In this episode of the We’re Not Stumped podcast, I welcome John Werner.
Mr. Werner, who retired from Xerox after 41 years in the fall of 2018, faced an unexpected challenge shortly after his retirement. Just a couple of months into his retirement in January 2019, he began experiencing severe pain in his ankle, leading to the amputation of his right leg below the knee two months later. Despite this life-altering event, Werner remained determined to enjoy life as he had planned during retirement.
To cope with his new circumstances, Werner sought support from an online national amputee support group. Over the following months, he underwent the process of being fitted for and adjusting to using a prosthetic leg. Recognizing the significant impact of losing a limb, Werner wanted to ensure that others facing similar challenges knew they were not alone.
In his efforts to support the amputee community, Werner reached out to the Sunbury YMCA. The organization generously offered him a room free of charge for hosting meetings, providing a valuable space for amputees to come together, share experiences, and find support.
Werner expressed gratitude towards the Sunbury YMCA for their generosity and support during this challenging time. Despite the challenges he faced, he remained resilient and focused on embracing life to the fullest, albeit at a slightly slower pace.
#amputee #amputeesupoort #amputeesupportgroup #limbloss #LBKA #oneleg #amputeelife #amputeestrong #prosthetics #prostheticleg #amplife #amputation #amputees #adaptiveathlete #disability #amputeefitness #prosthetic #motivation #prosthesis #adaptive #iamadaptive #amputeelifestyle #amputados #inspiration #belowkneeamputee #adaptivesports #limbdifference #disabilityawareness #nevergiveup #paralympics #limblossawareness #noexcuses #amputeecoalition #amputeepride #ampstrong
Listen on Apple Podcasts
Watch on YouTube
Listen on Spotify
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.
Leave A Comment