Walk and Roll Live-Disability Stories

From Survivor to Leader: Juan Garibay’s Journey from Violence to Vital Work at Rancho

At age 20, Juan Garibay survived a spinal cord injury that changed the course of his life. Once involved in gang activity and serving time in prison, Juan emerged from tragedy with a new sense of purpose. Today, he is a Research Assistant and Program Manager at the Rancho Research Institute, where he helps shape groundbreaking rehabilitation programs and spinal cord injury research.
In this inspiring episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, Juan shares his powerful story of redemption, transformation, and impact. From his early days volunteering at Rancho Los Amigos to leading life coaching programs and enrolling patients in the SCI Model System study, Juan has devoted more than 20 years to helping others turn their lives around.
Tune in as we discuss violence prevention, spinal cord injury recovery, peer mentorship, and the critical role of lived experience in rehabilitation. Juan’s story is a testament to resilience, second chances, and the life-changing power of service. Walk and Roll Live 

"Starting Strong: How ESFRN Empowers Families from Day One"

In this powerful episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, we sit down with the team from Early Start Family Resource Network (ESFRN)—a community-driven organization providing free support to families of children with developmental and physical disabilities across Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.
Hear how this dynamic team, many of whom are parents themselves, walk alongside families from the moment of diagnosis—offering bilingual support, training, peer mentorship, and life-changing resources. We dive into how ESFRN builds trust with families, their partnerships with state and local agencies, and the heartfelt impact of events like their Adaptive Summer Picnic.
Whether you're a parent, educator, therapist, or advocate, this episode will leave you inspired by what’s possible when community and compassion come together early in the journey. Walk and Roll Live 

“Racing Forward: The Journey of Robert Soto — From Motorcycle Tracks to Disability Advocacy”

Over 50 years ago, Robert Soto’s life took a sharp turn after a devastating motorcycle racing crash. But what might have ended his momentum instead sparked a powerful legacy. In this episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, Robert joins us to share his incredible journey—from walking with crutches to embracing life in a wheelchair, from a successful career to becoming a dedicated advocate with Triumph Foundation. His story is one of resilience, reinvention, and relentless spirit.
Whether you're a fan of racing, a compelling story, or passionate about disability advocacy, Robert’s voice offers insight, hope, and a touch of humor. Walk and Roll Live 

“Shot, Paralyzed, and Reborn: The Drive-By That Changed Ryan’s Life for Good”

Join us on Walk and Roll Live as our hosts Doug Vincent and Addie Rich sit down with Ryan Chavarria, a Triumph Foundation Ambassador to discuss how his spinal cord injury changed the trajectory of his life. We discuss his journey through recovery, self discovery in adaptive sports, and what his daily life looks like. 
 
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Walk and Roll Live is centered around amplifying disability stories and voices. Our goal is to foster a connection between people with disabilities and those without, bringing awareness to real-life issues. Walk and Roll Live 

“From Rejection to Resilience: Inside Kat Paz’s Bold New Book on Disabled Business Owners”

In this powerful episode of Walk and Roll Live - Disability Stories, we sit down with author and advocate Kat Paz to explore her upcoming book, Trailblazing and Transforming: Success Stories of Entrepreneurs with Disabilities. This inspiring collection features twelve disabled business owners who overcame rejection, inaccessibility, and bias to build thriving businesses and redefine success on their own terms.
Kat shares what sparked the vision for the book, how she found these incredible voices, and why she believes entrepreneurship is a radical tool for empowerment in the disability community. Whether you’re a disabled entrepreneur, an ally, or someone seeking insight into inclusive business practices, this conversation is packed with encouragement, practical advice, and powerful takeaways.
🎧 Tune in for:
What inspired Kat to write this game-changing book
The barriers disabled entrepreneurs face—and how they’re breaking through
What investors, leaders, and policy makers must learn to build a more inclusive economy
A behind-the-scenes look at stories of grit, growth, and real-life transformation
Walk and Roll Live 

"From Rock Bottom to Triumph: Walt Escamilla’s Road to Recovery and Purpose"

In the latest episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, hosts Doug Vincent and Addie Rich sit down with spinal cord injury survivor and Triumph Foundation Ambassador, Walt Escamilla. Walt shares his incredible journey—from the moment his life changed in 2007 to becoming a beacon of hope for others navigating life after injury.
With honesty, heart, and humor, Walt talks about the importance of peer mentorship, the impact of adaptive sports like handcycling, and how his role as a husband and father fuels his mission to serve others. You'll hear how he turned his lowest point into a launching pad for advocacy and how Triumph Foundation helped him discover his purpose.
Whether you're living with a disability, love someone who is, or just need a dose of real-life inspiration, this episode is not to be missed.
. Walk and Roll Live 

“Rolling Forward: How Roll Mobility is Mapping Accessibility for All”

In this episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, we sit down with the visionary minds behind Roll Mobility, a community-driven app that's changing the way people with mobility challenges access the world around them. From restaurants and parks to parking lots and public spaces, Roll Mobility empowers users to share and find real-time accessibility information with a simple, user-friendly interface.
Learn how this innovative platform was born out of personal experience, the unique features that set it apart, and how the Roll community is working together to break down physical barriers—one review at a time. Whether you're a wheelchair user, an advocate, or someone looking to better understand the accessibility landscape, this conversation will open your eyes to the power of tech-fueled inclusion. Walk and Roll Live 

"Atif Moon: Serving Up Strength – Tennis, Triumph, and Trailblazing with Purpose"

Born with a life-threatening spinal condition, Atif Moon was never supposed to walk, let alone become a Top 10 U.S. wheelchair tennis player, successful CEO, and acclaimed motivational speaker. In this powerful episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, Atif shares his extraordinary journey from a daunting diagnosis to center court victories, national honors, and boardroom leadership.
Hosts Doug Vincent and Addie Rich dive into Atif’s experiences as the first Muslim American named one of the Ten Outstanding Young Americans, his work with the White House and LA Clippers, and how he inspires audiences across North America to own their individuality and embrace independence. It’s a compelling story of resilience, faith, and unstoppable drive that will leave you uplifted and motivated.
Whether you’re an athlete, entrepreneur, or advocate—this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Walk and Roll Live 

"USARC: Empowering Ability Through Adaptive Sports"

On this episode of Walk and Roll Live - Disability Stories, Doug speaks with Daniel Horner of the United States Adaptive Recreation Center (USARC), a nonprofit dedicated to making outdoor sports and recreation accessible for people of all abilities.
Daniel shares how USARC began, what programs they offer—from adaptive skiing in the winter to water sports in the summer—and how they continue to break down barriers to participation through innovative equipment, training, and community support.
We’ll also discuss eligibility, funding, and how listeners can get involved or support their mission. If you're interested in accessible recreation or looking to learn how adaptive sports organizations operate and grow, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Walk and Roll Live 

"From a Five-Story Fall to Finding Her Footing: The Art and Resilience of Alexis Mazon"

On this episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, hosts Doug Vincent and Addie Rich sit down with the vibrant and resilient Alexis Mazon, a graphic designer, student, and spinal cord injury survivor whose life changed forever after a devastating five-story fall in 2021.
Alexis shares how she went from being hospitalized with a shattered spine, traumatic brain injury, and memory loss—to rediscovering her independence, identity, and artistic voice. With courage, humor, and honesty, she walks us through her recovery journey: from wheelchair to walker to walking stick… and from creative silence to full-on expression through ceramics, glassblowing, and sculpture.
This is more than a recovery story—it's a celebration of rediscovery, perseverance, and the healing power of community, art, and a whole lot of heart. Alexis proves that life after trauma can be rebuilt with intention, support, and a fierce belief in yourself. You don’t want to miss this one. Walk and Roll Live