Join us for an inspiring episode of “We’re Not Stumped,” hosted by Mike Bolland, as we welcome two incredible guests: Dan Moses, a bilateral below-knee amputee, and Rachael Simukonda, a left below-knee amputee. 🌟
In this episode, we dive into the importance of peer support and adaptive living for the disabled community. Dan and Rachael share their personal experiences and discuss how these initiatives are making a real difference in the lives of amputees and others with disabilities.
🔹 Key Topics Covered:
Peer Support: The vital role of community and mentorship in navigating life as an amputee.
Adaptive Living
Expanding educational opportunities.
Improving access to housing, buildings, and transportation.
Promoting participation in recreational, social, and cultural activities.
Encouraging employment opportunities and strengthening rehabilitative programs and facilities.
This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice for anyone interested in disability advocacy, adaptive living, or simply hearing from two remarkable individuals making a difference.
👍 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more empowering episodes of “We’re Not Stumped”!
📢 Follow Us:
Mike Bolland on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebolland/
Mike Bolland YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/bolman825/featured
#Podcast #AmputeeStories #PeerSupport #AdaptiveLiving #DisabilityAdvocacy #Inspiration #MikeBolland #WereNotStumped
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
iHeart Radio
Dr. Carmen Elliott, the new President and CEO of the Amputee Coalition, joins Mike Bolland for a conversation about community, advocacy, and helping people with limb loss and limb difference find the support they need. Carmen shares how her family’s experiences with healthcare access and limb loss shaped her commitment to this work. Together, they explore the value of peer support, access to prosthetics, and including families and caregivers in the conversation. They also discuss support groups, certified peer visitors, AC Connect, and the upcoming “Fireside Connections” conference.
How do you move forward when vision loss changes your career, independence, and plans for the future? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland speaks with Jennifer Frederick about living with permanent vision loss and learning to advocate for herself along the way. Jennifer explains how changes in her vision eventually forced her to leave a career in crisis management. She also discusses the challenges she now faces while looking for work, including interview practices that have left her questioning whether she is being treated fairly as a person with a disability. The conversation explores Jenn’s decision not to undergo surgery for her detached retinas, the importance of seeking medical attention when your vision changes, and the need to take ownership of your healthcare.
What happens when we stop deciding what someone is capable of—and give them the opportunity to lead? In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, Mike Bolland speaks with Nathan Kennedy of Upstream Fitness, Chris Kocurek, and Chris’s son, Coach Cameron “Coach Cam” Kocurek. Cameron, who has Down syndrome, began gymnastics as a child and went on to compete through Special Olympics and unified gymnastics. Today, he is using the confidence and skills he developed as an athlete to help coach others at Upstream Fitness. Nathan explains how Upstream Fitness uses movement, games, coaching cards, and step-by-step instruction to make exercise accessible for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Chris shares Cameron’s journey from athlete to assistant PE coach—and now toward meaningful employment and greater independence.
Leave A Comment