Discussing Disability

In the April 2026 episode of Discussing Disability , host Nate Wise sits down with Cindy Roberts, Director of Business and Corporate Initiatives at the Virginia Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired (DBVI), to explore how the organization is empowering individuals who are blind, vision impaired, or deaf-blind to achieve independence and meaningful careers. Cindy shares an inside look at DBV...

In this bonus episode of Discussing Disability , we’re sharing Nate Wise’s recent appearance on the Richmond Perspectives community program on 98.1 FM, which aired on March 8. Nate, Communications & PR Manager at SOAR365, joins host Rebecca Wilde to talk about the organization’s mission to create life-fulfilling opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The conversation covers SOAR365’s...

On this episode of Discussing Disability , we sit down with John Walker, President and CEO of SOAR365, to reflect on a milestone moment—his 10th year leading the organization—and to look ahead to what 2026 has in store. John shares how his journey from the for-profit world to nonprofit leadership became the most meaningful chapter of his career, and how a clear vision helped guide SOAR365 through...

In this special National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) episode of Discussing Disability , host Nate Wise sits down with Shane Kanady , Vice President of Workforce Development at SourceAmerica , to talk about the power of meaningful work. Shane shares how SourceAmerica connects federal contracts with nonprofit agencies like SOAR365 through the Ability One Program , creating tens of...

In this inspiring episode of Discussing Disability , host Nate Wise talks with Trent McFadden, Assistant Vice President of SOAR365’s Ability One program, and Will Froude, a U.S. Army veteran and small engine mechanic on SOAR365’s Bellwood team. Together, they explore how the Ability One program—powered by a partnership with SourceAmerica—creates meaningful job opportunities for people with disabil...

This month on Discussing Disability , host Nate Wise sits down with Dr. Sarah Kranz-Ciment , founder and executive director of Friendship Circle of Virginia , to explore how her organization is building a more inclusive Richmond — one friendship at a time. Learn how Friendship Circle connects people with and without disabilities through meaningful relationships, creative programs, and community-wi...

What does it mean to belong? In this episode of Discussing Disability , host Nate Wise sits down with Logan Kleene , a participant in SOAR365’s Adult Day Support program, and his mom Lynda Kleene to share their inspiring story of growth, independence, and connection. Logan, who has autism, speech and language challenges, and developmental delays, has found a welcoming place at SOAR365 — where he l...

Summer camp is more than just fun — it’s a place to build memories, friendships, and confidence. In this episode of Discussing Disability , host Nate Wise sits down with Tricia Puryear , SOAR365’s Vice President of Human Services, to explore what makes Camp Baker such a special experience for children and adults with disabilities. Tricia shares her own professional journey and explains how Camp Ba...

College can be a transformative experience — and with the right support, students with disabilities can thrive academically, socially, and personally. In this episode of Discussing Disability , host Nate Wise talks with Chris Parthenos , Associate Director of VCU’s Student Accessibility and Educational Opportunity (SAEO) office, about how universities can foster equity and belonging for students w...

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) — a time to celebrate the skills, talents, and contributions of workers with disabilities, and to reaffirm the importance of access to good jobs for all. In this episode of Discussing Disability , host Nate Wise talks with two SOAR365 team members whose stories embody the spirit of inclusion and perseverance. First, Nate chats with...

What does it mean to see someone like you competing on the world stage? In this inspiring episode of Discussing Disability , host Nate Wise sits down with Hannah Smith , a wheelchair basketball player, disability advocate, and founder of the See It Be It Project . Hannah shares her personal journey as an athlete and leader, how she became a passionate advocate for adaptive sports through Sportable...

Volunteers are the heart of so many nonprofits — and at SOAR365, they make life-changing opportunities possible for individuals with disabilities every day. In this episode of Discussing Disability , host Nate Wise sits down with two special guests to talk about the power of volunteering and how anyone can make a difference. First, Nate talks with Liz Harris , SOAR365’s Manager of Volunteer Engage...

In the first-ever episode of Discussing Disability, we talk with SOAR365 Vice President of Business Solutions, Jim Quigg, and Vice President of the Ability One Business Line, Trent McFadden, about how people with disabilities find and maintain employment in the workforce.