Enable: The Disability Podcast

What was Helen Keller like? The deaf-blind hero, best known as a pioneer for disability rights as chronicled in "The Miracle Worker," achieved many things in her life: She was the first deaf-blind woman to graduate from college, was a Goodwill Ambassador for peace after World War II, a labor rights advocate, a suffragist, and much more. “She was very much just like all of us too,” says Tony Stephe...

What do employers and others get wrong about neurodivergent people? Laura McAnulty, executive director of the Neurodiversity Employment Network of Philadelphia, spoke with "Enable: The Disability Podcast" about being diagnosed as neurodivergent later in life, tips for job interviews, disclosure options, and social anxiety."I think that that's a big misnomer with autistic people or neurodivergent p...

How does caregiving begin for people with disabilities? What kind of jobs are available? Jessica Hulter, whose daughter had Rett Syndrome, and Lamarque Polvado, whose CareStarter project was inspired by his daughter's autism journey, spoke with "Enable: The Disability Podcast" about health care services for families with disabilities, the U.S. military's Exceptional Family Member Program and TRICA...

The Special Olympics changes people's lives, celebrates competitive spirit, and fosters unforgettable relationships. Stacey Hengsterman, president and CEO of Special Olympics New York with "Enable: The Disability Podcast" about the Special Olympics 2026 USA Games, which take place from June 20-26 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as well as her son Alex's experiences with Down syndrome and unified sports...

What should parents expect when their child is diagnosed with Down syndrome? And what kind of resources and support are available? Anna Bruce, board president of GiGi’s Playhouse in New York’s Southern Tier, spoke with "Enable: The Disability Podcast" about her son Camden, virtual and in-person programs for the Down syndrome community, and why people should raise, not lower, their expectations. "H...

Prosthetic limbs for amputees have a real cost -- thousands of dollars -- but also an emotional toll. Matt Millhouse, a military veteran and the president of Iron Leg Corp., spoke with "Enable: The Disability Podcast" about his experiences raising a son whose right leg didn't fully form in the womb, how his son doesn't let it stop him from loving and participating in sports, and the organization's...

Pennsylvania announced a new Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities in April, aiming to gather information regarding the experiences and needs of people with disabilities, assess support programs, and provide information about services for the disability community, families, and caregivers. Sherri Landis, executive director of The Arc of Pennsylvania, spoke with "Enable: The Disability Po...

What is the Blue Envelope Program? The New York State Sheriffs' Association has established a free public service program that provides blue envelopes for drivers with autism and neurodivergence, helping them in interactions with law enforcement. Onondaga County Sheriff's Deputy Danielle Podejko spoke with "Enable: The Disability Podcast" about the program and other tips for people with disabiliti...

How should you plan for a vacation with a disability? What kind of accessibility resources and options are available for travel? "Blindish Latina" and disability advocate Catarina Rivera talks with "Enable: The Disability Podcast" about her experiences growing up with hearing loss, trying to hide a progressive vision disability, accessibility tools for the deaf-blind such as a white cane and live...

Did you know? Diabetes is considered a disability under the ADA because even if it's well-managed, it's still a chronic autoimmune condition that limits the endocrine system. Video game developer Sam Glassenberg speaks with "Enable: The Disability Podcast" about his free mobile app, “Level One: A Diabetes Game,” which helps people with Type 1 diabetes better learn how to keep track of insulin ther...

How can a military family find stability while constantly moving when they have a child with autism? Retired U.S. Air Force Col. Jaime B. Parent and his wife, educator and autism specialist, Elizabeth "Tracy" Parent, spoke with "Enable: The Disability Podcast" hosts Geoff "DeafGeoff" Herbert and Kurt Hower about their experiences raising a child with Autism Spectrum Disorder, resources for militar...

What kind of jobs are there for people with disabilities? How can I get accommodations? Can I work and still receive disability benefits? David Devendorf, director of employment at Access CNY, shares job tips for people with different abilities to find and succeed in careers they enjoy. For more information and resources: ACCES- VR (Vocational Rehabilitation) in New York https://www.acces.nysed.go...

For families with neurodivergence, resources and support are often easier to find for children than adults. On this episode of "Enable: The Disability Podcast," two moms of adult children with autism spoke about the challenges they've faced, the "gray area" of adulthood, and efforts to help them become independent as they get older. "It's a huge transition when you leave high school," said Jean Le...

What is a learning disability, and how does it look on the inside? On this episode of "Enable: The Disability Podcast," writer, photographer and para educator Michelle Steiner talks about being diagnosed with dyscalculia, a learning disability that affects numerical processing, mathematics, and spatial awareness (like right vs. left). She also has issues with visual perception and limited hand dex...

How can families teach kids about disabilities, inclusion and acceptance? In this episode of "Enable: The Disability Podcast," children's book author Ryan Revere Ritter shares the real-life inspirations for "Fredrick the One Legged Goose," including a young boy with cancer and an actual one-legged goose, and why he decided to include coloring pages in the back of the book. "Fredrick the One Legged...

In this special Q&A episode of "Enable: The Disability Podcast," co-hosts Geoff "DeafGeoff" Herbert and Kurt Hower answer questions about their own different abilities, including hearing loss, ankylosing spondylitis and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder). They may all be very different conditions, but you'd be surprised at the common threads, the different challenges that can come with each, and...

John Eves, a radio and TV broadcasting veteran, was born with a birth defect that he learned decades later was cerebral palsy. In this episode of "Enable: The Disability Podcast," he talks about overcoming those challenges to achieve his dreams, pivoting when certain sports became too difficult, working with big names like Mike Tirico and Ian Eagle, and his unforgettable ski trip with a U.S. presi...

Rasheda Ali Walsh, a Parkinson's advocate, author and the daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, talks with "Enable: The Disability Podcast" about her dad's 30-year battle with Parkinson's disease. Rasheda discusses the importance of exercise to slow the neurological disease's progression, her role as a caregiver (or "care partner"), and one of her favorite memories with her dad (involving Peter...

Malik Jones, a member of Team USA's sled hockey team at the 2026 Paralympics in Italy, talks with "Enable: The Disability Podcast" about adaptive sports and the differences between traditional hockey and sled hockey. Jones, who was born without shinbones and had both legs amputated at 10 months old, previously became the second Black athlete to represent the U.S. in sled hockey and won a gold meda...

How do deaf people enjoy concerts? ASL rock stars Amber Galloway and Julian Ortiz are sign language interpreters for live music events like the New York State Fair, Lollapalooza, and the Super Bowl. Through Amber G Productions, they convey singers' lyrics to deaf and hard-of-hearing audience members; add emotion, energy and tone to the music; and interpret different genres differently, even for in...

We all know dating can be tough, but what's it like for people with disabilities? Liz McCormick and Lauren Ennis, organizers of EmpowHer Capital's "Dating while Disabled" event in Upstate New York, share their experiences, advice for meeting people, how to talk about special needs on dates and dating apps, and the importance of finding support groups. "As a disabled person, it does definitely come...

Nicole Pedra is a disability advocate, influencer, actress and model who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis at age 10, but chose to keep it private for two decades. In this episode of "Enable: The Disability Podcast," she talks about MS treatments, wanting to live a "normal" life (including in college at Syracuse University), the spoon theory, and the healing power of finally sharing her chroni...

*Note: The audio version of this podcast episode features an AI voice for guest Helena Schmidt's answers exactly as she wrote them. A video version of her interview appears on the YouTube version of "Enable: The Disability Podcast" with her voice and subtitles.* What challenges do college students with physical disabilities face? Helena Schmidt, who was born with cerebral palsy, speaks with "Enabl...

What is Tourette Syndrome really like? It's often misrepresented in the media with people simply shouting bad words, but the neurological disorder can include involuntary physical movements, vocal tics, chronic pain, and awkward social interactions. But comedian Pamela Rae Schuller sees the humor in sharing her experiences, calling it a daily "adventure." "Tourette's is what we call an umbrella di...

What are ABLE accounts? Special needs trust attorney Ellen Cookman talks with "Enable: The Disability Podcast" about 529 ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts, a tax-advantaged savings program for eligible people with disabilities (designated beneficiaries). Distributions are tax-free if used for qualified disability expenses. Cookman, whose son has autism, also spoke about estate pla...