Friends with wheels: Recent Episodes
Laszlo Jajczay
Friends with Wheels is a podcast where I talk with individuals who have a wide range of disabilities, disability advocates and so much more to talk about key themes around disability and how people can be more mindful when interacting with a person with disability.
I talk with Emely Barragan about mental health in Latinx community.
Warning: Content mentions suicide related info. FYI.
I talk with Hailey Berry about her work in public service as an incoming defense attorney and how that has shaped her to fight for the people.
A conversation with Jessica Scalzo about peer counseling, motivational interviewing, etc.
I talk with Mary Sowers, the executive director of NASDDS about how they are helping people with disabilities.
A conversation about physical therapy with Emma Shapiro.
Note: Emma's connection cuts out from time to time.
I talk with Tina Balijan about her exercise journey, her work in the exercise realm, etc.
A conversation about the DD Ally PAC with Adrienne Stuart and how it help people with developmental disabilities.
In this episode, I talk about the National Down Syndrome Society with Kandi Pickard, the organization's CEO.
A conversation about dementia and what goes into caregiving for folks with dementia and other related disorders ft Adria Thompson, CEO of Be Light Care Consulting.
In this episode, I talk with Jessica Blum and Devin Newsome of SCIFIT about their work as neuro exercise specialists.
In this episode, I talk with Sharon Baum about her work in the education realm and as an SLP.
I chat with Lauren Knudsen about how Home Builders Founders Foundation is helping folks with disabilities feel safe in their own home.
I chat with Sandy Karlek, CEO of Nurturing Water Therapies.
Note: Audio cuts out a bit.
In this episode, I talk with Rebecca Jansson about her work in the disability community.
A conversation with Danielle Parks about her work as a therapist specifically with folks with PTSD, anxiety, depression, etc.
In this episode, I talk about all things air travel with Adero Knott, founder of SAFAIR.
Adero Knott (she/her) is a congenital below-elbow amputee, tech entrepreneur, and disability advocate based in Chicago.In 2016, Adero founded AK Prosthetics, a robotics startup making customized prosthetic limbs and assistive devices accessible and inclusive for all amputees. In 2023, she tackled a new problem by making air travel safe for people with disabilities with her latest venture, Safair™. Safair™ is an air travel accommodation platform, and workforce solution that utilizes the power of artificial intelligence to streamline accommodation requests, educate and provide airlines dedicated care assistants, and ensures wheelchairs and assistive devices arrive intact upon arrival. As of today Safair is the first technological solution to bring the USDOT legislation to make air travel accessible to fruition. She has been featured in Black Enterprise, Forbes, Amputee Coalition, Amplitude Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and American Inno. She is a Future Builders Fellow, Disability Lead Fellow, a SoGal Foundation Black Founders Grantee, an Evanston Art Center Curatorial Fellow, and a recipient of the BIPOC Inventors Grant from Project Cover by Arlan Hamilton.
In this episode, I talk with Jen Brimmage about her work as a physical therapist at Rehab Without Walls.
I talk with Julia Duff, executive director of the Spina Bifida Association of NY state.
In this episode, I talk with Adrienne Stuart about her work in the disability community specifically in the policy realm and among other topics.
In this episode, I talk with Grace Odgen- Parker about her work in the disability community.
In this episode, I talk with Tara Cunningham about her work in the disability community.
In this episode, I talk with Ayesha Elaine Lewis about her work as a disability lawyer.
In this episode, I talk with loana Tanase about how AI can be a useful to for people with disabilities.
In this episode, I talk with Maya Chupkov, host of the proud stutter podcast about her experiences with stuttering and how she teaches others to overcome their stutter.
In this episode, I talk with Kirsten Behling and Bridget McNamee about how they help people with disabilities in academics and finance.
** SPECIAL EPISODE*
In this episode, I talk with my good friend Mary Fudge about nutrition and public health in Seattle.
In this episode, I talk with Megan Messmer and Grace Goldman of Best Buddies Wisconsin and Washington respectively.
In this episode, I talk with Tom Jedlowski, of the Tennessee Disability Coalition (TDC)
In this episode, I talk with Rebecca Hummer, marketing manager at Special Olympics Washington
In this episode, I talk with Shannon Swiger about her role in internal communications in the healthcare field.
In this episode, I talk with Mara Stephens an ASL interpreter at the Sign Language Center.
In this episode, I talk with Jamie Martin, a case manager at Partners4 Housing about how she helps people with disabilities find a living situation that works best for them.
In this episode, I talk with Brittany Otter about her work in the disability community.
In this episode, I talk with Kabian Rendell, the Head of School for the NW School for the DEAF
In this episode, I talk with Nichole Goble of the Caregiver Action Network about what the organization is, what services it provides, etc.
In this episode, I talk with Noelle Birky of the Assistive Technology Lab at Community Vision about the fundamentals of AT and how it helps people with disabilities be independent.
In this episode, I talk with Rylin Rodgers about her work in disability policy and advocacy.
In this episode, I talk with Jana Burke, about her journey in the disability community, the work that she does, etc.
In this episode, I talk with Taylor Cole about her work in neurologic physical therapy.
A conversation with Paula De Giudice about how the Little Bit Riding Center helps people with disabilities be themselves.
In this episode, I talk with Matthew Santelli and Nels Holmgren about what services are availible for elderly and disabled adults.
In this episode, I talk with Corey Briskey about her work in the disability community as well as her upcoming memoir titled What Village: A Memoir on Overcoming Ableism and Reclaiming Motherhood
In this episode, I talk with Nicole Jorwic about her work in disability policy and advocacy.
In this episode, I talk with Katy Schmid about her work in strategic initiatives at the Arc of US.
In this episode, I talk with Julie Sowash about how Disability Solutions helps individuals with disabilities find pathways to employment.
In this episode, I talk with Valerie Goldstein about her work in the disability community as well as her children's book.
In this episode, I talk with Katie Warden (PNW ADA), Emily Shuman (Rocky Mountain ADA) and Barry Whaley (South East ADA).
In this episode, I talk with Paige Lasota, a disability employment specialist at Inclusive Networking.
In this episode, I talk with Anessa Powell, CEO of All Ability Recruiting about how that organization helps people with disabilities find, seek, and retain employment
In this episode, I talk with Brittany Bullock about the ABLE Now program and how it helps people with disabilities services to live an independent life.
In this episode, I talk with Lisa Hathaway about her work in the disability community and how she applies that to the real estate realm.
In this episode, I talk with Cassandra Evans, a disability studies professor in New York City.
In this episode, I talk with Darlene Norman about her work as an educational psychologist in the educational setting.
In this episode, I talk with Shani Chill, the executive director of IHOPE about how her organization helps children with special needs.
In this episode, I talk with Claire McNorton about her work in disability advocacy through Planned Parenthood.
A conversation with Woodinville City Council member Sarah Arndt about how she got involved in politics, her work on the Woodinville City Council, and how she's representing her constituents.
SPECIAL EPISODE
In this episode, I talk with Becky Wallace and Tania May (OSPI) about how the organization is including special ed students in reg education classes.
In this episode, I talk with Megan Miles, a physical therapist at UT Southwestern about her journey to PT, her work in PT and among other things
In this episode, I talk with Kelly Friedlander of Community Bridges Consulting Group about how they help people with disabilities find a sense of community and belonging.
In this episode, I talk with Anne Mikan of the Fairfileld County IDD Division about how they help folks with IDD be independent.
In this episode, I talk with Faith Saenz about her work in the neurodiversity community.
In this episode, I talk with Brittany Mussen and Molly Rohan of the Center for Enriched Living (CEL).
In this episode, I talk with Hope McCarthy of Kindering about how they help children with disabilities and their families succeed and thrive.
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Staci Shearin, a professor and physical therapist at UT Southwestern.
In this episode, I talk with Ashley Miller about her work in the disability community and as an educator.
In this episode, I talk with Kristina Ericson about her work in the accessibility field.
In this episode, I talk with Amanda Hedberg of the Anixter Center.
https://anixter.org/
In this episode, I talk with Angela Fritz, a physical therapist who works with babies/infants.
In this episode, I talk with Aleena Garr, a vocational rehabilitation counselor in the state of Iowa.
In this episode, I talk with Salome Valencia-Bohne about her work with BIPOC in the mental health space.
In this episode, I talk with Leah Burdick of PRIDE Industries about how they are helping folks with disabilities.
In this episode, I talk with Mariah Waite-Callaway of Abilities at Work about how that organization helps people with disabilities regardless of what disability they may have.
In this episode, I talk with Kristen Knight of Pushing Boundaries about how the organization improves people's mobility.
In this episode, I talk with Marrissa Carrillo, a dissability resource specialist about her work in providing accommodations at the university level.
In this episode, I talk with Lauren Schipper an HR specialist who specializes in providing accommodations in the workplace.
In this episode, I talk with Melody Furze, a professor who works with children with visual impairments.
A conversation with Linda Kendall Fields a professor of Social work at UNC Chapel Hill.
In this episode, I talk with Danielle Johnson, an ADA Coordinator and disability management counselor.
In this episode, I talk with Kristin Jarvis Adams about what it was like to navigate the world with her son who has a disability, what resources were available, and how they overcame those challenges.
In this episode, I talk with Stephanie Hall & Tisha Shah of Therafriends Community Partners about their work in the disability community.
In this episode, I talk with Jenna Meehan about her journey as an occupational therapist, her work as an occupational therapist and among other things.
In this episode, I talk with Athina Maganzini (Hearing, Speech and Deaf Center) a speech language pathologist about how HSDC's Speech and Hearing Department is helping people with disabilities
In this episode, I talk with Melanie Soto, the executive director of the Arc of Arizona.
In this episode, I talk with Seanna Herring-Jensen, program manager at All Aboard.
Link to their website: https://www.allaboardwa.org/
In this episode, I talk with Teal Sherer an actress, disability advocate, and writer about her journey in the acting industry, her web series, My Gimpy Life & so much more!
Check out New Mobility Magazine:
https://newmobility.com/
My Gimpy Life:
https://www.youtube.com/c/MyGimpyLifeShow
In this episode, I talk with Erica Voisine of Disability Law Colorado.
Link to website for more info:
http://www.disabilitylawco.org/
In this episode, I talk with Danielle Bailey a disability integration specialist about how she helps people with disabilities in natural disasters, floods, etc.
In this episode, I talk with Melinda Young-Flynn, communications director of the Washington State Budget & Policy Center.
Link to Tax Credit: https://www.wataxcredit.org/
A conversation with my friend, Jonah Perez about his career goals and aspirations as well as some of the challenges with pursuing those goals.
In this episode I talk with Maureen Decoste of Ability Now.
Website can be found here: https://abilitynowbayarea.org/
In this episode, I talk with Eli Perez, a DO-IT Scholar alumnus about what he's doing career wise, what motivated him to pursue that career path, challenges he encountered along the way (his career path) and so much more.
Hope you tune in!
In this episode, I talk with Clara Dawson about her work in museums and how she helps people with low vision.
In this episode, I talk with Scott Elliott, Executive Director of ICAN, a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people with disabilities find employment, feel empowered, develop life skills, and so much more.
Check out their website here!
I talk with Kristin Gilger, professor of business journalism and director of the National Center on Disability and Journalism about what NCDJ is, how it teaches students and journalists to cover people with disabilities a certain way, how people with disabilities should be talked about in the news (ex. more stories/coverage that center on disability related issues) and so much more! Feel free to check out their website here.
In this episode, I talk with DO-IT Ambassador and my good friend, Emily Boeschoten about her work as a research study coordinator, her area of research, and so much more!
In this episode, I talk with Kodi-Smith Doty of Sequoia Therapeutic Recreation about what the organization does to help people with disabilities, be independent, self-sufficient, and active members in their community. Check out their website here!
In this episode, I talk with Kenny Salvini of the Here and Now Project about how that organization helps people with disabilities come together, be a part of a group, and so much more. You can check out the Here and Now Project here!
In this episode, I talk with Teresa Skinner & David Greig of ParaSports Spokane, an organization that helps people with disabilities get involved in recreational sports. For more, info, check out their website!
In this episode, I talk with Leah Velasco of the Center for Independence (CFI). She talks about what CFI is, how that organization helps people with disabilities be more independent (ex. performing tasks for daily living, budgeting money), and so much more. For more info, check out their website!
In this episode, I talk with Catarina Rivera, a public speaker and DEI consultant who works in the public sector. Her line of work involves figuring out how the public sector create a more accessible and inclusive environment for people with disabilities to thrive and excel. For more information, check out her website!
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Sheryl Burgstahler Ph.D. of the DO-IT program of the University of Washington. She discusses what the program is and how it started, how it helps students with disabilities prepare for college, pursue a career and live independent lives, and so much more!*
*This was originally recorded on 9/7/22.
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Ralina Joseph of the communication department at the University of Washington. She talks about what the CCDE (Center for Communication, Difference and Equity) is, how they foster conversation on racism, sexism, and other -isms with their students and so much more!
In this episode, I talk with Amber Morison, outreach coordinator of Seattle Adaptive Sports about her work at that organization, how SAS helps individuals with disabilities participate in sports like wheelchair basketball, power soccer (wheelchairs) and others, and so much more!
In this episode, I talk with Ashley Cowan D'Ambrosio, a disability activist and CEO of Crip Riot about her journey to Crip Riot, what the organization does to advocate for people with disabilities, how they talk about issues happening in the disability community (ex. lack of access to places - accessibility, ableism, etc.) and so much more!
In the first part of this episode, I talk with Josh Griffin, the Assistant Director of the Center for Communication Difference and Equity (CCDE) at the University of Washington. He talks about what CCDE is, how it helps people of different racial and/or ethnic backgrounds foster conversations about racism, sexism, and other -isms that are in our society, what they do in the community to help advocate for things like equity, social justice, and so much more!
In this episode, I talk with Allexa Laycock of Rooted In Rights about what Rooted in Rights is, how they engage people in issues that are happening in the disability community, the stakeholders that they partner with in terms of advocacy and engagement efforts, and so much more.*
*This recording was done a year ago.
In this episode, I talk with Jane Dunhamn of the National Black Disability Coalition (NBDC). She talks about what NBDC is, what they do to support disabled folks in the Black community, how they engage in conversations of ableism, racism, etc., how they tackle the stigma around disability in their own community (Black community), and so much more.
In this episode, I talk with Amy Barto. She is a teacher who has 20 years of experience in helping kids and adults with learning disabilities and ADHD in education and other related fields. Amy talks about her experience as an educator, how she supports her students in her educational journey, relationship bonding in the educational system, and so much more!
In this episode, I talk with Lindsay Klarman and Ariele Belo of the Hearing, Speech and Deaf Center (HSDC) about what HSDC is, how it helps individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, and those with speech difficulties live independent lives, be active members of the community, and so much more!
In this episode, I talk with Maria T. Kelly and Alan Knue of the the Washington Assistive Technology Act Program - WATAP where I talk with them about what WATAP is, how assistive technology helps people with disabilities perform certain tasks (ex. writing), some of the services they provide, how it addresses various disparities/inequities in technology and access to technology, and so much more!*
- This was originally recorded on 1/31/22.
In this episode, I talk with Dr. Chet Moritz Ph.D., a professor who works in the Division of physical therapy, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Washington. He talks about his work in physical therapy and rehabilitation medicine, what he does at the Restorative Technologies Laboratory in terms of improving the mobility of people with disabilities as well as those with spinal cord injuries. What technology helps people do that? Finally, Dr. Moritz talks about the importance of using restorative technology as a way to make lives better for people with disabilities.
In this episode, I talk with Marlene Gallichan, who is the C.H.O.I.C.E.S program coordinator at the Disability Empowerment Center. She talks a bit about what the Disability Empowerment Center is, how it helps people with disabilities and other populations find the resources that they need to live independently, her work in assisting people with disabilities and others in this effort, the organizations involvement in policy and advocacy, and so much more!
In this episode, I talk to Dr. Monica McHale-Small of the Learning Disabilities Association of America (LDA). She talks about her background in education, how she got involved with LDA, some things she noticed in people with disabilities as a school psychologist, and offers insight into how the education system can be better built for students with learning disabilities so that they can succeed in the classroom.
In our news landscape, there are a lot of stories that that are important and that captured the significance of the moment. For instance, there were stories about the Black Lives Matter protests in the wake of the killing of George Floyd. Another example is the protests in support of abortion nationwide. As an individual with a disability, I’ve always been curious about learning topics involving people with disabilities. By that, I mean what aspects of disability are worth discussing in this day and age? What actors, organizations, or entities are involved in making a difference in their communities? Friends with Wheels does just that. In this podcast, I talk with individuals who have a wide range of disabilities, disability advocates and so much more to talk about key themes around disability and how people can be more mindful when interacting with a person with disability.
In this episode, I talk to Daman Wandke & Kyann Flint of Wandke Consulting about what they do to provide accessibility to people with disabilities from a business and organizational standpoint. In other words, what can businesses and organizations do to make the workplace more accessible, inclusive and welcoming for people with all sorts of disabilities.
In this episode, I talk with Conrad Reynoldson, an attorney who works at WACDA (Washington Civil & Disability Advocate) about what motivated him to pursue a career in disability law/rights, what cases related to disability did he and WACDA in general handle on a daily basis, the hardest cases he had to bring forth to a court of law, the importance of WACDA for people with disabilities and so much more!
In this episode, I talk with my friend, Rochelle Bowyer about what it was like growing up with a disability, her experiences in leadership, and so much more.
In this episode I talk with Noah Seidel. He's a great friend of mine and works at the office of Developmental disabilities Ombuds at Disability Rights Washington in Seattle. He talks about what was like growing up as a person with a disability, his work around disability advocacy/rights and legislation, and talks about the stigma that's often heard about people with disabilities and how people can be mindful the next time they meet them.