Walk and Roll Live-Disability Stories

"Inside the Abilities Expo: A Behind-the-Scenes Look with Lew Shomer"

This week on Walk and Roll Live - Disability Stories, we’re bringing back an informative interview from last year with Lew Shomer, chairman of the Abilities Expo. Lew shares his journey, the mission behind the Expo, and how it has become a hub for showcasing the latest in adaptive technology, programs, and services for the disability community. While the event information remains insightful, please note that some details, such as event dates, may have changed since this recording. Tune in to rediscover how the Abilities Expo continues to empower individuals with disabilities and their families! Walk and Roll Live 

"Living with MS: Strength, Resilience, and Hope"

This week on Walk and Roll Live - Disability Stories, we meet an strong young woman living with multiple sclerosis (MS). She shares her journey, starting with her early life, what led to her diagnosis, and how she’s navigating life today. Join us as she opens up about her challenges, triumphs, and her vision for the future, offering invaluable insights into life with MS.
Tune in for a heartfelt conversation filled with honesty, resilience, and hope. Walk and Roll Live 

"Brian Bushway: Navigating Life with Echolocation and Inspiring a Global Impact"

In this episode of Walk and Roll Live, we welcome Brian Bushway, an innovator and trailblazer in the field of echolocation and perceptual navigation. After losing his sight at 14, Brian mastered the FlashSonar™ technique, enabling him to navigate the world with confidence and pursue extraordinary achievements. As an educator, consultant, and motivational speaker, Brian has helped countless individuals with blindness, trained mobility instructors, and worked with global organizations to create impactful programs. Join us as we explore Brian’s inspiring journey, the science behind FlashSonar™, and his mission to break barriers for the sight-impaired community worldwide.  Walk and Roll Live Brian Bushway 

Amplifying Ability: A Conversation with Chris Benedict, The DJ of Ability

Join hosts Doug Vincent and Addie Rich on this revealing episode of Walk and Roll Live - Disability Stories as they sit down with Chris Benedict, the renowned "DJ of Ability." Chris shares his journey of breaking barriers as a professional DJ, public speaker, and disability advocate. Discover how he uses his platform to challenge stereotypes, empower the community, and spread his powerful message, "Live it, don’t diss it!" This episode highlights Chris’s impactful career, his advocacy for inclusivity, and his insights on embracing life with resilience and positivity.  Walk and Roll Live 

"2024 Year-End Wrap-Up: Celebrating Stories, Advocacy, and Achievements"

As we close out 2024, Walk and Roll Live - Disability Stories takes a heartfelt look back at a year filled with incredible guests, inspiring personal journeys, and invaluable insights. Join us as we highlight some of the most memorable moments from this year’s episodes, featuring courageous individuals, groundbreaking advocates, and life-changing programs.
From stories of resilience and innovation to hopes and aspiration for the future, this special episode celebrates the strength of the disability community and the power of storytelling. We also take a moment to thank our sponsors, listeners, and guests for making this journey possible.
Tune in and relive the moments that defined 2024, as we gear up for another impactful year ahead. Walk and Roll Live 

A Walk and Roll Christmas: Sharing Holiday Cheer

In this special Christmas episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, we celebrate the spirit of the season with a festive twist on a classic: ’Twas the Night Before Christmas – Walk and Roll Live Edition.
Join us as we reflect on the heart of what makes this show so meaningful—sharing real stories, connecting with one another, and building a community that celebrates the diversity of experiences within the disability world.
We want to take a moment to thank you, our listeners, for your kind words, unwavering support, and for being part of this journey with us. Your encouragement drives our vision to continue sharing impactful stories and expand the show with even more engaging and thought-provoking topics in the year to come.
As you gather with loved ones this holiday season, we wish you and your families happiness, joy, and love. Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives. We’ll be back with a brand-new episode and guest on January 7th. Until then, from all of us at Walk and Roll Live, happy holidays! Walk and Roll Live 

"Rising from Rock Bottom: Ezra Arce’s Journey of Redemption and Resilience"

In this powerful episode of Walk and Roll Live - Disability Stories, we sit down with Ezra Arce, a spinal cord injury survivor whose life took a dramatic turn after a motorcycle accident left him paralyzed. Ezra opens up about his past, including time spent behind bars, struggles with mental health, and attempts to take his own life. He shares his raw, unfiltered journey of hitting rock bottom and the personal transformation that followed.
Through vulnerability and honesty, Ezra reflects on finding strength, purpose, and hope in the face of overwhelming adversity. His story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the possibility of reclaiming one’s life, no matter the circumstances.
Content Warning:This episode contains discussions of mental health struggles, self-harm, and personal trauma. Some themes are intended for mature audiences and may be triggering to certain listeners. Please listen with care and seek support if needed. Walk and Roll Live 

Harnessing the Power of Equestrian Therapy: Tara’s Chance

In this episode of Walk and Roll Live - Disability Stories, Doug & Addie explore the impactful work of Tara’s Chance, a Southern California-based organization offering equestrian therapy to individuals of all abilities. Join us as we chat with their Executive Director to learn how the program began, the services they provide, and the unique role horses play in the therapeutic process. We’ll also discuss how the community can get involved through donations, volunteer opportunities, and support, as well as what’s on the horizon for this transformative program. Walk and Roll Live Taras Chance 

"Building Bridges: Creating Inclusive Workplaces for People with Disabilities"

In this episode of Walk and Roll Live - Disability Stories, Doug & Addie sit down with Jose Peña from Disability Rights California to explore what it takes to create truly inclusive and empowering workplaces for individuals with disabilities. From understanding reasonable accommodations to fostering cultural change, Jose shares actionable insights and real-world examples to help employers and employees build a more equitable work environment. Whether you're an advocate, employer, or job seeker, this episode offers valuable guidance on breaking down barriers and championing workplace inclusivity. Walk and Roll Live Disability Rights California 

Finding Melody’s Voice: A Review of Disney’s "Out of My Mind"

Join Doug and Addie on this episode of Walk and Roll Live as they dive into Disney's heartwarming new film, Out of My Mind. Based on Sharon Draper’s acclaimed novel, the movie follows Melody, a brilliant young girl with cerebral palsy, on her journey to inclusion in a mainstream 6th-grade classroom and her discovery of her own voice. Doug and Addie share their personal stories and insights, reflecting on the film's powerful themes of resilience, inclusion, and self-expression. It’s an episode filled with heartfelt discussion and celebration of this compelling story. Walk and Roll Live Out of My Mind