Twenty-First Century Disability

Send us Fan Mail Guest: Anna Schmid Length: 49:33 Episode Summary: In this personal and reflective episode, we explore the question: Would we be the same people we are today if we did not have our disabilities? Rather than trying to answer that question all at once, we break the conversation down by different periods of our lives and reflect on how disability affected each stage. We look at childh...

Send us Fan Mail Guest: Roddey Harb Length: 37:09 Episode Summary: In this episode, Roddey Harb discusses how big businesses are adapting—or still need to adapt—to create accessible offices. He notes that accessibility is not a single checklist item or a one-time accommodation, but an ongoing process of listening, responding, and changing how work is designed. As a change management consultant, Ro...

Send us Fan Mail Guest: Dr Zack Yarde Length: 35:05 Episode Summary In this episode, Dr Zack Yarde explores accessibility from a broader, more inclusive perspective. While many people think of accessibility in terms of ramps, doorways, and office design, Zack explains that true inclusion goes much further — including the documents people read every day and the fonts those documents use. Zack refle...

Send us Fan Mail Guest: Tracy King Length: 35:28 Episode Summary Tracy shares their experience of receiving a disability diagnosis later in life—and how that moment helped reframe decades of masking, overcompensating, and trying to “fit” into professional and social expectations. Together, Tracy and Hollis explore the emotional reality of invisible disability, the complications of disclosure, and...

Send us Fan Mail Content warning: This episode contains discussions of suicide and suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is struggling and you are living in Canada or the United States, please call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). You can also find support and resources at https://helpguide.org/. Guest: Danise Sugita What You’ll Learn: •How Danise’s lived experience shaped her...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary: On this episode of 21st Century Disability, I sit down with Ottawa wheelchair fencer Trinity Lowthian to talk about how she became disabled, what it’s really like living with feeding tubes, and how she found her way into wheelchair fencing. We also get into where she’s competed so far and the academic wins she’s worked hard for along the way. What You’ll Learn •Wh...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary In this episode, Rick Sherak breaks down the safety and support features behind Zeen, a mobility device designed for people who are committed to maintaining or regaining their ability. We talk about how Zeen helps reduce common risks like tripping, stumbles, and fatigue—and why many first-time users are genuinely surprised by how supportive it feels, including its...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary Chris "Bucko" Binkowski joins the show to talk about how muscular dystrophy shapes his day-to-day life—and how it also informs the way he makes music and visual art. We get into adaptation as a creative practice, the tools and routines that make creative art possible, and how access needs can become part of an aesthetic rather than a barrier. In This Epis...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Overview: In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Zylo Marshall, a resilient individual who has confronted the challenges of living with brain damage since childhood. Zylo shares his personal experiences with bullying, the impact of his disability, and his unique journey in the real estate industry. We also delve into the complexities of living on a disability pensi...

Send us Fan Mail Episode Summary:   In this captivating episode, we sit down with Michael Leung, the innovative mind behind The Flo Group and the FLO TrueBalance hearing aid. Michael shares his inspiring journey, which began with his own challenges related to vision problems. His personal experiences motivated him to seek solutions in the realm of audiology, leading to the development of this grou...

Send us Fan Mail In this exciting episode, we welcome back our first returning guest, Christian Stylianou! Christian first joined us to share his insights into the world of adaptive fashion, and today, he's back to dive into his latest venture: Unamic Clothing. Unamic is an innovative adaptive clothing line, currently focused on providing stylish and functional socks designed for individuals...

Send us Fan Mail **Episode Summary:** In this episode of *21st Century Disability*, host Hollis Peirce sits down with American veteran Douglas Katz, whose years of service have left him with long-term upper body injuries, particularly affecting his shoulders. These challenges have made everyday tasks, like cooking, quite difficult for Doug.  In response to his struggles, Doug set out to create an...

Send us Fan Mail In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Anna Schmid, an expert in disability advocacy and workplace inclusion. Together, we explore the pervasive issue of ableism in the workplace, and in the real world. During our conversation we discuss its impact on employees with disabilities and the importance of creating an inclusive environment for all. Anna shares her insights on pr...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with the inspiring Zoe Harrison, host of the podcast *Dystrophy Diaries* and author of the book *One In A Million*. Together, we explore our personal journeys with our diagnoses and the unique challenges we faced during our teenage years, particularly the struggle with internal ableism.  Zoe shares her experiences navigating the complexities of living...

Send us Fan Mail **Episode Description:** Join us in this inspiring episode as we sit down with Victoria Scholz, an accessible fashion advocate who has been making waves in the fashion industry since the tender age of 15. With a master’s degree in sustainable fashion, Victoria is not just a visionary; she's a trailblazer dedicated to creating a more inclusive and environmentally friendly fash...

Send us Fan Mail **Podcast Episode Show Notes: The Future is Within Reach: Laila and Sielo Robotics**   **Episode Overview:**   In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Laila and her pivotal role in founding Sielo Robotics, a groundbreaking company dedicated to creating assistive robotics. What began as a university class project has transformed into a promising startup, making signi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Roshene Lawson, a compassionate and dedicated chaplain at Bruyère Health Centretown Campus. Roshene shares her insights on the role of spirituality and emotional support in healthcare, especially in the context of caring for patients with disabilities. She discusses the importance of holistic care and the impact of a supportive environment on pati...

Send us Fan Mail In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Maria, a full-time wheelchair user with Spina Bifida and a devoted mother of two. Maria passionately discusses her campaign advocating for the sexual rights of disabled individuals, shedding light on the critical need for awareness and education surrounding this often-overlooked topic.  Throughout the conversation, Maria highlights th...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Debra Erickson, the owner of The Blind Kitchen, who shares her remarkable journey as a visually impaired chef, entrepreneur, and educator. Debra's passion for teaching visually impaired individuals how to cook safely and confidently shines through as she discusses the resources and techniques she provides to help others embrace thei...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Tiffany Yu, a passionate disability advocate who has made significant strides in the field of inclusivity and social justice. Tiffany shares her personal journey with disability and how it has shaped her identity and professional path. As the founder of Diversability, she is dedicated to building a community that champions the rights and...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Max Ivey, known as "the Blind Blogger," to explore his remarkable journey through life as someone with Retinitis Pigmentosa. Max shares his insights on reading, writing, and the importance of accessibility in our digital world. From his unexpected transition from a career in carnival management to becoming an accessibility advi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we welcome special guest Dale Walsh, who shares his extraordinary journey of recovery from schizophrenia through the lens of his poetry. Dale offers insightful perspectives on living with mental illness, drawing from his personal experiences. Together, we delve into various facets of mental health, including the role of therapy and the unique challenges faced by t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Twenty-First Century Living, Greg and Hollis explore the unique career path of Greg Cantori, whose journey from bicycle repairman to advocate for aging-in-place has reshaped the landscape of home safety. Discover how Greg's knack for practical solutions and his entrepreneurial spirit led to the establishment of Little Deeds, a company focused on making home...

Send us Fan Mail In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Katherine Klimatas, a talented graphic designer who shares her journey of creativity and entrepreneurship. Katherine, a graduate of Loyola University, has not only built a successful business but also advocates for change and awareness as a designer living with brittle bones disease. Join us as we explore Katherine's unique perspect...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Twenty-First Century Disability, Hollis sits down with Andrew Gurza, a prominent disability awareness consultant, to delve into his impactful career and personal experiences. Join us as we explore a range of topics that are not only insightful but also essential for understanding the multifaceted nature of living with a disability. Learn more about Andrew Gurza...