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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  • Brittany Dejean Inclusion Jumpstart

July 29th, 2025|

Host Mike Bolland welcomes Brittany Dejean, founder of Inclusion Jumpstart and former Airbnb accessibility leader. Brittany opens up about how her father’s spinal cord injury at age 12 inspired her lifelong passion for disability inclusion. She shares insights from her 6.5 years at Airbnb working on accessibility and diversity initiatives, her nonprofit work with Able Thrive, and her current mission as an entrepreneur and advocate. Brittany’s training programs help people overcome awkwardness around disability and build more inclusive, empathetic spaces in both personal and professional settings.

  • Finding Work When You're Disabled

July 24th, 2025|

In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland gets real about the challenges of finding a job while living with a disability. Born without his right hand, Mike has firsthand experience navigating interviews, workplace bias, and the self-doubt that can creep in during the job search. He shares tips that helped him—and that can help you—stand out for the right reasons, from understanding your rights under the ADA to deciding when (or if) to disclose your disability. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or unsure where to start, this episode offers encouragement, strategies, and real-world advice from someone who’s walked the walk. 🛠️ Topics include: How to highlight your strengths, not your limitations Disability-friendly job boards and resources Why owning your story is your greatest strength Whether you were born with a disability or acquired one later in life, this episode is for anyone ready to pursue meaningful work and thrive.

  • Bilateral Above-Knee Amputee Latonyia Billops on Resilience

July 22nd, 2025|

In this uplifting episode of We're Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Latonyia Billops, a bilateral above-knee amputee, who shares her remarkable story of surviving a traumatic car accident that changed her life forever. While helping a stranded motorist, Latonyia was struck by a truck that crossed the highway median—resulting in the loss of both her legs. Despite unimaginable trauma, Latonyia never lost her faith. She opens up about how her spiritual foundation guided her recovery, her refusal to fall into depression, and how she’s used her experience to advocate for others navigating prosthetic care and life with limb loss. Latonyia also shares insights into the adaptive equipment she uses to maintain independence—such as a sliding board, bath bench, and commode topper—and how these tools have helped her live with greater comfort and dignity. Plus, she reveals her dream of entering a wheelchair pageant, showcasing her confidence and self-love.

By |2025-07-03T08:37:28-07:00July 3rd, 2025|General Disability Related Resources and News|Comments Off on From Alone to Advocate: The Power of Speaking Up

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