John Register is a two-time Paralympian, a Paralympic Games Silver Medalist, a Persian Gulf War veteran, and a TEDx motivational speaker. He is also the founder of Inspired Communications International, an organization specializing in motivational keynote speaking, training, and coaching services. He is also a best selling author with his ebook 10 POWER STORIES To Impact Any Leader. Even with all of that, until just a few months ago, John was the Acting President and CEO Amputee Coalition, and now serves on their Board of Directors.
In this episode, I talk to John about getting injured while training for the 1996 Olympics – an injury which ultimately led to an amputation. But his story didn’t end there, in fact, it just begun. John tells the story about his recovery and making to the 1996 Paralympic games. John also talks about his time with the @AmputeeCoalition and the exciting future that lies ahead in every aspect, which includes AC Connect and YEP (Youth Engagement Program) . Wrapping up this fantastic episode are discussions about Limb Loss/Difference Awareness Month and what exciting things John is working towards in his future.
Discussed in this episode:
John Register & Inspired Communications: https://johnregister.com/
10 POWER STORIES To Impact Any Leader: https://www.amazon.com/Power-Stories-Impact-Any-Leader-ebook/dp/B085VKRH3T
Amputee Coalition: https://www.amputee-coalition.org/
YEP: https://www.amputee-coalition.org/events-programs/youth-engagement-program-yep/
AC Connect: https://www.amputee-coalition.org/ac-connect/
Paralympics: https://www.paralympic.org/
#Amputee #AmputeeStrong #AmputeeLife #WereNotStumped #AmputeeSupport
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