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Claiming Disability Podcast

Claiming Disability Podcast

By Erin Kay CEO & Founder of Claiming Disability

Erin Noon Kay is the CEO & Founder of Claiming Disability. Erin identifies a "fierce disabled entrepreneurial woman," with Cerebral Palsy. She uses a walker and wheelchair occasionally, but she believes it's "OK" to look disabled and is working hard to bring representation for disability in film and everyday culture through media projects and disability related content. She believes "disabled," is NOT is a bad word, but a badge of honor, a beautiful community, a culture. She has worked in the non-profit, governmental, and business sector for over 10 years.
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Jim LeBrecht & Nicole Newnham Directors & Executive Producers of Crip Camp

Claiming Disability Podcast Dec 02, 2021

00:00
01:04:45
Interview with Michael Spady & Gabriel Gomez from Netflix Dahmer Series

Interview with Michael Spady & Gabriel Gomez from Netflix Dahmer Series

TW: Includes Discussion of Netflix's Dahmer Series
DAHMER-Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story just joined Stranger Things Season 4 and Squid Games in surpassing the billion-hour mark in viewing time, making it one of the most watched series on Netflix. The first installment of the anthology series from Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan is only the third title to hit that milestone in just 60 days, and the second-ever English-language series.

Starring Peters as the notorious serial killer, DAHMER weaves a compelling narrative exploring the institutional failures, systemic racism and pervasive homophobia that enabled Jeffrey Dahmer to murder 17 young men over the course of 13 years. The chilling series also focuses on his many victims, and gives voice to long-overlooked figures in the story such as Glenda Cleveland (Niecy Nash), who repeatedly tried to warn the authorities about her suspicious neighbor.


You will hear Gabriel Gomez signing and interpreting on behalf of Michael Spady. Please be patience with feedback.

Michael Anthony Spady is best known for his lead role in "Hamill" (a movie that received AFI Fest Audience Award for Best Feature Film) and a supporting role in "Sympathy for Delicious" (starring Mark Ruffalo, Juliette Lewis, Orlando Bloom and Laura Linney). Spady is one of the most notable deaf actors currently on screen.Gabriel Gomez is a CODA (child of deaf adult) , and an American Sign Language interpreter based in Los Angeles. He is honored to serve the deaf community.Gabriel has been an ASL Interpreter in the greater Los Angeles area for over 7 years, interpreting in schools, hospitals, concerts, lectures, conferences, award shows, court and more. His educational interpreting experience includes USC, UCLA, Cal State LA, Cal State Long Beach, Long Beach Community College, El Camino College, LA Trade Tech, LAUSD, and TUSD.He found a passion for interpreting in the entertainment industry early in his career, and has the unique skills suited to rigors of on-set, live, and on-camera interpreting. In 2021 he worked on Netflix's upcoming Jeffery Dahmer (Monster) series supporting the deaf actors and coaches during rehearsals and while filming on set. Gabriel has found that working with Daniel Durant and being part of the CODA team has been the highlight of his career so far and is honored to be able to bring access to deaf actors and crew.


Apr 12, 202301:12:32
Two Time Emmy Winning Director Paris Barclay Talks with Producer Erin Noon-Kay and Guest Host Verton

Two Time Emmy Winning Director Paris Barclay Talks with Producer Erin Noon-Kay and Guest Host Verton

Paris Barclay is one of television's most successful and honored directors. Throughout his illustrious career in television, Paris has directed over160 episodes of television, including episodes of NYPD BLUE, ER, THE WEST WING, LOST, THE GOOD WIFE, CSI, SONS OF ANARCHY, HOUSE, GLEE, IN TREATMENT, SCANDAL, EMPIRE, PITCH and STATION 19. He won two Emmy Awards for his direction of NYPD BLUE and has received six additional Emmy nominations for producing and directing, including three for directing episodes of GLEE, and one for THE WEST WING. Paris has also garnered ten Directors Guild nominations (for shows as diverse as IN TREATMENT, WEEDS, HOUSE, as well as GLEE and THE WEST WING), winning once for NYPD BLUE. He also became the first Director in the history of the Guild to receive a comedy and drama nomination in the same year, two years in a row (2008 & 2009). He's received three NAACP Image Awards, for producing, co-creating, and directing CITY OF ANGELS, and for directing COLD CASE and SMASH. In 2014, the NAACP inducted Paris into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame, joining such luminaries as Sidney Poitier, Oprah Winfrey, and Gordon Parks. He directed the feature film (and cult favorite) DON'T BE A MENACE TO SOUTH CENTRAL WHILE DRINKING YOUR JUICE IN THE HOOD, as well as telefilms for HBO (a western, THE CHEROKEE KID, starring Sinbad, James Coburn and Burt Reynolds) and THE BIG TIME for TNT (a drama with Christina Hendricks, Molly Ringwald, and Christopher Lloyd.) Further bulging his shelves, Paris has been recognized as a writer as well, receiving a WGA and Humanitas Prize nomination for his telefilm (with Dustin Lance Black) PEDRO, for MTV. He's shared two Humanitas Prizes, four prestigious Peabody Awards. He co-created the series CITY OF ANGELS (which ran for 2 years on CBS), co-wrote and directed the pilot HATE for Showtime, and has rewritten projects for Disney and HBO. Paris was elected President of the Directors Guild of America in June 2013 and is the first African-American and openly gay President in the history of the Guild. Before being elected President, Paris served four terms as the First Vice President of the DGA. Mr. Barclay first joined the DGA in 1992, and was elected to the Western Directors Council and the National Board in 1997. He and Taylor Hackford shared the 2007 Robert Aldrich Award, given for extraordinary service to the Director's Guild of America. Paris was enthusiastically re-elected in June 2015 to serve a second term as president before stepping down in June 2017. Paris directed the pilot of and currently works as the executive producer of the Shondaland show, STATION 19, which follows a group of Seattle firefighters that exist in the GREY'S ANATOMY universe and stars Jaina Lee Ortiz, Jason George, and Boris Kodjoe. Additionally, the show is executive produced by Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, and Krista Vernoff. It premiered in March 2018 and is currently producing its fourth season for ABC. Paris got his start in advertising, working as a creative executive and then segued into directing music videos for some of music's biggest stars, such as: Janet Jackson, Bob Dylan, and LL Cool J. In addition to his service to the DGA, Paris has been recognized for his service and contributions to many charitable organizations, including Liberty Hill, GLAAD, and Project Angel Food.
Dec 28, 202201:00:44
Interview with Nic Novicki Easterseals Disability Film Challenge 🎥 & Director Zach Mecham

Interview with Nic Novicki Easterseals Disability Film Challenge 🎥 & Director Zach Mecham

Easterseals Disability Film Challenge. Created in 2013 and launched in 2014, the challenge gives filmmakers – with and without disabilities – the opportunity to collaborate to tell unique stories that showcase disability in its many forms, inviting aspiring storytellers to creatively write, produce, and complete short films. It is a week-long filmmaking contest, open to all, that provides a platform for new voices in the entertainment industry. Nic Novicki is an actor, comedian and producer who has performed on six continents.


His television credits include: Boardwalk Empire, The Sopranos, AXS Gotham Comedy Live, Jack and Triumph, The Neighbors, Austin and Alley, Private Practice and Drop Dead Diva. He has appeared in several movies, such as Life Happens, November Rule, The Last 5 Years, Boston Girls and Breaking Wind and will soon be seen in the upcoming Dead Ant.

Nic has produced several feature films, television pilots and web series for companies including Sony, CBS, Air China, Maxim and Universal and is an active member in the Producers Guild of America’s Diversity Committee. Nic wrote for the CBS Diversity Showcase and has also written and directed several short films including A Little Broke, which was acquired by the TV station Shorts HD.

As a stand up comedian, Nic has toured all over the world, including several tours for the troops overseas through Armed Forces Entertainment. He has performed stand up on AXS Gotham Comedy Live.

He is the founder and Director of the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge.
Sep 21, 202241:56
Easterseals Disability Film Challenge with Imani Barbarin & Cast (2021 Chat)

Easterseals Disability Film Challenge with Imani Barbarin & Cast (2021 Chat)

The films we will be discussing are: -This Lonely Life Written and Directed by Zach Mecham from @zachofalltrades.media in partnership with Claiming Disability LLC -Couples Therapy Produced by Melanie Rivera Waldman Associate Producer Samantha Mannis Directed by Melanie Rivera Waldman Cast: @crutches_and_spice @thesteveway & additional -Extra Special Written and Directed by Luke Turell starring Andy Arias @andyswheelz Join us on Facebook live this Monday March 29th @ 1pm cst/2pm est/11 am Seriously, even through this is a competition that official starts TOMORROW and goes until April 5th, we all WIN when the disabled community is recognized in film 🎥 Do your part and please like, share, and support these films on the @disabilityfilmchallenge page 💥 [Image Description: A purple and white image with the official Claiming Disability branding with the official Easterseals logo on top in blue, yellow, and orange. There's a purple and white banner with all movie titles This Lonely Life, Couples Therapy & Extra Special with cut out photos of Melanie Rivera Waldman, a Hispanic disabled woman with a pretty smile and black v neck blouse with a limb difference. Imani Barbarin a black disabled woman with beautiful hair and a pink jacket exposing cleavage. Zach Mecham a disabled white man with a brown beard and Unicorn blanket swaddled around himself. Sam Mannis, a white disabled woman with brown hair and a fur coat on with makeup. And Andy Arias a disabled Hispanic man with a striped V neck and green leather jacket. There's a white bar with text that reads a collaborative discussion with Easterseals Film Challenge Actors/Directors/Producers/ Writers. ]
Sep 17, 202244:33
#SponsoredContent FriendlyLikeMe We Believe in Accessibility

#SponsoredContent FriendlyLikeMe We Believe in Accessibility

For people with disabilities or those living at higher weights, everyday trips to new places, such as the theater or a dinner with friends, are often preceded by fear of the unknown and hours of online reconnaissance to determine whether or not a place is able to accommodate non-average bodies.
To prevent the awkward or embarrassing situations that arise when a place is “not a good fit,” people want to know before they go if a place is suitable. But that information is often scarce, subjective, and hard to find. Friendly Like Me is designed to conquer this problem with objective, fact-based reviews completed by people with first-hand experience.
Because when the preparation needed to enjoy a night out is combined with the uncertainty of whether accommodations can be made, many people avoid participating in activities and situations they would otherwise welcome.
We really want to change that by making accessibility information easier to find, and by teaming up with businesses to create more friendly places.
We find that business owners are very open to hearing how they can cater to our communities. But we must work together to tell them what we need.
Get started by reviewing places, the single best way to help! Share your reviews on social media and tag us @friendlylikeme to help get the word out. Every new user of Friendly Like Me helps build our shared understanding of available accommodations. Join in and download the app, today!

Jul 26, 202201:21:43
Valentines Day Nolu More than Just a Dating App #Sponsored

Valentines Day Nolu More than Just a Dating App #Sponsored

Our mission is to promote equal access to emotional living: We are proud to be now available on Appstore  specially with the Guidelines that labels dating app as a saturated category and that Nolu was recognized as being more than a “dating app” . Nolu’s greater mission is addressing the needs of an underserved and deserving community.  Apple acknowledged that Nolu provides “a unique, high-quality experience to its users” and approved the application. We do things differently, in the last two years we have organized outreach and awareness activities and brought the issue and importance of emotional inclusion for people living with disability to now thousands of non-profit organizations and health care professionals here in North America and Europe. The social/dating application is a portal, the main tool to allow “participation” of people with disability to meet and date and expand their network of friends. Inclusion is what society does to allow people with disability to participate but without safe and welcoming space people with disability cannot participate that’s what Nolu is offering. We are a fully inclusive community making disclosing a disability not the main issue in dating Inclusive Open to diversity / Onboarding already includes agender selection Man/woman/ non-binary person we wanted to create a place where having a disability would not be a disadvantage and where anyone could be free to be who they are We introduced the Android prototype in November 2020 to support our first crowdfunding campaign and to our big amazement we had an influx of users even at that stage. We have greatly improved the model, here are some distinct features Onboarding process and profile set up allows users to select what disability defines them best only if you want or not because you can always choose “other” You can select Open to all disabilities default setting or choose which one you think would complement you in a relationship best Virtual Interview Module to create video profile while being guided using a karaoke module that prompts questions not lyrics Dating features: Core features includes Explore – Like – Chat Advanced features coming soon (March): To add to the standard dating activities in the app, Nolu is working on the last details of a new in-app video conferencing feature to improve the connection between users and provide a safe meeting space where people can get to know each other even before getting together. About the use of Avatar on Nolu and catfishing : the difference and why and how to apply See profiles with pictures and video only. Pilot project with Utopia Analytics for content moderation and protection of users against spam and fraud Introduction of dating professionals to Nolu’s platform in the summer: Dating professionals will be added soon and will provide on Nolu live consultations (matchmakers, sex therapist and life coaches) It is proven this is a subject rarely discussed with other health professionals and uncomfortable for family and friends this will be a great opportunity Before being able to give consultations they will have to be trained and learn about the specific issues around emotional inclusion as it applies to the wide variety of disabilities three sections of module and the professionals need to complete the course and be Nolu certified before offering their services.


Created by Erin Noon Kay CEO and Founder of Claiming Disability LLC

Feb 13, 202201:12:42
Steve Way Star of Hulu's Ramy

Steve Way Star of Hulu's Ramy

Steve is a 30 year old substitute teacher by day and stand up comedian by night. He was born with Muscular Dystrophy and is an advocate for disability awareness. Steve performs stand up in the NJ/NY area, motivational speeches around the country, and is the co-creator and star of the web series Uplifting Dystrophy. He can be seen in the Hulu show Ramy.

Steve has been performing stand up for over 8 years with his first set at the Comedy Charity Explosion in his hometown of Rutherford, NJ. He has performed at the 2011 Bamboozle music festival and was the co-host of The Lockdown, a monthly stand up show at the People's Improv Theatre in New York City.

Andy advocates in the entertainment industry by creating visible pathways as an actor and stand-up comedian. As an actor, Andy has had the pleasure of working with Tom Hanks, Mark Ruffalo and Hilary Swank on projects. He is often asked to consult with producers and directors in create greater media visibility of people with disabilities. He has also produced several small projects that have brought attention to persons with disabilities and the LGBTQ to community.
Dec 16, 202101:16:09
 Jim LeBrecht & Nicole Newnham Directors & Executive Producers of Crip Camp

Jim LeBrecht & Nicole Newnham Directors & Executive Producers of Crip Camp

Jim LeBrecht, Director/Producer
Jim LeBrecht has over 35 years of experience as a film and theater sound designer and mixer, author and disability rights activist. Jim began his career in theater, working as the resident sound designer at the Berkeley Repertory Theater for 10 years. His film credits include The Island President, The Waiting Room, The Kill Team and Audry and Daisy. A complete list of his film credits (over 145) can be viewed at IMDB. Jim co-authored Sound and Music for the Theater: the art and technique of design. Now in its 4th edition, the book is used as a textbook all over the world. Jim’s work as an activist began in high school and continued at UC, San Diego, where he helped found the Disabled Students Union. Jim is currently a board member of the Disability Education and Defense Fund, which works for the rights of the disabled through education,legislation, and litigation.
James LeBrecht. (January 8, 2018). A Place at the Table: Doc Filmmakers with Disabilities on Building Careers and Disproving Stereotypes. Documentary Magazine
Nicole Newnham, Director/Producer
Nicole Newnham is an Emmy-winning documentary producer and director, Sundance Film Festival alumnus and five-time Emmy-nominee. She has recently produced two virtual reality films with the Australian artist / director Lynette Wallworth:the breakthrough VR work Collisions, which won the 2017 Emmy for Outstanding New Approaches to Documentary, and Awavena, featured this year at the World Economic Forum in Davos and at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival. Previously she co-directed The Revolutionary Optimists, winner of the Sundance Hilton Sustainability Award, Nicole also instigated, co-produced and directed the acclaimed documentary The Rape of Europa, about the Nazi war on European culture, which was nominated for a WGA award and shortlisted for the Academy Award. With Pulitzer-prize winning photographer Brian Lanker, she produced They Drew Fire, about the Combat Artists of WWII, and co-wrote the companion book, distributed by Harper Collins. A 1997 graduate of the Stanford Documentary Film Program, Nicole lives in Oakland with her husband Tom, and two sons, Finn and Blaine.
To watch Crip Camp: A Disability Revolution, please subscribe to Netflix
Dec 02, 202101:04:45
Emmy Award Winning Music & Lyricist Keith Jones from the Netflix Documentary Rising Phoenix

Emmy Award Winning Music & Lyricist Keith Jones from the Netflix Documentary Rising Phoenix

Time to celebrate the ultimate #blackexcellence✊🏾 #disabledblackexcellence the smooth, motivated, passionate Emmy Winning Keith Jones @dasoultoucha who just received an Emmy for his outstanding music & lyrics in the #Netflix award winning documentary "Rising Phoenix" Keith and I first connected over our shared passion of disabled advocacy & badass #DisabilityActivism merch. KEITH the Boston-based rapper/activist and Krip-Hop Nation’s Co-Founder I was looking at the stories and saying, ‘Yo, this is what life is,” Jones says of the impact "Rising Phoenix" had on his contribution. “It’s not about, ‘Oh, I can’t use my legs, I can’t do this.’ It’s always about finding the strength in yourself to pursue what you love. It was amazing to me how that connected.” Jones describes “Rising Phoenix” as “a global anthem that’s about nothing but the power of the human spirit,” and both Doman and Hickman felt similarly when they were recording their parts in their at-home studios. “It’s funny — all three of us were on the same exact mission, and we never even met,” says Doman of Hickman and Jones. “We’ve been on the same path and rap about the same things, and it was great to see that, finally — that there are people who feel what I feel, and are rapping about what I’m feeling right now. Oftentimes, when I collaborate with other people, they don’t have disabilities. They don’t get where I’m coming from when I mention my disability, which I try to avoid rapping about, because I was told it wasn’t too commercial. But this song got picked up by Netflix.” Join us at 1pm cst on IG LIVE to discuss Keith's rise to fame 🖤Link in bio to hear the latest episode 🖤 Get caught up on my latest episode with @itslololove who was also featured in a commercial for the upcoming @hbomax comedy @the.sexlivesofcollegegirls directed by @mindykaling #KripHopNation #Emmys2021 #Netflix #AwardWinning #BlackDisabledLivesMatter #BlackDisabledExcellence #HireDisabledProducers #cerebralpalsyawareness #cerebralpalsyawareness
Oct 16, 202101:33:52
Claiming Disability LLC meets Actor/Model/ Advocate Lolo Spencer 🖤
Aug 26, 202101:17:47
Tatiana A Lee & Verton Banks & Guest Host Andy Arias     Black, Disabled Voices are Powerful in Hollywood!

Tatiana A Lee & Verton Banks & Guest Host Andy Arias Black, Disabled Voices are Powerful in Hollywood!

Tatiana Lee is an award-winning actress, international model and Hollywood influencer. She serves as a Hollywood Inclusion Associate at RespectAbility, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to fight stigmas and advance opportunities so people with disabilities can fully participate in all aspects of community. Growing up in Coatesville, Pennsylvania, Lee felt unseen in popular media – and when she told people of her ambitions to be an actress and model, they laughed. Notwithstanding, Lee moved to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career. She learned how to harness social media’s power to speak boldly about accessibility and inclusion in mass media, due to the lack of access and opportunities for herself and others with disabilities. She is the voice behind the Accessible Hollywood brand, which highlights her journey as an actress, model and lifestyle influencer born with Spina Bifida. She quickly has become a sought-after speaker for brands like Apple, Bank of America, Human Rights Watch and the LA Film Festival, to name a few. Lee was in one of Apple’s first ad campaigns featuring people with disabilities using Apple’s accessible features and products.  Some of Lee’s credits include “Stand Up,” which premieres at Superfest during fall 2020 and “Coffee with Tim Cook, CEO of Apple.” She also has appeared in modeling campaigns for Target, Zappos, Apple and more. She was the 2018 recipient of the Reeves Acting Scholarship from The Christopher & Dana Reeves Foundation for her contribution to further disability inclusion in film and media. Currently working at RespectAbility, Lee consults on a variety of TV and film projects, conducts training for studios and production companies including NBCUniversal, Netflix and The Walt Disney Company, and assists with RespectAbility’s Lab for Entertainment Professionals with Disabilities. Verton R. Banks is best known as the diligent medical intern Vernon on the critically acclaimed HBO comedy Getting On starring Laurie Metcalf, Niecy Nash, and Alex Borstein. Verton appeared in 10 episodes over the course of two seasons. Other notable TV appearances include NBC's ER, FX's Married, ABC Family's Mystery Girls and TBS' Ground Floor. Verton is originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and a graduate of UCLA . He was recently nominated for an LA Weekly Best Supporting Actor award for his performance as in Larry Kramer's The Normal Heart at The Fountain Theater. Andy advocates in the entertainment industry by creating visible pathways as an actor and stand-up comedian. As an actor, Andy has had the pleasure of working with Tom Hanks, Mark Ruffalo and Hilary Swank on projects. He is often asked to consult with producers and directors in create greater media visibility of people with disabilities. He has also produced several small projects that have brought attention to persons with disabilities and the LGBTQ to community. Andy’s expertise extends to Federal government and corporate levels. His goal is to marry his policy work with his work in the entertainment industry to create a systemic lasting change.
Mar 11, 202157:39
Claiming Disability Meets Actually Autistic Actor George Steeves

Claiming Disability Meets Actually Autistic Actor George Steeves

Sia's new music video featuring Maddie Ziegler just won 2 Golden Globes I thought I'd have a discussion with my friend actor George Steeves who's actually autistic working in the Hollywood industry. He's pals with Paula Abdul and Anna Faris .George Steeves is known for his work on Saving Paradise and NCIS: Los Angeles @savingparadise NCIS: Los Angeles Anna Faris Paula Abdul [Image Description: A yellow image with actor George Steeves huggindg actress @annafaris Anna with white skin and blonde hair. George in the middle in a model shot in a blue shirt & red tie and brown hair. George is in a black shirt holding artist @paulaabdul in a red dress with the official Claiming Disability Inc podcast cover in purple promoting the upcoming livestream at 1pm cst with Erin CEO and Founder of Claiming Disability Inc in the corner with curly hair and makeup] #accessibilityforall #actuallyautisticadult #austim #austimawareness #films #hollywood #representationmatters
Mar 11, 202101:07:57
Women with Cerebral Palsy in the Non-Profit Sector w/ Coordinator of the CP Conference Nicole Luongo

Women with Cerebral Palsy in the Non-Profit Sector w/ Coordinator of the CP Conference Nicole Luongo

Nicole Luongo is the author of Naked Desires, a poetry book for everyone who is searching for love, delighting in love, or hoping to understand love.
Nicole is also a writer and a disability advocate dedicated to raising awareness for selective dorsal rhizotomy (SDR), a life-changing surgery for adults and children with cerebral palsy. She’s proud to be the Cerebral Palsy Conference Coordinator and the host of the exclusive companion podcast Cerebral Palsy Conversations.
In 2019, Nicole created the Go Green for CP campaign, and she became the first person ever (this was a solo endeavor) to secure at least one building, landmark, etc. in almost all 50 states to light up in green on National Cerebral Palsy Awareness Day (March 25) and on World CP Day (October 6), with lightings in three different countries.
World CP Day was the first to feature her campaign in Cerebral Palsy is Lighting Up the World. Go Green for CP was also featured nationally on ABC6 in Rhode Island, on news station’s websites in different states, and in newspapers around the country.
In addition to being featured on NBC6 Miami, Nicole has been in myriad media including cerebralpalsy.org’s One Woman’s Cerebral Palsy Story Should Encourage Sharing Your Own, DISABILITIES by Daniel J. Vance — the nation’s best-read weekly newspaper column about people with disabilities — Good News Network, the Sun-Sentinel, and more.
Her HuffPost article SDR: Life-Changing Surgery for Cerebral Palsy is referenced on numerous blogs and websites. Her work has also been published in The Mighty, Yahoo, and YooCan. She’s also featured on Feedspot’s “10 Cerebral Palsy Youtube Channels To Follow in 2020.” Nicole has contributed to World CP Day’s blog, and she’s been a member of the World Cerebral Palsy Day Committee since 2016.
Nicole created the What CP Looks Like Facebook page and hashtag #whatCPlookslike to change perceptions, raise awareness for cerebral palsy and give a voice to people thriving with disabilities, many of whom often feel invisible.
Mar 11, 202101:59:34
Claiming Disability Meets Political Activist and Executive Director Ola Owejumi

Claiming Disability Meets Political Activist and Executive Director Ola Owejumi

Ola graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a bachelor’s degree in government and politics. As a student, she founded two nonprofits, the Sacred Hearts Children’s Transplant Foundation and Project ASCEND. These organizations provide college scholarships to low-income students, funding for women's education programs, and distributes teddy bears and books to children awaiting organ transplants across the United States.
As a public speaker, she has worked with MoveOn.org, Planned Parenthood, and Healthcare Voter. Her advocacy topics include equal access to affordable healthcare and opposing the repeal of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). A young political powerhouse herself, Ola has given speeches alongside politicos such as House Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi, Senator Cory Booker, House Majority Whip Steny Hoyer, Senator Menendez, and more. As a political commentator, she has frequently appeared on PBS and Democracy Now to fight for the rights of women, people of color, and the disabled.
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- pablo picasso

Ola and her advocacy work have been praised by The Clinton Global Initiative, MTV, Intel, Glamour Magazine, and The Huffington Post. Her writing has also been published by CNN, The Huffington Post, Marie Claire, Glamour, and SELF. In addition, she has served on boards for nonprofits founded by General Colin Powell and musician Lady Gaga. Ola is available for bookings as a writer, speaker, and consultant, specializing in the intersections of gender, race, and disability.
Mar 11, 202156:20
The Entrepreneurial Spirit & Disability w/ Elizabeth Tikoyan CE0 & Founder of the Riley App (Endorsed by Gary Varyernuck)

The Entrepreneurial Spirit & Disability w/ Elizabeth Tikoyan CE0 & Founder of the Riley App (Endorsed by Gary Varyernuck)

Riley App Team GaryVee Gary Vaynerchuk Her app was even endorsed by famous entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk @garyvee @teamgaryvee We are a global community that empowers one another through personalized connections, paving the way to a more accessible and unstigmatized future. Within our mobile app we have created an environment of sharing experiences and hardships where we don’t let our disabilities and health conditions define us. It's not just an app, it's a movement OUR MOVEMENT Beyond the Riley App, our movement is to promote a better life by connecting people with similar experiences Elizabeth Tikoyan FounderCEO When all her friends were applying to college in their senior year, Elizabeth Tikoyan was diagnosed with Lyme Disease. As her friends were off starting their new journeys, she stayed back to get treatment. Fast forward 7 years and Elizabeth is a recent graduate of the University of Virginia and has founded the Riley App to help people meet others living with the same health condition. The name "Riley" is in honor of a close friend she made while volunteering in the hospital.  Riley passed away while waiting for a transplant, but her legacy lives on. [Image Description: A sea green background with blue bubbles with a gorgeous photo of Elizabeth Tikoyan CEO & Founder of the @rileyapp_ with a black sweater and glasses with her hair pulled back with photos of the Riley app you can download at the @apple store with a picture of Erin Noon Kay CEO & Founder of Claiming Disability Inc with the official Claiming Disability Inc logo]
Jan 05, 202153:47
Disability Representation in the Entertainment Industry with New Talk Show Host Dr. Truett Vaigneur & Director Andy Arias

Disability Representation in the Entertainment Industry with New Talk Show Host Dr. Truett Vaigneur & Director Andy Arias

This past November I did my first movie review of Hulu Thriller 'Run' back in November featuring disabled actress @kierajallen. 

 Since then there's been some very cool disabled representation in in the movies these days including Christmas Ever After on Lifetime featuring Tony Winning Disabilities Advocate Ali Stroker . For this discussion of disabled representation in Hollywood I need my Hollywood pals to join me this Saturday at 1pm CST for this critical discussion on representation. Join my friends Director/Producer/ @andyswheelz & New York Talk Show host Dr. Truett Vaigneur of Disabilities Redefined with Dr. Vaigneur for this critical discussion

Disabled Representation in the discussion mentioned: Crip Camp Dani's Twins Film Push Girls Sex and the City

[Image Description: A picture of Erin Noon Kay CEO and Founder of Claiming Disability Inc with Dr. Truett Vaigneur from Disabilities Redefined and Andy Arias Director of The Unicorn Closet (Produced by Claiming Disability Inc.)  an independent film featured in the Disability Easterseals Challenge

Jan 05, 202101:15:39
Tedx Speaker/ Author Jessica Carson of "Wired this Way," *Available on Amazon!

Tedx Speaker/ Author Jessica Carson of "Wired this Way," *Available on Amazon!

I met Jessica last month at a workshop and we just clicked! As someone who hopes to publish a book herself I am in awe of her ambitious attitude and empathy. Jessica believes that we as creators do our best work when we use our whole selves to create. This requires us to balance our scales while honoring our unique mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual gifts. This is not a journey of fixing ourselves, but a journey of identifying our greatest potentialities and sharing them through the act of creation. This is not a journey of becoming more or less, but a journey of coming back to our most essential selves. I offer a body of work that empowers creators to develop their capacity for Creative Self-Discovery. Through the process of self-understanding, self-acceptance, and self-care, we can become whole creators who know how to handle our spectacularly complex operating systems. Buy the book available on Amazon! Currently: Director of Innovation at the American Psychological Association (APA) Expert in Residence at Georgetown University Yoga, meditation & mindfulness practitioner Expert Mentor at WeWork Labs Neuroscience & Psychology Research Fellow at the National Institutes of Heath (NIH) [Image Description: The top white border has the official TEDx logo on Pearl Street and the official Amazon logo where Jessica Carson book is available. There's a copy of her book Wired This Way in the left corner with a psychological swatch on the cover with a picture of Jessica Carson with a pretty mood ring and strawberry blonde hair in a top deck background. On the bottom half is a picture of CEO and Founder of Claiming Disability Inc Erin Noon Kay with long curly hair and makeup with the official Claiming Disability Inc podcast cover in purple]
Jan 05, 202101:11:58
Art Activism by Marie D.L.: Changing the Disabled Conversation through Art

Art Activism by Marie D.L.: Changing the Disabled Conversation through Art

Digital Artist, Writer, and Disability Rights Leader Marie D.L.’s Art Activism. Support a disabled artist fighting for constitutional equality and learn a new perspective different from your own. The r.a.r.e. community is a social media network not connected to any other existing social media platforms, designed for chronic, invisible, mental, or rare disease warriors. It was created by a disabled warrior to be a place for chronically ill or disabled warriors to connect with others who have similar conditions & experiences in a positive environment meant to keep divisive topics out. Changing the Disabled Conversation through Art [Image Description: A grey water color  border with a thick black border with a white background with splattered black paint in the background with a pink glowing background and Marie in the middle with black hair and black lipstick with a choker with her hair covering her face with beautiful pale skin and a laced tank top there's black speech bubbles with white texts. There's bubbles with her original artwork one has a green/blue background that says its okay to be disabled. Another original piece is a purple hand with long black finger nails holding a crystal ball with green smoke that says you are stronger than you think you are. Another original piece has a skull shaped like a triangle] CHECK OUT AMAZING WORK!  https://www.rareadvocatesrepresentingeveryone.com/?fbclid=IwAR0JpyJJTG3Nkvn2dxw5w7IYvxx9oXDrRnqLdajBeixvIJH90s6opY8Nx6s IG: @r.a.r.e.advoc8
Jan 04, 202102:28:11
Claiming Disability Meets THE ANDREW GURZA! & Heather Morrison CEO & Founder of @thatshandi

Claiming Disability Meets THE ANDREW GURZA! & Heather Morrison CEO & Founder of @thatshandi

Learn More at thatshandi.co/pages/register-interest
Handi was founded by disability consultant and activist Andrew Gurza and innovation strategist Heather Morrison from a simple and shocking fact: hundreds of millions of people around the world can’t masturbate due to hand limitations (pain, immobility, lack of dexterity, weakness etc).
In fact, our research showed that over 50% of physically disabled people surveyed struggle to achieve sexual pleasure on their own. And shockingly, no products have been designed with them in mind, despite over 90% of those surveyed telling us they wanted one.
This puts people in an awkward position (and not the kind we like) of asking someone for help, paying someone every time you want to have a release, or not getting off at all – which isn’t really an option is it? What’s worse, the topic is still terribly taboo and off limits. Or it was - until now…
Oct 14, 202001:24:14
Women Belong In All Places Where Decisions are Being Made: Voting, Grassroots Politics, & Disabled Voters

Women Belong In All Places Where Decisions are Being Made: Voting, Grassroots Politics, & Disabled Voters

A candid discussion on voting, women in local, grassroots politics, & Disabled Voters with special guests Christina Blackcloud 2020 State Representative Iowa House District 72 AMBER GUSTAFSON Founder: Grassfed Yoga | Alumni: Greenlee School of Journalism and Communication | Former: Iowa Chapter Leader Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America | Current: Graduate Student, Master of Arts in Communication, Public Policy & Advocacy at Drake University | RAQUISHIA HARRINGTON NORTH LIBERTY CITY COUNCIL Erin Noon Kay CEO & Founder Claiming Disability, Inc. & Political Admirer
Sep 30, 202001:10:22