Disability Empowerment Now

Sean Daniels is an internationally known theater director, writer and artistic director, known for new work and innovative community-based leadership. He is a leading voice in using the arts to defeat addictions. As an artist, he has been a NYTimes Critic Pick as a director and a writer. Keith and Sean talk about working in the theater, the power of theater to help with addiction and the importance of community. Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright Season 4 is dedicated to Christina Trivigno, Disability Advocate and Friend.

John is a personal trainer with over 17 years of experience, much of that focused on working to improve health and wellness for people with disabilities. Adam is a guidebook author, an avid outdoor sports and endurance athlete and believes passionately in outdoor recreation as the path to living a long, healthy and fulfilling life. Both are the founders of TruFit an athletic club that aims to “revolutionize the image of the fitness club experience.” Keith and John and Adam talk about TruFit’s origins, its mission and values and why this was needed for the disability community. Keith talks to […]

Louis Morrell is the Board Chair of Theater Breaking Through Barriers, “the only professional Off-Broadway theater company dedicated to advancing artists and developing audiences of people with disabilities and altering the misperceptions surrounding disability by proving, once and for all, that disability does not affect the quality or integrity of our art or artists,” according to their website. Louis and Keith talk about their love of theatre and the stage, they discuss the importance of accessibility when it comes to Broadway and off-Broadway and they talk about the future of accessibility. Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright. […]

Scott Mobley is the Executive Director of Ability Dogs of Arizona, a nonprofit empowering individuals with disabilities through its owner-train service dog program. With a background in counseling and a passion for community building, Scott‘s strives to create independence and reduce isolation for program participants. Under his leadership, Ability Dogs celebrates 50 years of service and continues to innovate in the field of service dog training. Scott is dedicated to creating inclusive spaces and making a lasting impact in Southern Arizona. Scott and Keith talk about the change in direction for the company, how both got involved and how the organization has changed over […]

Sean Dineen PhD is an adjunct professor at Kean University in New Jersey. Sean also has Cerebral Palsy and has served as chair for eight years of the American Birding Association. He also served for six years on the business committee of the Wildlife Conservation Society, its major corporate development and fundraising advisory committee. Sean and Keith talk about disability advocacy in higher education, they discuss Sean's educational path as well as how he manages everyday life. Keith and Sean talk about the importance of experiencing the world. Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright. Season 4 is dedicated to Christina Trivigno, Disability Advocate and Friend.

Rylin Rodgers serves on Microsoft’s Accessibility Team as a Disability Policy Director. She strives to impact disability policy in the areas of technology, workforce and fundamental right. Rylin’s work is influenced by her lived experiences with disability. She is dyslexic and has idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, and the mother of two young adults with physical disabilities and medical complexity. Her family is ALL IN for disability policy! Rylin and Keith talk about empowerment through accessibility, how her work impacts the world and the path she took to get to her position with Microsoft. Rylin talks to Keith about her advocacy and […]

Danny J. Gomez is a professional actor who was paralyzed from the waist down in a 2016 mountain bike accident that nearly killed him. He is best known for roles in such hit shows as NCIS: Hawai’i, New Amsterdam, All Rise, and feature film Martinez Margaritas and Murder. He is a two-time Easterseals Disability Film Challenge winner for the films I/0 (2019) and Check Mate (2018), and has been a finalist in other years. He was awarded the Christopher Reeves Acting Scholarship in 2020. Most recently, Danny completed a successful Off-Broadway run in the play All of Me which garnered […]

Ryan Miller is the Founding Pastor of Damascus Road, a church that is committed to following Jesus together at the University of Arizona. Ryan also serves as the Director of Campus Ministry for Missions Door. He provides leadership, vision, training, and care campus ministries throughout the United States, Mexico and Central America. Ryan and Keith talk about their church experience, friendship and the connections they share. Ryan also talks to Keith about the future and how their friendship has evolved over the years through church. Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright. Season 4 is dedicated to Christina […]

Freddy Pang and Meg Gray are neurodivergent church members at The Journey Church, Tucson and a good friends with Keith. They talk to Keith about their relationship, living as a neurdivergent person and their passions for church and ballroom dancing. Freddy and Meg are newly weds and they talk about navigating their lives living with their disability. Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright. Season 4 is dedicated to Christina Trivigno, Disability Advocate and Friend.

Nathan Klein is a University of Arizona student with Autism, studying Horse Racing. Nathan and Keith talk about their shared interest in horses and Sonic the Hedgehog. Nathan also talks about his experience as a disability advocate and his autism experience. Nathan and Keith also talk about the future and what Nathan plans to do after college. Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright. Season 4 is dedicated to Christina Trivigno, Disability Advocate and Friend.

Jim Roden is a Pastor at The Journey Church in Tucson, Arizona. Jim and Keith talk about Jim’s ministry, disability advocacy within the Church, and Jim’s personal experience with disability advocacy. Season 4 is dedicated to Christina Trivigno, Disability Advocate and Friend. Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright.

Chris Desborough is the Community Outreach Director for the city of Tucson and Director of Disability Pride Tucson. Disability Pride Day coincides with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. This United Nations initiative was created to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society. This annual event features disability resources, performers and other activities. Chris and Keith talk about the origins of Disability Pride Day Tucson and how the event has grown over the years. They talk about this year’s event which will be held Dec. 7. They also talk about the roles […]

John R. McFarlane is an Actor with Polio and a Polio Advocate. John and Keith talk about Polio Advocacy, traveling the world, and John's personal experience living with Polio. They talk about the importance of living life and embracing the "Polio family." BEGIN: Thought I would just share a bit about myself. As you may have seen or know, I enjoyed an extensive commercial career but for the past 40 years or so I have concentrated on the disability sector. I had polio when I was 18 months old and use a wheelchair full time. So, I am interested both in access, legislation as well as advocacy – both promoting and empowering people through getting them to use it themselves. Although I am physically disabled, I work across all types of disability - physical, visual, sensory, intellectual, behavioral as well as genetic. I am looking to find examples of best practice and incorporate these, where possible, into my work as well as exchanging information. Currently the projects I am working on, one is the Rotary International’s World Disability Advocacy Group that is a worldwide project and has both a strong membership base and influence amongst others working on similar structures, we work closely with the 1.4 million Rotarians and their Clubs around the globe. If you would like to get regular news, newsletter and notice of the open form meeting send an email to the Rotary Club of World Disability Advocates at [email protected]. I am also working on the Post-Polio Syndrome Advocacy Group that is a worldwide project and has both a strong membership base and influence amongst others working on similar structures, that also work closely with Rotary Clubs around the globe. It has a FB page under Post-Polio Syndrome Advocacy Group where you can learn more and even see a talk I did. If you would like to get regular news, newsletter and notice of the open form meeting send an email to [email protected]. The whole point of these two projects is to educate people about the effects of old polio and to teach them how to advocate for themselves or to engage with advocacy services so that they live with dignity, independence, and the knowledge of how to reach out when help is needed. Lastly, I am working with the TouchPad Pro Foundation as the Chair of their Board of Directors in bringing to market an innovative product for blind people to learn Braille. Have a look at the Braille Doodle at www.touchpadprofoundation.org. There are also plans to further take the concept into an iPad type of device that will allow tactile feedback in a three dimensional manner. I look forward to staying in contact with you and sharing experiences to our, and others, mutual benefit. END Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright Season 4 is dedicated to Christina Trivigno, Disability Advocate and Friend. .

Temple Grandin Ph.D. is a renowned autism spokesperson, author and animal behaviorist and an academic. She is a designer of livestock handling facilities and a Professor of Animal Science at Colorado State University. She returns to Disability Empowerment Now to talk with Keith about her books “The Autism Brain” and “Visual Thinking.” She also discusses the importance of jobs for the Autism community. Temple and Keith also discuss future projects. Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright. Disability Empowerment Now Season 4 is dedicated to Christina Trivigno, Disability Advocate and Friend.

Jenny Sichel is a 2016 Rio Paralympic Silver Medalist and 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Coach for Team USA in the sport of rowing. She was a USRowing National Team member for seven years and in that time won five international silver medals. When she’s not on the water, Jenny is passionate about destigmatizing mental health and is a strong advocate for independent living of people with disabilities. She currently works at the National Council on Independent Living as the Operations Director and her secret dream is to host a daytime talk show. Recently, Jenny has helped form an indie improv group based […]

Andrew Gurza is the host of Disability After Dark, a podcast that looks at disability stories and started in 2016. Andrew and Keith bond about their podcast experiences and they also bond over their shared disability. Andrew talks about the origins of Disability After Dark and the overall message it aims to bring to the community. Keith and Andrew also discuss the importance of having hosts with disabilities lead conversations in the podcast sphere. S4 Ep4 Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright. Disability Empowerment Now Season 4 is dedicated to Christina Trivigno, Disability Advocate and Friend.

C. Quintana is a Queer Playwright and a Television Writer for Orphan Black: Echoes. CQ talks to Keith about working in television and on the Orphan Black series. They talk about how they first met, catch up on each other’s accomplishments and discuss the importance of representation in the world of television. Season 4 Ep 3 Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright.

Liv Mammone (she/her) is an editor and poet from Long Island. Her poetry has appeared with Button Poetry, The Poetry Foundation, The Medical Journal of Australia, and in many places. In 2017, she competed for Union Square Slam as the first disabled woman to be on a New York national poetry slam team She was also a finalist in the Capturing Fire National Poetry Slam in 2017. A Brooklyn Poets Fellow and Zoeglossia fellow, she is currently an editor at Game Over Books. In 2022, hers was one of the top ten most read poems at Split This Rock’s poetry database, The Quarry. Her first collection is forthcoming in 2025. Follow her on Instagram @mammoneliv. Liv Mammone is a poet with Cerebral palsy. Liv is a published poet and performs regularly. She talks to Keith about her start in poetry, what it is like to publish poetry, and the importance of community to her craft. Liv also talks to Keith about music and how she navigates the world as a disability advocate. Season 4 Episode 2!! Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright.

Megan Lummus is an openly autistic stage and film director and Katherine McCrackin is an openly autistic actor. Each with their own unique background, they talk to Keith about their love of theater and the stage. They also discuss the importance of diversity and representation on the stage and in the directors chair, their individual disability journeys, and how they got involved in their advocacy. Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright. SEASON 4 IS HERE!!!!

Behind the Scenes Mini-Season Eileen Castro, who has been a creative producer with DEN for one year, helps with the Spanish transcripts and focuses on uploading podcast episodes to all streaming platforms and the official website, as well as creating and sending out newsletters. Nicole Feltman, who has been with the team since Season 1, around three years, is the head of Social Media, creating graphics for the team, social media, the website, and podcast episodes. Nicole also produces the transcripts and helps out wherever she’s needed. These incredibly talented individuals discuss their roles within the project with Keith, their […]

Behind the Scenes Mini Season Isa Barnard is the Spanish transcript writer and the website designer for Disability Empowerment Now. Pascal Albright is the producer of the podcast and videocast and credited with the creation of the newsletter. Both team members help Keith with the overall project and talk about their start with DEN and the work they do to keep the podcast going. Pascal listens to each episode and produces the content before it gets uploaded and Isa is helping redesign the website. Both are excited about the future of Disability Empowerment Now and give insight into the workings […]

Alexandra Pere is a digital media professional and content “wizard”. When she’s not engrossed in the latest documentary, she’s writing for the University of Arizona College of Engineering. She’s a long-time wildcat with a bachelor’s in science journalism and religious studies and a master’s in journalism. Alex is a professional storyteller engaging in best practices for marketing, content development, newsletter curation and search engine optimization (SEO). In her downtime, she’s finishing a Master of Science in Digital Audiences from ASU Cronkite. When Alex was finishing her master’s degree at UA, she was pivotal in the creation of Disability Empowerment Now — acting as the first official producer, website builder, and social media manager. Follow her on LinkedIn or Instagram, she loves to follow back!

We’re Back! Disability Empowerment Now Returns for Season 4 September 2024! Join me Keith Murfee-DeConcini as I continue on this journey of advocacy, this time exploring the theme of Disability Advocacy and Employment with guests like Paralympian Jenny Sichel, Former Senator Tom Harkin, Program Manager at Google Elaine Carroll and more! Also hear from some returning favorites like Actor Kurt Yaeger and Film Director Jordan Hogg, the incredible Dr. Temple Grandin and more! Disability Empowerment Now Season 4 is also launching as a full time video cast on YouTube so don’t miss out and subscribe, Like, Comment and Share now! […]

Eric Renderking Fisk is the creator of The Fedora Chronicles, a website focused on vintage and retro culture, especially related to the 1930s-1950s. He is passionate about classic movies, film noir, and pulp fiction. Through his work on the site, Eric shares his love for the aesthetics and values of this era, providing a unique perspective on both historical and modern pop culture. He also produces podcasts, reviews, and articles related to his interests. For more details, you can visit The Fedora Chronicles. Eric was the original producer for Disability Empowerment Now season 1 before stepping back. Eric and Keith […]

Liz Weber (they/them) is an autistic freelance AEA stage manager and audio engineer/ designer who has a passion for justice and equality especially in the theater spaces that they work. Most recently, they worked on the stage management and accessibility teams of How To Dance in Ohio on Broadway. The Access Team of How to Dance in Ohio won a 2024 Special Drama Desk highlighting their efforts to bring disability to the mainstream of a Broadway stage for the first time in a large swath. They also served as the Monitor Engineer at Big Top Chautauqua in Bayfield, Wisconsin for the past two summers where […]

Desmond Edwards is an Actor who played Remy in the Broadway Musical How to Dance in Ohio. Desmond and Keith talk about how the audition for the role and what the acting process is like on a big stage show. Desmond talks to Keith about the importance of How to Dance In Ohio and how it was preforming for the real Remy from the documentary. Desmond Luis Edwards (they/he/she) Broadway: How To Dance in Ohio (Remy) Regional Theatre: How to Dance in Ohio (Remy) at Syracuse Stage. TV: Blue Bloods. Desmond and their fabulous hair is represented by Bohemia Group […]

Madison Kopec is a native of South Bend, IN, where she grew up performing in community theatre. Diagnosed with Autism as a junior in high school presented challenges, but opportunities also manifested. In 2019 she was cast in the industry reading of, INDIGO- A New Musical, which led to its Regional premier in 2023. That was quickly followed by the industry reading of How to Dance In Ohio, that Regional premier then the Broadway run in 2023-2024. She is honored to have met and worked with so many wonderful neurodiverse and neurotypical people these past few years and is very excited for […]

Ariel Reich is an NYC based Actor, Director and Mindfulness Artist. Most recently, she performed in the Broadway National Tour of The Band’s Visit. As a performer, Ariel has appeared on stages such as Lincoln Center, The Kennedy Center, The Dolby, among others. On screen, she appears in the film The Reunion, Love Online, as well as The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Younger, and The Deuce. In addition to her performance career, Ariel has a background in Arts in Medicine, working as a researcher and practitioner. Her “Suicide Prevention through Theatre Intervention” research was internationally recognized in 2017 by the Culture, […]

REBEKAH GREER MELOCIK is a lyricist and book-writer. Her work with composer-collaborator, Jacob Yandura, includes THE LAST QUEEN OF CANAAN (book: Harrison David Rivers), WRINGER (dir: Stephen Brackett), THE TOWER and HOW TO DANCE IN OHIO (dir: Sammi Cannold) which premiered on Broadway Dec 10, 2023. Recognitions and residencies include: SPACE on Ryder Farm residency, Jonathan Larson Grant finalists, NAMT Festival of New Musicals, Ars Nova’s UNCHARTED residency, the Johnny Mercer Writers Grove at Goodspeed Musicals, the York Theatre’s NEO residency, the Yale Institute for Music Theatre, the Dramatists Guild fellowship, the Johnny Mercer Songwriters Project, Rhinebeck Writers Retreat, Cap21’s […]

Nicole D’Angelo (they/she) is a music director, actor, and multi-instrumentalist in the NJ/NYC area. A recovering classical musician, they majored in piano and bass clarinet at Montclair State University before pursuing musical theater full time. Nicole recently made their Broadway debut as assistant music director and script consultant for the new musical How to Dance in Ohio, for which they won a special Drama Desk Award as a member of the show’s groundbreaking accessibility team. Other favorite credits include Fun Home (MD, StageWorks), The Civility of Albert Cashier (MD, Trans Entertainment Guild), and Little Shop of Horrors (Audrey, EPIC Players). Nicole is proudly Autistic and a passionate […]

Alaina is a Mainer who works with adults with intellectual disabilities through Community Case Management and as an Ed Technology in special education. She attended the College of Santa Fe in New Mexico where she met many inspiring and enlightening individuals. In her spare time Alaina enjoys puzzling, concerts, traveling, creating ideas for stories and long discussions about anything. Alaina currently resides with her husband in a coastal community where they are renovating their home. She talks with Keith about their love of Depeche Mode. BONUS EPISODE!! Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright.

JACOB YANDURA makes his Broadway debut as a composer with How to Dance in Ohio. Jacob’s first musical with lyricist-collaborator Rebekah Greer Melocik, Wringer, debuted Off-Broadway at New York City Center Stage II in 2016 (directed by Stephen Brackett; based on Jerry Spinelli’s novel). His other projects include The Last Queen of Canaan (book by Harrison David Rivers) and The Tower. Jacob holds a B.A. in Music Composition from Kenyon College and an M.F.A from New York University’s Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program. SEASON 3 FINALE!! Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright

Tobias Forrest is a performer with a disability with a background in accessible consulting and MS in psychology. He won the Christopher Reeve Acting Award for the film ”Daruma” and has credits including “The Academy Awards”, “Media Access Awards”, ”Law & Order: Organized Crime”, “How To Get Away With Murder”, “Queen Sugar” and many others. He has also done voiceover for animation as well as audio description for TV, narration for audiobooks and been the MC for nonprofit events. Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright.

Seattle singer-songwriter Halley Greg first rose to acclaim during the blind auditions on Season 20 of The Voice. John Legend called her slowed-down, piano ballad version of Nelly Furtado’s “I’m Like a Bird” “poetic” and “beautifully crafted,” and the performance earned her a spot on Team Kelly. Her appearance on the show coincided with the release of her debut album, American Harlot, a feminist rebranding of the pop/rock albums of the early 2000s. Filled with distorted guitar solos and pithy pop vocal melodies, the album is an ode to empowered women everywhere—a rock and rage romp with a few upbeat […]

Jordan is a BAFTA & RTS winning drama director from Yorkshire with a disability (cerebral palsy); he has over 70 hours of broadcast TV credits and first trained through the Channel 4’s 4Talent scheme & won BAFTA Breakthrough 2020. Jordan directed BBC1’s groundbreaking drama, multi RTS winning, Ralph & Katie – the first drama to feature 2 learning disabled lead actors, a project seen as pioneering for inclusive TV. He previously directed Channel 4 prison-drama series Screw & both the third and fourth seasons of Ackley Bridge for The Forge Entertainment, as well as episodes for BBC1 prime-time drama Death […]

Kat Stratford and Heath Butrum are two sickeningly cute political activists who have made careers out of trying to create a better world through politics. Kat, who is Deaf but uses hearing aids, is a former candidate for state house, and currently works for the City of Tucson in addressing the emergency of houselessness and housing insecurity. Heath is the Campaigns Director for Rural Arizona Engagement (RAZE). S3 Ep26 Find the transcript here. Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright.

Steve Way is a 33-year-old actor, comedian, writer, and speaker. He was born with Muscular Dystrophy and is an activist for disability rights and universal healthcare. Steve can be seen in the Hulu show Ramy and the HBO stand up special Ramy Youssef: More Feelings. Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright. Find the transcript here.

Christina Trivigno is the Director of Digital Strategy at TDF, a New York City based not-for-profit service organization dedicated to breaking down barriers to the arts. She has over 10 years of experience working in the digital space and a lifetime of experience as a disability advocate. She has spoken and written about accessibility at organizations around the country including topics of transportation, reasonable accommodation, digital accessibility and access at the theatre. She was proud to marry her passions with the launch of TheatreAccess.NYC S3 Episode 24 Find the transcript here. Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright.

Anita Hollander has performed throughout Europe, Asia & US, at Carnegie Hall, Kennedy Center, London’s West End, NY Shakespeare Festival, Goodman Theatre & White House. A Helen Hayes Award nominee, her solo musicals Still Standing and Spectacular Falls, have played Off-Broadway, nationally & internationally. Other Theatre work includes Ragtime, CATS (Grizabella). On TV she’s Guest Starred on Welcome To Flatch & FBI: Most Wanted. Film work includes Handsome Harry, Musical Chairs. SAG-AFTRA National Chair, Performers With Disabilities. www.anitahollander.com Rachel Hollander is not only an ordained Interfaith/InterSpiritual minister but also a versatile professional, excelling as a speaker, teacher, writer, performer, podcaster, singer/songwriter, officiant, and performance interpreter. Her influence extends nationwide, with performances […]

Ann Marie has had a diverse and accomplished career in acting, with a range of roles spanning classical works like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Measure for Measure” to contemporary plays such as “The Unexpected Guest” and “The Fourth Wall.” Her versatility is evident in her ability to portray characters with different emotions and backgrounds. Her educational background is impressive, having graduated from Marywood College with a BA in acting. Additionally, attending the Royal National Theatre American Actors Training Program in 1992 and 1993 likely provided her with valuable training and exposure to different acting techniques. It’s clear that Ann […]

Erin Noon Kay is the CEO & Founder of Claiming Disability LLC. She talks to Keith about her podcast journey, Disability Pride, all the partnerships her podcast works with and her advising work. She talks about the importance of Disability Pride and celebrating disabilities in the everyday. Keith and Erin talk about their struggles and their achievements, and how she has paved her future to be so different from her past. “We need to make space for all people to talk about their struggles and create safe spaces,” Erin said. Erin identifies a “fierce disabled entrepreneurial woman,” with Cerebral Palsy. […]

S3 Episode 20: Keith and Margaux talk about TRAP, Therapeutic Riding of Tucson, which has been around since 1974 and is one of the first facilities to innovate the use of horses as treatment. They discuss her work with horses, how that impacts her and the community and how the therapy impacts patients. “Everything we do is evidence based”, Margaux said. She talks about her involvement and history with TRAP. She started as a volunteer and transitioned into her passion. “Horses are magnificent animals,” Margaux said. “My personal history and the emotional connection people and horses can have but also […]

S3 Episode 19: Erica Mones and Keith talk about how Mones got into film, her work on the Disney movie “Wish” and how Mones navigates that world. They discuss Mones other interests including vlogs and the YouTube landscape. Mones talks about running and her routine. They talk about the importance of writing and using blogs to share experiences. Mones talks about her journey and advocacy and shines a light on navigating the film industry and overcoming challenges along the way. Find the transcript here. Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright.

S3 Ep 18: Rachel and Keith talk about stage life, starting with how they met on a musical theater production. Rachel talks about her experience on stage as a performer, how her career has taken off and the ups and downs of the musical theater industry. They recount memories of performances as well as stories of everyday life including relationships. Rachel talks about her passions about being on stage and how her career has taken her to some amazing places. Find the transcript here. Disability Empowerment Now is produced by Pascal Albright.

This podcast episode contains explicit language, mature themes, and content that may not be suitable for all audiences. Listener discretion is advised. The views and opinions expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast platform. We recommend that you use headphones and ensure your environment is appropriate for the content discussed. By continuing to listen, you acknowledge and accept the explicit nature of this episode. Nina G is a versatile talent, excelling as a comedian, professional speaker, comedy historical consultant, and the accomplished author of “Stutterer Interrupted” and “Bay […]

S3 Ep 16: Shari Bookstaff had fulfilled her lifelong childhood dreams and was a tenured marine biology professor near San Francisco. She was thriving in her career and her personal life when sporadic dizzy spells and nausea led to a diagnosed benign brain tumor. Even though this was a large tumor that had to be removed immediately, it would be an “easy, routine surgery.” Then, the unthinkable happened. A 9-day hospital stay turned into 9 months of grueling rehabilitation. A stroke following the surgery took away Shari’s ability to breathe, eat, talk, hear and move. After several weeks in the […]

Andrew J. “Andy” Imparato began work in February of 2020 as the Executive Director of Disability Rights California (DRC) after a high-impact 26-year career in Washington, DC in disability advocacy and policy. DRC is a $44 million legal services agency with more than 320 staff and 26 offices that serve Californians with all types of disabilities across the age spectrum. Since joining DRC, Imparato has led advocacy efforts to protect the California disability community from health and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic; helped shape Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Aging as part of his Administration’s Stakeholder Advisory Committee and […]

Richard has a diverse background as an actor, director, musician, and in education. He has worked in Regional and New York theater, showcasing his skills in both administratively and creatively — from Neil Simon to Shakespeare. In addition to his artistic pursuits. Richard serves on the Board of Directors for Theater Breaking Through Barriers, the only off-broadway professional theatre organization dedicated to advancing artists and developing audiences of people with disabilities and altering the misperceptions surrounding disability. He is an expert in New York State and Federal procedural court law and litigation practice. Richard currently resides in West Haven, CT, and […]

Mr. Peter Hughes has a long career in athletics as a coach and administrator, as well as nonprofit, sales, and fund development. Since 2017, he has served as Director of Adaptive Athletics at the University of Arizona. UArizona’s Adaptive Athletics program is the largest program of its kind and has produced 40+ Paralympians. As director, he supervises a large professional staff and cultivates relationships with donors who support program operations, as well as other community contacts to increase awareness of wheelchair and adaptive sport. During his tenure as director, Mr. Hughes he has tripled the number of enrolled student athletes […]

Rio Finnegan graduated in Film from Santa Fe University of Art & Design, to which he was awarded the Robert Redford Milagro Initiative Scholarship. In his time there he worked on many projects under many titles. Making films such as Hello World and 1-900 in his time there. 1-900 had the pleasure to be accepted into The El Paso Media Fest and The National Film Festival For Talented Youth and is still being considered for a few other festivals. He has worked on a bunch of films as an Assistant Director and Producer, like the films, Ding Dongs and CC […]