What does it truly mean to be seen as fully human in a world that often overlooks disability?
In this thought-provoking episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes back Dr. Stephanie W. Cawthon—an acclaimed deaf author, speaker, and researcher—for an honest and insightful conversation about identity, accessibility, and belonging. With ASL interpreters Amanda Ford and Steven Nugent joining, Dr. Cawthon shares the personal and cultural impact of her book Disability is Human, a work that has deeply influenced Mike’s own journey.
They discuss the challenges of growing up with hearing loss in a time when ASL access was limited, and how this shaped language development and education. The conversation dives into important issues like the “disability tax,” identity formation, and the hidden barriers many disabled individuals encounter, especially in entry-level jobs. They also unpack the effects of societal attitudes, exploring concepts like “helper syndrome” and “stalker syndrome,” which create subtle but real burdens for people with disabilities.
Dr. Cawthon highlights that while the ADA was a critical step toward inclusion, achieving true accessibility demands ongoing shifts in mindset, mentorship, and opportunity. This episode invites listeners to rethink disability—not as a problem to be fixed, but as a vital part of the human experience.
Disability is Human Book: https://www.amazon.com/Disability-Human-Vital-Accessibility-Everyday/dp/1954233299
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In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Joslynn Bigelow, founder and CEO of Say How Consulting, for a powerful conversation on disability advocacy, system navigation, and the importance of dignity of risk. Joslynn shares her personal journey into advocacy, the launch of her consulting business, and her five guiding principles for creating inclusive services: dignity of risk, individual readiness, assess and address, authentic experience, and realistic opportunities. The discussion dives into: ✅ Why “say how” means finding solutions when systems say “no” ✅ The role of dignity of risk in fostering independence and inclusion ✅ The origins and growth of the United Adaptive Soccer Association (UASA) ✅ The challenges of advancing inclusion in adaptive sports ✅ The unique opportunities upcoming global sporting events offer for disability awareness
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Shawn Johnson, founder and executive director of Enhancing Skills for Life, and Mike St. Onge, board chairman and quadruple amputee, to explore the organization’s inspiring mission and impact. Shawn, an occupational therapist with nearly three decades of prosthetic and rehabilitation experience, shares how Enhancing Skills for Life grew from its first workshop in 2002 into a global community serving people living without both arms or all four limbs. Mike reflects on his personal journey as a quadruple amputee, highlighting the strength of peer support and empowerment in rebuilding independence. Discover how this nonprofit is transforming lives through: ✅ Workshops and skill-building events ✅ Adaptive equipment resources like the “Hands-Free Catalog” ✅ Scholarships, mentorship, and international participation ✅ Exciting future collaborations and upcoming workshops Whether you’re part of the limb loss community or simply inspired by stories of resilience and hope, this conversation is packed with insight and heart.
In 2013, Armeda Batchler made the life-altering decision to amputate her left leg above the knee after being diagnosed with osteosarcoma—just months after becoming a new mother. Determined to push forward, she balanced recovery, parenting, and work with remarkable strength. Yet behind the resilience, Armeda faced hidden struggles: depression, isolation, and the difficulty of asking for help. Over time, she discovered the healing power of connection, rebuilding a local amputee support group and embracing advocacy to support others walking a similar path. In this heartfelt conversation, Armeda opens up about her cancer journey, the challenges of raising her daughter while adapting to limb loss, and how hope and community helped her transform struggle into purpose.
