Sarah Todd Hammer joins the program to discuss her journey, which includes becoming paralyzed from the neck-down at age 8 due to a rare neuroimmune disorder called Transverse Myelitis that damages the spinal cord. Since that time, Sarah has recovered the ability to walk and partial use of her arms and hands, and has gone on to write 3 books and is a dancer and choreographer.
Susan Scott-Parker, CEO and Founder of Business Disability International, joins the program to discuss the pioneering work that she has done, including the creation of a benchmark that measures corporate performance on disability as it affects an entire business. Discover the "Valuable 500", the global movement putting disability on the business leadership agenda.
This episode features an interview with Brandon Farbstein. Diagnosed with a rare form of dwarfism at the age of 2, Brandon stands at 3’9” – making his life’s journey full of adversity, strength, and impact. after feeling invisible and without a purpose for the first 15 years of his life. He discovered his calling on the tedx stage, and suddenly realized his life’s meaning: to change the lens through which people see their world. Brandon discusses the lessons he's learned from his journey so far and his vision for the future.
This episode features an interview with David James Boyd & Chad Kessler, co-creators of the play Stepchild, along with producer Kori Rushton and associate producer Shelly Guy.
About the play:
Inspired by the classic tale of Cinderella, “Stepchild” tells the story of Orella, a deaf girl coming of age during the Italian Renaissance. After a mysterious fortune teller teaches her how to communicate using sign language, Orella discovers a joyous new world. Her bliss is soon shattered by the ignorant and fear-mongering King Octavio, who ruthlessly punishes anyone that dares to embrace what makes them “different.” With her kingdom rapidly succumbing to prejudicial fears, Orella must dig deep for inner strength to combat darkness and save her people from tyranny.
It is believed that American Sign Language (ASL) is the THIRD most commonly used language in the United States. However, the long, grim and extraordinary path towards modern Deaf culture is hardly common knowledge. Through the eyes of a Deaf heroine, this underrepresented historical topic is given a Gothic folktale spin in this sweeping story of empowerment.