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
My guest in this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast is the closest to me than any other guest I’ve had the pleasure to have on. Her name is Angie Sandow, and just like me, she was born [...]
Welcome back to another empowering episode of "We're Not Stumped," where we delve deep into the lives of individuals defying limitations and breaking barriers. I'm your host, Mike Bolland, a congenital amputee, and today, we're joined by two incredible [...]
Jeanette Jones is a childhood cancer survivor. Despite many attempts to save her left leg over a period of four years, she had to have her leg amputated at age 16. She discusses her battle to both survive and [...]
