Civil rights advocate Marc Fishman joins host Mike Bolland to expose a deeply overlooked issue: the routine denial of disability accommodations in America’s family court system. After surviving a devastating car accident that left him with long-term disabilities and communication challenges, Marc found himself battling not only for his parental rights—but also for his basic ADA protections.
In this powerful conversation, Marc shares:
• How New York family courts repeatedly denied him accommodations like real-time transcription
• His federal ADA victories and how Tennessee v. Lane played a role
• The 49-month legal battle that forced the court to act
• Retaliation he faced from judges and public officials
• His advocacy success during COVID, helping disabled tenants secure rent grants
• The urgent need for reform and accountability in family courts nationwide
• Recent legislative wins and what they mean for disabled parents
Marc’s story is one of resilience, activism, and a fight for justice that impacts millions of disabled Americans.
👉 Follow his updates at NewRochellePoliceAbuse.com
👉 Subscribe for more stories of disability rights, advocacy, and lived experience.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
What happens when people underestimate your potential your entire life—and you refuse to let them define your future? In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, I sit down with Denny Burke, a licensed master social worker, disability advocate, and speaker who has spent his life proving that disability does not determine what someone can achieve. Growing up legally blind and facing additional disabilities, Denny endured bullying, low expectations, and barriers that could have shaped the rest of his life. Instead, with the encouragement of mentors and his own determination, he became the first person in his immediate family to graduate from college and is now dedicated to helping others find their voice through self-advocacy and social work.
What happens when a life-changing accident forces you to redefine everything you thought was possible? On this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, I sit down with Dr. Kirsten Ludwig—a biomedical researcher, educator, former professional polo player, and advocate for disability inclusion in healthcare. In 2021, Dr. Ludwig was paralyzed from the neck down during a horseback riding accident. Through determination, rehabilitation, and an incredible commitment to recovery, she became what she describes as a walking quadriplegic. Today, she combines her lived experience with her work as an Associate Professor of Biomedical Science at the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine, helping educate future physicians about disability, accessibility, and patient-centered care.
What is it really like to live with hearing loss? . In this episode of the We're Not Stumped Podcast, Mike Bolland sits down with Janelle Parker, founder of TAMCO Learning, to discuss her lifelong journey with hearing loss and the lessons she's learned along the way. Janelle shares how she was born with a unique "cookie bite" hearing loss, received her first hearing aid before age four, and adapted to life in a world designed for hearing people. She also discusses the dramatic evolution of hearing aid technology, assistive devices, and accessibility tools that have transformed opportunities for people with hearing loss. Whether you're living with hearing loss, supporting a loved one, or simply interested in learning more about accessibility and communication, this episode offers practical advice, inspiration, and valuable perspective.
