What happens when people underestimate your potential your entire life—and you refuse to let them define your future?
In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, I sit down with Denny Burke, a licensed master social worker, disability advocate, and speaker who has spent his life proving that disability does not determine what someone can achieve.
Growing up legally blind and facing additional disabilities, Denny endured bullying, low expectations, and barriers that could have shaped the rest of his life. Instead, with the encouragement of mentors and his own determination, he became the first person in his immediate family to graduate from college and is now dedicated to helping others find their voice through self-advocacy and social work.
In this episode, we discuss:
👁️ Growing up legally blind and overcoming childhood adversity
🎓 Becoming the first in his family to graduate from college
💙 Why self-advocacy is one of the most important life skills
🧒 His passion for helping children and families through social work
♿ Challenging misconceptions about people with disabilities
💼 Creating more inclusive workplaces and communities
✈️ Accessible travel and advocating for disabled travelers
❤️ Family, mentoring, volunteering, and giving back
Denny’s story is a powerful reminder that disability is one part of who someone is—not a limit on what they can accomplish. Whether you’re living with a disability, supporting someone who is, or simply looking for an inspiring conversation about resilience and inclusion, this episode is for you.
🎙️ Subscribe to We’re Not Stumped for more conversations highlighting resilience, advocacy, adaptive living, and the people making a difference in the disability community.
#DisabilityAdvocacy #SelfAdvocacy #DisabilityInclusion #SocialWork #LegalBlindness #AdaptiveLiving #Accessibility #Inclusion #WereNotStumped #DisabilityPodcast
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Kim Ousley to share her powerful amputee story—from a synovial sarcoma diagnosis to limb loss, recovery, and becoming a leader in amputee support and advocacy. As a certified peer support visitor and advocate, Kim is helping others navigate life after amputation with honesty, resilience, and real-world insight. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in amputee life, disability, recovery after limb loss, and stories of overcoming adversity.
What kind of support truly makes a difference during limb loss or limb preservation? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland sits down with Laurie Gillman from the Limb Preservation Foundation to explore the programs helping individuals navigate some of life’s toughest moments. Laurie shares how LPF provides financial assistance, emotional support through peer groups, and educational resources designed to help people focus on healing and recovery. They also discuss the upcoming symposium, mental health initiatives, and the importance of community, caregiving, and celebrating small wins along the journey.
What do the new leadership changes at the Amputee Coalition mean for the limb loss community? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland breaks down the latest updates, including the appointment of Dr. Carmen Elliott as President & CEO and the addition of new Board Members: Teri Kuffel Nicole Grehn, MSN, NP Dr. Cassandra Quave With backgrounds in healthcare, policy, research, and lived experience, this new leadership team brings a wide range of perspectives that could shape the future of care, advocacy, and support for people living with limb loss and limb difference.
