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania
February 11, 2025 · 45 min
Tomorrow on Disability Matters, Joyce welcomes Barãta A. Bey, President, African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania to the show. He will share its mission and explain the ways
Evan Frazier, President and CEO of The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI)
February 4, 2025 · 58 min
Joyce welcomes Evan Frazier, President and CEO of The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI), back to the show. The Advanced Leadership Institute is an organization aimed at cultivating Black executive leadership
Larry Kleinman: Highmark Health Hires People with Disabilities
January 28, 2025 · 52 min
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
Karen Hanlon: Highmark Health’s Commitment to Diverse Workforce
January 21, 2025 · 55 min
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
Deborah Rice-Johnson: Helping Highmark Stay Committed to Hiring People with Disabilities
January 14, 2025 · 55 min
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
David Holmberg: Highmark Grows Standard to Hire Disabled in 2025
January 7, 2025 · 54 min
Joyce is excited to start 2025 with the returning champion of competitive employment for Americans with disabilities, David Holmberg, President, and CEO of Highmark Health and Chairman of the Board,