In this episode of We’re Not Stumped, we share powerful stories of resilience, generosity, and community support for individuals with disabilities.
First, we discuss the heartwarming story of Jeanette Ingram, Oklahoma woman amputee, who narrowly escaped a fire but lost her electric wheelchair in the process. Thanks to Stacy Reddig’s incredible generosity, she received a brand-new wheelchair, restoring her mobility and independence.
Next, we highlight the heroic efforts of Ohio police officers who went above and beyond to rescue a double-amputee Army veteran stranded on an icy sidewalk. Facing freezing temperatures and the dangers of hypothermia, he was unable to move his wheelchair through the treacherous conditions. Thanks to the officers’ quick actions, he was brought to safety—an inspiring reminder of the importance of community and compassion.
Finally, we shine a spotlight on Turnstone, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering people with disabilities through adaptive sports, therapy, and advocacy. Their mission is to help individuals maximize their independence and live full, active lives. We explore how Turnstone’s programs make a meaningful difference and provide vital resources for the disability community.
These stories remind us of the power of kindness, resilience, and the importance of accessibility. Join us for an uplifting discussion on the ways individuals and organizations are making a real impact in the lives of people with disabilities.
Links:
Wheelchair Donation: https://kfor.com/news/local/news-4-viewer-gifts-new-electric-wheelchair-to-woman-amputee-rescued-from-fire/
Turnstone: https://turnstone.org
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Is your website really accessible to everyone? In this powerful episode of *We’re Not Stumped*, host Mike Bolland welcomes web accessibility expert Maigen Thomas to perform a live audit of the podcast’s website—and the results are eye-opening! Accessibility isn’t just about compliance—it’s about empathy, inclusion, and making sure your digital experience works for everyone. Maigen shares her personal connection to accessibility, including how her grandfather’s vision loss shaped her perspective on designing with intention. Whether you're a business owner, content creator, or web designer, this episode is packed with practical tips and free tools to level up your site.
Here’s the actual quote from a company called the LN4 Hand Project: "A prosthetic hand is an invaluable asset to an individual without an upper limb. An upper limb prosthesis can determine whether or not an individual is able to be employed, contribute to household duties, or provide an increased sense of independence." As a successful one-handed person—a podcaster, speaker, nonprofit founder, and former pro bowler—I have to say, that sentence overlooks the truth: people with limb differences are capable with or without a device. And it’s not just the language. Companies like Taska Prosthetics create videos that show one-handed people doing things like washing apples, as if that’s the pinnacle of independence. While I love and appreciate prosthetics, we can do better. In this podcast, I break down the problem with this kind of messaging, share my lived experience, and challenge the assumption that a prosthesis defines your ability to succeed.
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.
