What happens when disability advocates from across the country come together to shape the future of independent living and accessibility?
In this solo episode of We’re Not Stumped, I share my personal reflections after attending the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) Annual Conference in Washington, D.C., where I represented Ability360 as a member of its Board of Directors.
Learn More: https://ncil.org/
From celebrating ADA36: We Won’t Go Back to hearing powerful stories from advocates, policymakers, and leaders in the disability community, the conference reinforced why protecting and advancing disability rights remains so important.
In this episode, I discuss:
- My biggest takeaways from the conference
- Why the Independent Living movement continues to make a difference
- The importance of advocacy at the local and national levels
- How each of us can help build a more accessible and inclusive future
Whether you’re a person with a disability, a family member, an advocate, or simply interested in creating more inclusive communities, I hope these reflections encourage you to stay engaged and continue moving the conversation forward.
Thanks for listening to We’re Not Stumped. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who believes everyone deserves the opportunity to live independently.
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
In this inspiring episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland explores three incredible stories of resilience, community, and inclusion: 🌟 A Marine veteran and double amputee shares how jiu-jitsu has transformed his life, bringing peace and purpose through the sport. 🎅 Discover how an amputee center's holiday program welcomed Santa to spread joy and foster community spirit. 💡 Learn about Diverse Ability Incorporated and their groundbreaking work in creating inclusive opportunities for people of all abilities. Join us for heartfelt discussions on overcoming challenges, celebrating diversity, and building stronger, more inclusive communities. Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more uplifting stories!
In this powerful episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland talks with Billy Parker, a former welder who lost both arms in a life-changing accident. Billy shares his incredible journey of resilience, finding a new purpose, and his mission to promote workplace safety to prevent similar tragedies. Billy discusses his advocacy work, personal growth, and how he empowers others to prioritize safety in all aspects of life. His inspiring story is a testament to the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity and make a meaningful impact.
In this episode of the We're Not Stumped podcast, host Mike Bolland sits down with Kelly Grey-Parker, a quadrilateral amputee who lost her limbs at just one year old. Kelly shares her incredible journey of resilience and how she's dedicated her life to supporting others through the organization MOVING FORWARD Limb Loss Networking Group. Discover how Kelly's story inspires hope, and learn about the impact of peer support in fostering confidence and independence for amputees. She also shares the story of her marriage to Billy Parker, a bilateral upper limb amputee. Together, they navigate life’s challenges with love, humor, and an unshakable bond built on mutual understanding.
