From Alone to Advocate: The Power of Speaking Up

In this impactful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland dives into the second “A” of his Triple A’s of Limb LossAdvocacy. Drawing from his own experience as someone born without a right hand, Mike explores how individuals in the limb loss and disability communities are using their voices to influence change, break down stigma, and fight for equal access and opportunity.

Through heartfelt stories and eye-opening insights, this episode highlights:

  • What advocacy looks like — from everyday conversations to systemic reform

  • How sharing your personal journey can empower others and drive awareness

  • The importance of representation in healthcare, employment, media, and beyond

  • Ways listeners can get involved, speak up, and support the disability community

Whether you’re new to advocacy or already leading the charge, this episode will remind you that change starts with a single voice — and grows into a movement.

Because when we speak up, we rise together.

🦾 Real people. Real struggles. Real strength.
Because when you find your community, you’re never stumped.

🦾 Part 2 of Mike Bolland’s Triple A’s: Alone. Advocacy. Attitude.

More on One Handed Motivational Speaker Mike Bolland

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June 17th, 2025|

In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland chats with Ryan Wilson—founder of Team Trust Productions—for a conversation about how adaptive athletes are using the power of media to change the narrative around disability. Ryan shares his journey from discovering adaptive sports at the University of Illinois to launching a creative agency that centers disabled voices through authentic storytelling and inclusive marketing. He opens up about the challenges of building a business as a wheelchair user, the impact of his Disability Marketing Guide, and why empathy and representation are key to reshaping public perception. You’ll hear how Team Trust Productions is growing, how Ryan balances entrepreneurship with health, and why he believes adaptive athletes should be recognized not for their struggles, but for their strength, skill, and spirit.

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In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland shares two powerful stories of resilience, recovery, and the human spirit: 🏅 A Double Amputee’s Olympic Journey After surviving a devastating accident, this athlete didn’t give up—he set his sights on the Paralympic Games. Learn how he turned trauma into purpose, using adaptive training and relentless determination to pursue a spot on Team USA. 🦿 Mission Gait: Advancing Gait Rehabilitation Worldwide Meet the people behind Mission Gait, a nonprofit transforming the way physical therapists treat patients with complex walking challenges. From educational programs to international outreach, Mission Gait is creating a global movement for mobility. 🎧 Whether you're part of the limb loss community or just need a boost of hope, this episode shows what's possible when we move forward with purpose.

  • From Tragedy to Triumph: Eric Ford’s Journey Through Amputation and Recovery After a Drunk Driving

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In this powerful episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland sits down with Eric Ford to talk about the car accident that changed the course of his life. In 2009, while driving through Atlanta with his children, Eric was struck by a drunk driver. Though his children escaped with only minor injuries, Eric was left with life-threatening damage to his leg. Over the next two months, Eric endured 12–13 surgeries, including skin and muscle grafts, in an attempt to save the leg. When the wound continued to reopen and the pain became unbearable, he made the courageous decision to undergo an amputation. Eric shares the emotional and physical challenges of that decision, and how it ultimately gave him a new lease on life.

By |July 3rd, 2025|General Disability Related Resources and News|Comments Off on From Alone to Advocate: The Power of Speaking Up

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