Empowering Communities with Inclusion: Interview with Rachel Simukonda

In this episode of the *We’re Not Stumped* podcast, host Mike Bolland sits down with Rachel Simukonda from the City of Flagstaff to discuss the city’s efforts in promoting inclusive and accessible communities. Rachel shares her insights on Flagstaff’s commitment to creating opportunities for people of all abilities, along with her personal experiences in advocating for equity and support in public services. Tune in for a powerful conversation on inclusive employment, adaptive living, and how Flagstaff is leading by example. Don’t miss this inspiring episode!

Links:
Commission on Inclusion & Adaptive Living: https://www.flagstaff.az.gov/2784/Commission-on-Disability-Awareness

#Inclusion #DisabilityAdvocacy #Flagstaff #InclusiveCommunities #AdaptiveLiving #amputee #amputeelife #amputeestrong #prosthetics #prostheticleg #amplife #amputation #limbloss #amputees #adaptiveathlete #disability #amputeefitness #prosthetic #motivation #prosthesis #adaptive #iamadaptive #amputeelifestyle #amputados #inspiration #belowkneeamputee #adaptivesports #limbdifference #disabilityawareness #nevergiveup #limblossawareness #amputeepride #ampstrong

Listen on Apple Podcasts

Watch on YouTube

Listen on Spotify

  • Def Leppard Concert: Jeanette Jones on Accessibility Fails

August 7th, 2025|

Jeanette Jones returns to the We’re Not Stumped podcast with host Mike Bolland for a powerful conversation that goes beyond music. She shares a shocking and emotional story about the accessibility barriers she and her partner Frank encountered at a Def Leppard concert at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. From steep hills to discriminatory treatment by staff, their experience sheds light on how accessibility still falls short—even in 2025. But that’s just the beginning. Jeanette also opens up about her own journey—surviving childhood cancer, transitioning from prosthetics to a wheelchair, and the incredible resilience of her partner Frank after his life-changing accident. This episode is about more than one bad night—it’s a call to action for accessibility, empathy, and real change.

  • Fixing Website Accessibility with Maigen Thomas

August 5th, 2025|

Is your website really accessible to everyone? In this powerful episode of *We’re Not Stumped*, host Mike Bolland welcomes web accessibility expert Maigen Thomas to perform a live audit of the podcast’s website—and the results are eye-opening!  Accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about empathy, inclusion, and making sure your digital experience works for everyone. Maigen shares her personal connection to accessibility, including how her grandfather’s vision loss shaped her perspective on designing with intention. Whether you're a business owner, content creator, or web designer, this episode is packed with practical tips and free tools to level up your site. 

  • challenge the assumption that a prosthesis defines your ability to succeed. 

July 31st, 2025|

 Here’s the actual quote from a company called the LN4 Hand Project:  "A prosthetic hand is an invaluable asset to an individual without an upper limb. An upper limb prosthesis can determine whether or not an individual is able to be employed, contribute to household duties, or provide an increased sense of independence."  As a successful one-handed person—a podcaster, speaker, nonprofit founder, and former pro bowler—I have to say, that sentence overlooks the truth: people with limb differences are capable with or without a device.  And it’s not just the language. Companies like Taska Prosthetics create videos that show one-handed people doing things like washing apples, as if that’s the pinnacle of independence.  While I love and appreciate prosthetics, we can do better. In this podcast, I break down the problem with this kind of messaging, share my lived experience, and challenge the assumption that a prosthesis defines your ability to succeed. 

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Leave A Comment

Go to Top