What does it mean to truly be heard when you can’t speak? Jessica Frew, a nonverbal actress, model, and passionate disability advocate, joins We’re Not Stumped to share her powerful story of living with cerebral palsy and using an eye gaze device to communicate—a technology she began using at just nine years old.
While Jess initially limited the device to school and close friends, she opens up about the emotional weight of using it publicly and the deeply personal regret of not speaking to her father through it before he passed away.
Over time, Jess found strength in her voice and now uses it to educate, advocate, and challenge misconceptions about nonverbal individuals. She speaks with host Mike Bolland about the common experience of being talked down to or ignored—and how she responds with patience, courage, and relentless advocacy.
Jess also talks about modeling with Runway of Dreams, pushing for more disability representation in fashion and entertainment, and fighting for real change in policy—from disability education in schools to raising income limits for Medicare. She introduces her book The Disabled, or the Nonverbal Princess and teases exciting upcoming projects, including a love story and a TV pilot about an inter-abled couple.
This is a story of voice beyond words, and of a woman determined to make sure others like her are seen, heard, and respected.
#DisabilityAdvocate #CerebralPalsyAwareness #NonverbalVoices #InclusionMatters #AdaptiveTechnology #RepresentationMatters #RunwayOfDreams #DisabilityRights #AuthenticRepresentation #WereNotStumped
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Are you thinking about starting your own podcast but not sure where to begin? So many people reach out asking how to get started. And while podcasting isn’t terribly difficult, those first few episodes can feel time-consuming and a bit overwhelming. Here’s an easier way to try it out: 👉 Come guest-host a solo episode of We’re Not Stumped and share your personal story. These are single-person episodes — no guests allowed — giving you the space to speak openly and authentically. Episodes are 10–15 minutes long, making this a simple, low-pressure introduction to podcasting. All you need to do is record on your own device (yes, your phone works great) and tell your story or share insights from your experience. I’ll handle the intro and outro, along with all final edits, to ensure the episode matches the tone and quality of the show.
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Belma Islamovic, a double above-elbow amputee, community advocate, and proud member of the Dallas Amputee Network. Mike and Belma first met at Empower Fest in Arizona, and today she shares her remarkable story of survival, resilience, and hope. Belma recounts: • Surviving a devastating explosion during the Bosnian War • Her long medical journey from Bosnia to Italy and ultimately to the United States • Adapting to life without prosthetics and mastering daily tasks using her feet • The emotional and mental health struggles she overcame through support and therapy • Her connection with the Dallas Amputee Network and the power of community Belma’s story is a powerful reminder of human strength, compassion, and the importance of support networks for amputees and trauma survivors.
Civil rights advocate Marc Fishman joins host Mike Bolland to shed light on a critical but overlooked issue: the routine denial of disability accommodations in America’s family courts. After a devastating car accident left him with long-term disabilities and communication challenges, Marc entered a 49-month legal battle—not just for his parental rights, but for his basic ADA protections. He details how New York courts repeatedly refused accommodations like real-time transcription, the federal ADA victories he secured, and how Tennessee v. Lane shaped his fight for access. Marc also reveals the retaliation he faced from judges and public officials and discusses his successful advocacy during COVID helping disabled tenants obtain rent grants. With recent legislative wins offering hope, Marc emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and reform to protect disabled parents nationwide.
