In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, I drink through a fire-hose when I learn about Joe Fairley and what he does with 3D printing. To say this gentleman is impressive with his knowledge and background is an understatement.
Joe is an ABC Certified Prosthetist & Board Eligible Orthotist, who has experience as a P&O technician before pursuing his Master’s in Prosthetics and Orthotics from Northwestern University (NUPOC). His BS in Physics and MS in Exercise and Sport Science equally compliment his clinical experience.
Joe has been at the forefront of revolutionizing digital workflows in the P&O domain. His expertise spans a multitude of areas, including additive manufacturing, CAD design, research and development (R&D), various 3D scanning methods, and instrumental contributions to the creation of two widely adopted modification software. He holds a patent for his work in continuous fiber fabrication for a modular lower limb prosthesis system. His achievements extend to publication in Prosthetics and Orthotics International and presentations at numerous P&O conferences.
Joe’s passion lies within the realm of prosthetics, where his innovation isn’t limited to digital workflows alone. He’s particularly dedicated to collaborating with individuals who utilize running prostheses and the pediatric amputee community. Beyond his professional pursuits, Joe is a devoted outdoors enthusiast, engaging in activities such as hiking (ADK 46er), camping, long-distance running (including marathons), skiing, and kayaking.
Links:
Ascent Fabrications: https://www.ascentfab.com
Ascent Fabrications Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ascentfab/
Ascent Fabrications YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrpYE6G5PkYiQlynwfxOs0w
Fabrication Friday: https://www.youtube.com/@ascentfab/podcasts
More about your host:
Speaker Mike Bolland: https://www.mikebolland.com/
#prosthetic #amputee #prosthetics #amputeelife #prostheticleg #prosthesis #amplife #amputeestrong #amputation #adaptiveathlete #limbloss #disability #disabled #oneleg #amputees #sfxmakeup #abovekneeamputee #prostheticmakeup #belowkneeamputee #sfx #protesis #adaptive #paralympics #specialeffectsmakeup #amputeewoman #prostheticcover #prothese #3dprinter #prusa #impresion3d #prusai3mk3 #3dprintingnerd #3dprinters #3dprint #3dprintable #3dprintedmodels #thingiverse
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
In this inspiring episode of We’re Not Stumped, host Mike Bolland welcomes Belma Islamovic, a double above-elbow amputee, community advocate, and proud member of the Dallas Amputee Network. Mike and Belma first met at Empower Fest in Arizona, and today she shares her remarkable story of survival, resilience, and hope. Belma recounts: • Surviving a devastating explosion during the Bosnian War • Her long medical journey from Bosnia to Italy and ultimately to the United States • Adapting to life without prosthetics and mastering daily tasks using her feet • The emotional and mental health struggles she overcame through support and therapy • Her connection with the Dallas Amputee Network and the power of community Belma’s story is a powerful reminder of human strength, compassion, and the importance of support networks for amputees and trauma survivors.
Civil rights advocate Marc Fishman joins host Mike Bolland to shed light on a critical but overlooked issue: the routine denial of disability accommodations in America’s family courts. After a devastating car accident left him with long-term disabilities and communication challenges, Marc entered a 49-month legal battle—not just for his parental rights, but for his basic ADA protections. He details how New York courts repeatedly refused accommodations like real-time transcription, the federal ADA victories he secured, and how Tennessee v. Lane shaped his fight for access. Marc also reveals the retaliation he faced from judges and public officials and discusses his successful advocacy during COVID helping disabled tenants obtain rent grants. With recent legislative wins offering hope, Marc emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and reform to protect disabled parents nationwide.
Today, I’m honored to sit down once again with Brooke Brown — an “ink weaver of life, faith, and fiction,” an honors graduate of ASU’s Walter Cronkite School of Journalism, Ms. Wheelchair Arizona 2022, and founder of Brooke’s Butterfly Touch, a ministry that helps individuals discover the power and purpose of their own stories. Brooke is also the author of Rolling in Grace: Volume 1 — A Foundation of Faith and Imagination, now available in audio format. Having read it myself, I can promise you: it’s full of relatable, uplifting, and beautifully practical stories. Living with cerebral palsy and using an augmentative communication app, Brooke demonstrates that every voice — every single one — can inspire hope, healing, and opportunity. This is her second appearance on the show, so after watching, don’t forget to visit WereNotStumped.com to catch her first episode.
Leave A Comment