Disability Empowerment Now

Aubrie Therrien is the Executive Artistic Director of The EPIC Players, dedicated to creating neuro-diverse opportunities and communities through the arts. She has been an actress regionally and in New York City for 20 years and holds a BFA in Theater from Longwood University and a Masters of Public Health from New York University. She has worked with the neuro-diverse community through theater fo...

Andrew Marcum, Ph. D., brings an unparalleled passion for Disability Studies to his role as the Academic Director and Distinguished Lecturer at the CUNY School of Professional Studies. A trailblazer in the field, Dr. Marcum served as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at SPS from 2016 to 2022, concurrently acting as the dynamic Program Coordinator for the Center for Self-Advocacy in Buffalo, NY. Ventu...

After a B.A. in English from American University in Washington D.C. and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the Instituto Allende, University of Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Scott taught literature and composition at Baruch College for fifteen years in New York City, while freelancing as a photographer (scottseldinphotography.com). In 1982, Scott wrote Yes, Boss, published by Blythe-P...

After a B.A. in English from American University in Washington D.C. and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from the Instituto Allende, University of Guanajuato, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Scott taught literature and composition at Baruch College for fifteen years in New York City, while freelancing as a photographer (scottseldinphotography.com). In 1982, Scott wrote Yes, Boss, published by Blythe-P...

S3 Episode 8: Kurt Yaeger is an American actor and disability advocate known for his inspiring story of resilience and determination. He was born on January 3, 1977, in San Francisco, California. However, in 2006, his life took a dramatic turn when he was involved in a motorcycle accident that resulted in the amputation of his left leg. Despite this life-altering event, Kurt Yaeger continued to pu...

Cary Goldberg began his 20+ year career as a performing artist on a one night whim. At the age of 14, he wrote a stand up comedy act and opened for a comedy troupe at the local rock club, what was supposed to be one night, ended up spanning 6 years.  Cary always stuck to rock clubs rather than comedy clubs, because as a comedy promoter once eloquently told him “People come to comedy clubs to drink...

S3 Episode 6: Daniel Woodburn is an American actor, comedian, and activist for the disability rights movement linked to his dwarfism. He is most known for his work on Seinfeld in the 90s but has worked on films like Jingle All the Way, Watchmen, and Mirror Mirror. He is a graduate of Philadelphia’s Temple University’s School of Film and Theater and recipient of their Outstanding Alumni Achievement...

Ron Barber was an American politician who dedicated his life to advocacy on various critical issues. Throughout his career, Ron Barber was a tireless champion of civil rights, advocating for equality and justice for all Americans. He understood the importance of inclusivity and worked to ensure that every citizen’s rights were protected and upheld. Ron Barber was also a staunch supporter of Medica...

Anita Hollander has performed throughout Europe, Asia & US, at Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, London’s West End, NY Shakespeare Festival, Goodman Theatre & White House. A Helen Hayes Award nominee, her solo musicals Still Standing and Spectacular Falls, have played Off-Broadway, nationally & internationally. Other Theatre work includes Ragtime, CATS  (Grizabella). On TV she’s Guest Starred on Welc...

Introducing Scott Hatley, a remarkable individual with a profound dedication to making a difference. Scott, despite facing the challenges of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), has emerged as an inspirational figure in the world of nonprofit leadership. He currently serves as the Executive Director of INCIGHT, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. INCIGHT, under Scott’s visionary guidance, is on a mi...

Jessica Cox was named Tucson’s 40 Under 40 2022’s Woman of the Year and is the first armless pilot in aviation history. She is a motivational speaker that has presented all around the world. Sami Madden is an advocate with disabilities and a recruiter for a Defense Contractor.  Jessica and Sami talk to Keith about their advocacy experience and both their aviation accomplishments. They discuss Tai...

Temple Grandin P.h. D is a renowned autism spokesperson, author and animal behaviorist and an academic. She is a designer of livestock handling facilities and a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. Facilities she has designed are located in the United States, Canada, Europe, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries.  Dr. Grandin talks to Keith about her books “Think...

Season 3 trailer is here! This season, host Keith Murfee DeConcini explores the theme of disability and entertainment with guests like Temple Grandin, Ron Barber, Daniel Woodburn and more! Listen to new episodes every week on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, DisabilityEmpowermentNow.com or wherever you stream podcasts. Follow @DisabilityEmpowermentNow on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and...

Leroy Moore is the co-founder of Krip Hop Nation, he is also an activist, author, and current PhD student at UCLA. In this episode, Moore dives into his experience growing up disabled in the 70s and his perspective on the birth of Krip Hop Nation. Find the transcript to this HERE. Follow Moore on Twitter @kriphopnation.

Kat Stratford and Heath Butrum are two sickeningly cute political activists who have made careers out of trying to create a better world through politics. Kat, who is Deaf but uses hearing aids, is a former candidate for state house and currently works for the City of Tucson in addressing the emergency of houselessness and housing insecurity. Heath is the Campaigns Director for Rural Arizona Engag...

Jamon Freeman,  B.K.A. A “triple threat” black, Deaf & physically challenged. He’s a generous guy who’s multi-talented, an athlete and a poet making a difference in both communities by bridging gaps within the deaf and hearing community. His goal is to open multiple doors for the youth. As a poet, Jamon is working on a “2nd” poetry book “The Road to Prosperity (into the light of Ambivalence.)” [Pi...

Ilya Benjamin is the director of user experience for a medical company. Keith and Ilya have been friends and colleagues for a long time. Ilya worked in the CUNY School of Professional Studies Office of Disabilities while Keith pursued his degree. Ilya has a background in art education and design. Access the transcript of the episode HERE.

Dyara and George Henderson are the parents of the late Jonathan Henderson, who Keith had known for over 20 years. Dyara Henderson is from Adelphi, Maryland. Ms. Henderson attended City College of New York and holds a Master’s of Christian Education and Counseling. A lifelong reader, passionate about working with youth; she has volunteered with […]

LeAnna Lucero is a recreational therapist. Keith and Lucero first met when they were in the Arizona LEND program in 2017. They actually co-taught a class on Cerebral Palsy. Lucero’s Arizona LEND bio: “I am a child life specialist and recreational therapist at Diamond Children’s Hospital. I have a master’s degree in therapeutic recreation from […]

Stephanie Woodward is an attorney, activist, and organizer, passionate about Disability Rights and empowering people with disabilities. She is also the co-founder and Executive Director of Disability EmpowHer Network, a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering girls and women with disabilities to grow, learn, and develop to their highest potential and have the confidence to lead. […]

In this episode, Advocates Network Admins (Jamon Freeman, Hunta Williams, and Allison Jones) discuss adaptive sports and access. Access the transcript for this episode HERE. Jamon Freeman,  B.K.A. A “triple threat” black, Deaf & physically challenged. He’s a generous guy who’s multi-talented, an athlete and poet making a difference in both communities by bridging gaps […] Disability Empowerment No...

Dr. Amy Kenny is a disabled scholar and Shakespearan lecturer from the University of Sussex whose research focuses on medical and bodily themes in literature. Her work has been featured in publications such as Teen Vogue, The Mighty, The Audacity, and Sojourners. Kenny is a scribe for Freedom Road Institute for Leadership and Justice and […]

My name is Bronson Layton. I am originally from Ragland, Alabama, but I now live in South Carolina. I am twenty-five years old. I graduated from Ragland High School in 2016. I earned a Bachelor’s Degree in English at Jacksonville State University in 2020, and a Master’s Degree in English from the same university in […]

 Jackie Schuld is an autistic art therapist specializing in newly identified autistics and those who suspect they might be autistic. She is also an artist and essayist. She writes about mental health topics daily and pairs each essay with an art piece on Medium (@JackieSchuld). You can learn more about her creative and professional work […]

Dr. Gabrielle Ficchi is a licensed therapist and certified rehabilitation counselor. Gabrielle has 10 years of counseling experience.  As a counselor, her specialty focuses on individuals with disabilities, specifically disability adjustment, health, and wellness promotion, and disability identity. In addition, her personal  experience with a disability helps her relate to the participants’ experi...