In the News
Joyce Bender Appointed to the National Plan for Epilepsy Committee (NPEC)
Joyce Bender, Founder and CEO of Bender Consulting Services, Inc., has been appointed to represent Epilepsy Alliance America on the National Plan for Epilepsy Committee (NPEC). The committee unites nine epilepsy organizations to create a U.S. National Plan for Epilepsy, aiming to advance policies benefiting the epilepsy community. As an advocate living with epilepsy, Joyce is dedicated to reducing stigma and enhancing opportunities for people with disabilities.
Veronica Villalobos Receives Mary Brougher Disability Ambassador of the Year Award
Veronica Villalobos, a trailblazer for inclusion and diversity, has been honored with the prestigious Mary Brougher Disability Ambassador of the Year Award. Her unwavering commitment to advancing opportunities for individuals with disabilities exemplifies the power of advocacy and leadership. Discover how her inspiring work continues to make a meaningful impact.
John Walsh to Receive Bender Consulting Services Technology Champion Award
Bender Consulting Services is honoring John Walsh III, CEO of Red Summit Global, LLC, with their second Technology Champion Award for his outstanding leadership in advancing competitive employment for people with disabilities in STEM fields. John has helped transform organizations globally through his work in AI, machine learning, and data analytics, while also serving on the boards of the American Association of People with Disabilities and Bender Leadership Academy. Joyce Bender, CEO of Bender Consulting, praised John’s lifelong dedication to empowering individuals with disabilities.
Joyce Bender to be Honored at the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law Annual Awards Reception
Join us in celebrating Joyce Bender, CEO of Bender Consulting Services and Bender Leadership Academy, as she receives the prestigious Visionary Award from the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law. Honored alongside U.S. Senators John Fetterman and Edward Markey, Joyce is being recognized for her groundbreaking work championing disability rights and employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Click through to learn more about this inspiring recognition and the incredible impact Joyce has made in the disability community.
Bender Consulting Services, Inc., Disability:IN, and former Congressman Tony Coelho, Launch Joint Effort to Increase Employment Opportunities for People with Disabilities
Discover how Bender Consulting Services, Inc., Disability:IN, and former Congressman Tony Coelho are joining forces to revolutionize employment opportunities for people with disabilities. This innovative partnership aims to break down barriers and create inclusive workplaces across the nation. Dive into the details of this groundbreaking effort and learn how it promises to make a lasting impact on the lives of many. Click below to read the full press release and find out how you can support this transformative mission.
Judy Woodruff to Receive Tony Coelho Award
Renowned journalist Judy Woodruff is set to receive the prestigious Tony Coelho Award, recognizing her outstanding contributions and advocacy for the disability community. This honor, presented by Bender Consulting Services, Inc., highlights her dedication to promoting inclusivity and raising awareness. Explore the full story behind this accolade and Woodruff’s impactful work. Click below to read the complete press release and join us in celebrating this remarkable achievement.
Disability Employability and Inclusivity: Leading Change with Joyce Bender
In this episode, Denise Triba, Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO) and Joi Turner, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Manager of Ingenovis Health, talk with Joyce Bender of Bender Consulting about why it matters to hire the best candidate for the job, regardless of disability status. Learn about inclusive practices, mentoring, recruitment, and an innovative training program, iDisability to equip clinicians with the best skills to engage clients with disabilities and improve overall patient care and communication practices.
Listen To Joyce Bender on KDKA Radio
Listen to Joyce Bender’s interview with KDKA radio personality, Rob Pratte, as she shares perspectives about Bender Consulting Services and Bender Leadership Academy.
Bender/Coelho Disability Consortium Launches a Challenge to Corporate America
Joyce Bender, Founder of Bender Consulting Services, announced today an important program that will be a national initiative for the company in 2023. Known as the Bender/Coelho Disability Consortium, this partnership between Bender and former Congressman Tony Coelho, Author of the Americans with Disabilities Act, is aimed at securing competitive employment by hiring 10 people with disabilities from Bender at 10 different corporations. Specifically, the consortium will work with Corporate America to fill these 100 positions by the end of 2023.
U.S. Embassy Libya
February 17 at 8:56 AM
World-renowned American disability rights advocate Joyce Bender, joined by Ambassador Norland, virtually met with Libyan civil society organization leaders and advocates on February 9th to discuss matters concerning people with disabilities in Libya. Libyan representatives emphasized the need for people with disabilities, and other underrepresented people, to be able to participate in the political process and gain access to polling stations. They also stressed the need for access to educational and employment opportunities, the need for national reconciliation, and the value of integration of people with disabilities to achieve Libya’s full political and economic potential.
Upcoming Events
Recognizing Leaders in Disability Employment
Tony Coelho Award
The Honorable Tony Coelho is the author of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was signed into law on July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. An award in his name is presented to a CEO, President, or government leader who has demonstrated a significant commitment to employ people with disabilities in competitive positions, and worked to influence other business and/or government leaders. In 2024, the Tony Coelho Award was presented to Judy Woodruff, Senior Correspondent and former anchor and managing editor of the PBS NewsHour. View past recipients
Bender Consulting Services, Inc. Technology Champion Award
The Bender Technology Champion Award is presented in recognition of outstanding leadership in advancing competitive employment of people with disabilities within STEM career fields through hiring programs with Bender Consulting Services, Inc. Our first recipient of this award is Michael “Mick” Malec, Enterprise Technology and Operations Officer at Highmark Health and CEO of enGen.
Read Michael “Mick” Malec’s Bio
Read The Press Release
Insights from Disability Mentoring Day 2020
Bender Consulting Services is the founding regional sponsor for Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) in Western Pennsylvania. Our involvement in this initiative began when Jonathan Young, who worked in disability policy in the Clinton Administration, asked Joyce Bender to encourage businesses to become involved.
DMD promotes career development for students and job seekers with disabilities through job shadowing and hands on career exploration. Bender Consulting Services is proud to continue partnering with Bender Leadership Academy and the American Association of People with Disabilities, to sponsor Disability Mentoring Day in the Pittsburgh area.