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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Access to the resources, support, and equipment needed after limb loss can change a person's life—but for many, those essentials remain out of reach. In this episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland spotlights Amputee Aid and A Leg Forever, two organizations dedicated to helping people with limb loss reclaim independence, confidence, and hope. While each organization has its own unique mission, both are committed to removing barriers by providing financial assistance, equipment, peer support, and other critical resources that help individuals move forward after amputation. Mike discusses why a supportive community can make all the difference during recovery and beyond. Whether you're living with limb loss, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for stories of compassion, advocacy, and resilience, this episode highlights how generosity and community can create lasting change.
What does it really take to learn to walk again after an amputation? In this episode of We're Not Stumped, Mike Bolland welcomes physical therapist John Lottes, DPT, Clinical Supervisor at First Step Physical Therapy and an adjunct professor who specializes in prosthetic rehabilitation. John shares how an unexpected career path led him to working with individuals with limb loss and explains why the biggest hurdle in recovery often isn't physical—it's confidence. Together, Mike and John discuss the importance of celebrating small victories, building trust with your rehabilitation team, and developing the mindset needed to regain independence.
Sometimes, the biggest changes don't happen in a lab—they happen with a few carefully chosen words. In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, I want to personally thank the LN-4 Hand Project (https://ln4handproject.org/) for updating its mission statement to better reflect the entire upper limb limb loss community. For many years, organizations have understandably focused on a specific group of individuals. But recognizing and including everyone living with upper limb loss and limb difference sends a powerful message: you belong, your story matters, and you are seen. As someone born without a right hand, this change means a great deal to me personally, and I believe it represents an important step toward greater inclusion across our community.
