Voice actor Maria Pendolino joins Lily for an episode that challenges the narrow way society views disability. Maria shares her experiences as an ambulatory mobility-aid user, explaining how fluctuating conditions are often misunderstood or erased in media and medicine. With candid honesty, she connects her journey of psoriatic arthritis, knee replacements, and self-advocacy to building a career that truly works for her body, through voiceover and a fully accessible home studio.
The conversation also takes on fat bias in healthcare, how outdated tools like BMI continue to be used to deny or delay care, and the scripts Maria uses to set boundaries in appointments. Her message: you deserve to be treated as a whole person, not reduced to a number or assumption.
Maria details the creation of the Disabled Voice Actors Directory, now housed under the National Association of Voice Actors, which helps casting directors find authentic talent. It’s a resource born out of a belief that disabled people don’t just deserve representation on-screen, they should be hired behind the microphone, too.
Key Moments
02:50 Breaking the myth of disability as “all or nothing”
06:02 What fluctuating disability really looks like in practice
14:16 Age bias in surgery: when doctors refuse joint replacements under 50
21:31 Why BMI is flawed and how it blocks real care
29:46 Self-advocacy scripts: “I will not be weighed”
42:34 The audition turning point: “Are you limping?”
46:54 Building an accessible home studio and thriving as a voice actor
54:11 Founding the Disabled Voice Actors Directory
1:04:11 Know the Facts: fat phobia and systemic barriers
Connect with Maria Pendolino
Website: https://www.voicebymaria.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGkmvgiBP89fHUl9-8awQRA/videos
Maria Pendolino - London Voice Over: https://www.londonvoiceover.com/artists/maria-pendolino/
Maria Pendolino - London Voice Over: https://voice123.com/voice-actor/voicebymaria
Matthew Shapiro, founder and CEO of Six Wheels Consulting, joins hosts Lily Newton and Erin Hawley for a candid conversation about language, work culture, and the everyday practice of access. Matthew unpacks how assumptions show up in daily life, why “disabled” is a valuable identifier, and what it means to balance personal energy with public advocacy.
The conversation moves from nuance in calling out ableism to concrete advice for workplaces. Matthew shares practical examples that help everyone, like standing desks and curb cuts, and invites leaders to start with simple changes that reduce friction. He challenges listeners to rethink design from the ground up and to see access as standard, not a special add-on.
Across the episode, Lily and Erin connect language to outcomes. They underline that asking for what you need benefits teams, and that many improvements cost more thought than money. The result is a grounded roadmap for anyone ready to begin, learn, and keep going.
Key Moments
Connect with Matthew Shapiro
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-shapiro-16abb932
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/6wheelsconsulting/
Six Wheels Consulting website: https://www.6wheelsconsulting.com/
Your co-hosts Erin & Lily bring another “Just Between Us” conversation to Everything You Know About Disability Is Wrong. This time, they’re diving into disability language: why euphemisms like “differently abled” miss the mark, how identity-first vs. person-first language is used, and why words matter but shouldn’t overshadow the bigger fights for access, benefits, and equity.
They share stories from their own journeys—how language has shaped their identities, how it can affirm or erase, and why offering grace and education is often the most powerful tool. With humor, honesty, and a few reframes, Erin and Lily show how shared vocabulary can build connection and strengthen advocacy.
Timestamps
00:38 Just Between Us: why language matters
01:40 Creating a disability language guide for Easterseals
02:40 Why euphemisms like “differently abled” don’t work
03:09 Identity-first vs. person-first explained
04:25 The importance of respecting personal preference
05:41 Autistic identity and self-definition
07:12 Erin’s shift from person-first to identity-first
08:55 Why treatment matters more than terminology
10:15 Writing and marketing with respectful language
Connect with Lily Newton
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-newton-3b0b5b229
Website: https://www.easterseals.com/
Connect with Erin Hawley
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinhawley2
Website: https://www.easterseals.com/
Dylan M. Rafaty, President and CEO of the North Texas Disability Chamber, joins Lily Newton and Erin Hawley to talk about disability acceptance and advocacy. With clarity and conviction, Dylan outlines why disability should never be treated as an act of charity. Instead, he frames it as a strategic investment that drives innovation, empowers communities and strengthens organizations from within.
Dylan reflects on his personal experience navigating the world as someone who is deaf and hard of hearing.. He explains that advocacy is often misunderstood as self-promotion, when in reality it is rooted in service to the broader disability community. His message is clear: individual success stories matter, but collective action is where lasting change begins.
Through storytelling, policy engagement and local civic work, Dylan models what authentic opportunity can look like in practice.This episode is a deeper understanding of how to move beyond performative allyship and into meaningful participation for all policymakers, business leaders or members of the public.
Key Moments
05:47 “Disability is not a charity”: why it must be built into planning from the start
08:16 The business case for investing in accessibility and representation
12:38 Understanding the emotional labor behind self-advocacy
23:07 Why access means freedom of choice
28:58 Policy and personal experience: how one drives the other
Connect with Dylan M. Rafaty
Website: northtexasdisabilitychamber.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylanrafaty
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylan_rafaty
Dylan M. Rafaty website:https://dylanrafaty.com/
Podcast: Let’s Work Inclusively
Amanda Steijlen is a therapist, lifestyle creator, and founder of Wheelie Big Dreams, a nonprofit that helps people with disabilities pursue their goals. She also leads True Bloom Therapy, supporting clients through life transitions with strategies that are both practical and grounded.
In this episode, Amanda shares her path to mental health work, the ways we misunderstand independence, and how caregiving can be reciprocal. She speaks candidly about online self-image, burnout, and the importance of showing up as your real self especially when people expect you to hide what you’re going through.
Amanda also reflects on Disability Pride Month and how it intersects with mental health, personal growth, and finding purpose. Whether she's guiding clients through the five core human needs or cultivating supportive friendships, Amanda emphasizes the power of real connection and redefining what success looks like.
Key Moments
02:46 Redefining independence and interdependence
10:48 Becoming a therapist after anxiety and loss
16:18 Balancing Disability Pride with grief
25:39 Managing self-image as a content creator
33:00 Finding community with other disabled creators
41:36 Rethinking mental health care in schools
47:43 Know the facts: 1 in 4 people are disabled
Connect with Amanda Steijlen
Instagram: @amandasteijlen
Website: https://www.truebloomtherapy.com
Nonprofit: https://www.wheeliebigdreams.org
Courn Ahn is a designer, content creator, and advocate who cares deeply about accessibility and social justice. Their work focuses on helping people see disability, identity, and community support in a new way, especially through the lens of queerness, race, and being neurodivergent.
As a Queer, nonbinary, mixed-race Korean creative, Courn shares from personal experience and speaks honestly about the challenges that come with being disabled in a world full of assumptions. Courn's journey has been about unlearning shame, accepting who they are, and understanding that using visible accommodations isn’t something to hide, it’s a powerful way to take care of yourself.
Courn also talks about how people often assume you don’t need help if you look like you’re doing well, and how sharing online as a disabled person can be both meaningful and exhausting. Through their design work and presence on social media, Courn is not just creating content, Courn Ahn is also creating space for real conversations, celebrating differences, and reminding us that accessibility should matter to everyone
Key Moments
00:00 What people get wrong about autistic people
06:43 Struggling with what to share online
14:18 Tools that make life easier
20:42 How style helps show who I am
27:01 Feeling free to be myself
33:13 How different parts of my identity connect
52:57 Finding confidence through disability
Connect with Courn Ahn
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtneyahndesign
Website: https://www.courtneyahndesign.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/candy.courn/
Jillian Curwin, Director of Communications for the Mascots Matter Campaign, is an advocate, storyteller, and content creator reshaping the conversation around disability, access, and representation. In this episode of Everything You Know About Disability Is Wrong, she joins hosts Lily Newton and Erin Hawley for an insightful discussion.
Jillian shares her experience as a little person navigating an often inaccessible world, particularly in the fashion industry. She reflects on what sparked her advocacy, how misperceptions about disability motivated her, and why authentic representation matters. Jillian also talks about embracing a disabled identity, the value of lived experience, and the role of community in fostering self-acceptance and empowerment.
Her story offers fresh perspectives on adaptive fashion, confidence, and finding one’s voice, both in the disability community and beyond. Listeners will gain valuable insights that challenge perceptions of disability and redefine what it means to be seen and heard.
Key Moments
06:01 Awakening to Advocacy
07:11 Diverse Representation in Fashion
19:02 My Disability Advocacy Journey
23:44 Redefining Disability Through Experience
34:37 Issues in Disability Fashion Inclusion
45:00 Empowering Disability Representation
Connect with Jillian Curwin
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-curwin-04827056
Kyla and Jedidiah Mora are a neurodivergent couple, writers, and advocates. They are the authors of “Today My Brain Is a Dinosaur,” a popular children’s book that helps kids understand autism, ADHD, and different ways of thinking. Their journey started with their own diagnoses of autism and ADHD as adults. After years of confusion and challenges, they found clarity, self-acceptance, and a desire to help others feel less alone.
Kyla is a high school teacher and journalist who is passionate about education and storytelling. Jedidiah works in the water industry and has a strong interest in mechanical engineering. Together, they combine their skills and personal experiences to create stories that celebrate neurodivergent kids and families. Through their writing, they aim to break down stigma and spark conversations.
Key Moments
00:00 Intro and Audio Descriptions
06:53 Own Voices, Own Stories Award for Disabled Authors
12:33 Internalizing Blame; Autism, ADHD, and Trauma
21:50 Autism and Learning to Be Your True Self
26:49 Embracing Hyperfocus in a Positive Way
28:21 Job Challenges and Personal Struggles
44:44 Unique Traits of Autistic Girls
59:09 Understanding and Accepting
Connect with Kyla Mora
Twitter: https://x.com/kylapmora
Website: https://cherrylakepublishing.com/shop/show/54094
Jedidiah Mora
Tiffany Yu is a disability advocate, entrepreneur, and author of The Anti-Ableist Manifesto. She started her career at Goldman Sachs before becoming a leader in disability inclusion.
After acquiring a disability as a child, she struggled with loneliness and self-doubt. Over time, she turned her experiences into advocacy and founded Diversability, a community that celebrates disability pride and fights stigma.
She works to break barriers, share personal stories, and create more inclusive spaces. Through her efforts, she shows that disability is diverse and that working together can create real change.
Key Moments
7:00 Overcoming Isolation and Disability
14:13 Collective Advocacy in Action
22:00 Disability Language Made Simple
23:25 Safe Spaces
35:34 Beyond Assumptions: Tiffany’s Story
49:16 Mental Health
01:02:22 Reaching Young Readers
Connect with Tiffany Yu
Twitter: https://x.com/imtiffanyyu
Website:http://tiffanyyu.com/
The Anti-Ableist Manifesto: https://www.tiffanyyu.com/book
Experiencing the world isn’t just about sight, it's about tasting, touching, hearing, and smelling, too. Using all our senses helps us connect more deeply to the world around us.
Dr. Hoby Wedler is a chemist, entrepreneur, and advocate for inclusivity. He holds a Ph.D. in physical organic chemistry from UC Davis and founded the Wedland Group to explore how our senses shape emotions and connections. He creates unique food and drink experiences that help people appreciate the little things in life. He also works to break stereotypes about disability, inspiring others to reach their full potential.
Dr. Wedler is also the founder and CEO of Hobie and Company (Hobie and Co online), part of Wedland Group. His company offers amazing blindfolded tasting experiences that help people explore their nonvisual senses. He shares his passion for sensory experiences on TikTok, where he has around 200,000 followers. Lastly, he runs Emotitec (emotitec.com), a company based in Italy.
Key Moments
09:14 Embracing Unseen Experiences
16:17 Empowerment Through Disability
19:19 Redefining Independence
28:24 Diversity Fuels Success
34:43 Supporting Blind Children
39:47 Parents Presuming Competence
52:36 Sensory Experiences Founder
Connect with Dr. Hoby Wedler
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hobywedler
CEO at Wedland Group: https://wendland.efsadvisors.com/
President at EMOTITECH: https://emotitech.com/
"Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not real."
Onyinye Udokporo, CEO and founder of Enrich Learning, dives into a conversation that’s both eye-opening and deeply personal, exploring the differences between UK and US disability cultures. From how each country approaches accessibility and support to the ways people talk about neurodivergence, it’s clear that culture shapes the disability experience in ways we don’t always realize.
A big theme in this discussion is the power of language—how the words we use can either create understanding or reinforce barriers. Onyinye shares why being intentional with language isn’t just about being polite; it’s about making the world more inclusive and accessible for everyone. This conversation is a reminder that small shifts in how we speak and think about disability can make a huge difference.
Key Moments
00:37:03 Initial Rejection
00:38:53 Mother’s Screening
00:44:50 Shared Experience
00:45:30 Cultural & Generational Factors
10:15 Neurodivergence vs. Mental Health
30:00 Empowering Language
45:15 Authentic Conversations
55:00 Cultural Pressures
1:05:00 Dyslexia Advocacy
1:30:00 Access Through Tutoring
1:35:00 Reclaiming “Inspiring”
Connect with Onyinye Udokporo
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/onyinyeudokporo
Personal Website: onyinyeudokporo.com
Company Website: enrichlearning.co.uk
Richard Jacobs is a dedicated gamer and member of the esports team QuadGods. He discusses his journey of resilience, the pivotal role gaming plays in his life, and the misconceptions he faces as a disabled individual.
Richard shares about the power of community and how his streaming “family” has allowed him to harness his competitive spirit and embrace his emotions.
Key Moments
13:32 - Inspiration and belonging.
21:57 - Supports family through streaming.
31:24 - Prefers controller over keyboard/mouse.
43:23 - Handles losses calmly; focuses on perseverance.
59:44 - Builds deep community connection.
Connect with Richard Jacobs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breadwinner1007/
Website: https://quadgods.com/the-players
Humor can educate and challenge, but it must highlight issues without mocking the disability community. In this episode, we explore how satire can play into advocacy and ask, “What exactly makes good satire?”.
Steven Verdile, Founder of Squeaky Wheel Media, shares his insights on the critical intersection of disability and content creation. Steven discusses the significance of focusing on specific issues, particularly those impacting the disabled community, and the protective measures taken to ensure writers' safety.
Key Moments
06:27 Humor exposes accessibility challenges.
08:41 Accessible platforms empower disabled writers.
23:11 Disability experiences and representation vary.
38:13 Humor addresses disability policy.
49:07 Steven’s school experience.
Connect with Steven Verdile
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-verdile
Website: https://thesqueakywheel.org/
Squeaky Wheel Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesqkywheel/?hl=en
Navigating a medical system that dismisses your pain ignites a fire to advocate for others who are overlooked.
Annie Segarra is an activist and content creator dedicated to disability rights, body positivity, and social justice. Annie opens up about her deeply personal experience living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), discussing the emotional and physical toll of navigating a medical system that often dismisses or misdiagnoses those with chronic illnesses. She shares her frustrations with being gaslit by medical professionals and the resilience it has taken to continue advocating for herself.
Key Moments
2:54Accessibility in spaces
18:27 Living with EDS
31:28 Experiencing medical gaslighting
52:45 Advocating for inclusive training and support
Connect with Annie Segarra
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/anniesegarra
Your co-hosts Lily Newton and Erin Hawley return with a candid "Just Between Us" segment on this episode of Everything You Know. They discuss the importance of authentic storytelling in media, using recent casting choices in "Wicked" and Disney adaptations as a jumping-off point. The hosts explore why representation isn’t enough without real inclusion and the need for self-accommodation to destigmatize accessibility. Lily and Erin also reflect on highlights from the past year, sharing their "All I Want" asks for better support.
Key Moments
00:00 Authentic casting matters
03:44 Frustration with film clichés
11:38 Tart cherry juice helps sleep
14:20 Joining Easterseals' campaign
17:14 Destigmatize accessibility
Connect with Lily Newton
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lily-newton-3b0b5b229
Website: https://www.easterseals.com/
Connect with Erin Hawley
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erinhawley2
Website: https://www.easterseals.com/
Advocacy is not just about raising awareness; it’s about creating real change.
Madison Tevlin is an actor, Host, Model, and Advocate. She is known for her impactful work in the "Assume That I Can" campaign for World Down Syndrome Day and her role in "Champions" alongside Woody Harrelson. Madison shares her wonderful journey and passion for music and storytelling.
Madison talks about her upcoming podcast, "21 Questions," featuring stars like Paris Hilton and Nelly Furtado. Madison opens up about the challenges of breaking stereotypes associated with Down syndrome and emphasizes the importance of community support in her life.
Key Moments
00:00 Multi-faceted journey
06:24 Music and family enhance wellness
17:53 Opening up about Down syndrome
22:19 Perfect fit for the roles
27:26 Redefining Stereotypes Through Storytelling
45:25 Education integration fosters community
Connect with Madison Tevlin
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/madisontevlin/?hl=en
Website: https://www.madisontevlin.com/
Humor is a bridge to understanding; it transforms conversations about disability into moments of connection.
Pamela Schuller is a passionate disability advocate and stand-up comedian. Pamela shares her journey with Tourette syndrome and how humor has helped her tackle tough conversations about disabilities.
Pamela opens up about finding the right balance between vulnerability and oversharing, the challenges of accommodating disabilities in public spaces, and her unexpected shift from stand-up to storytelling. Pamela discusses the impact of her experiences on her mission to create more inclusive environments.
Key Moments
08:05 Challenging stereotypes.
14:27 Humor fosters resilience.
17:37 Goals: laughter and inclusivity.
30:53 Accepting emotions reduces judgment.
43:45 Tourette's and performance.
Connect with Pamela Schuller
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pamelaschuller
Website: https://pamelacomedy.com/
Rachel Lowenstein, Founder and Culture Expert at Rachel Lowenstein Consulting and Divergent Convergent, joins Lily Newton and Erin Hawley on the show. Rachel talks about why neuro-inclusion is a crucial part of workplace accessibility and how her work with Divergent Convergent is making a difference.
Rachel also opens up about her own experiences with finding her true identity, avoiding burnout, and shifting from a corporate job to running her own business. In this episode, Rachel shares her thoughts on creating inclusive work environments, the challenges of traditional corporate settings, and the importance of community support.
Key Moments
13:41 Impact of Inclusive Marketing
26:34 Building Authentic Friendships
35:47 Mentor’s Advice: Pay It Forward
47:35 Remote Work and Inclusion
Connect with Rachel Lowenstein
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lowenstein-49431a38
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelissan/?hl=en
Divergent Convergent: https://parsnip-tetra-f2ny.squarespace.com/
"The journey of self-acceptance is ongoing and deeply personal."
Jennifer Gasner, author of *My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis*,
shares her journey of self-acceptance and understanding of her own identity. She explores the importance of supportive workplaces, the power of tell your own story, and addressing misconceptions about disability.
Jennifer also highlights her personal growth in accepting help and fostering inclusivity. Her story is a powerful testament to self-acceptance, resilience, and the push for a more inclusive world, providing guidance for anyone navigating their own journey.
Timestamps
0:00 Jennifer Gasner’s Story
10:45 Finding Balance
20:30 Embracing Change
30:00 Breaking Barriers
45:15 Everyday Triumphs
55:00 Redefining Strength
1:05:00 Looking Forward
Connect with Jennifer Gasner
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-gasner-4b1aaa50/
Website:https://jennifergasner.com/
My Unexpected Life by Jennifer Gasner: https://www.amazon.com/My-Unexpected-Life-Finding-Diagnosis/dp/B0CCCPG1ZJ
Author and Activist, Lauren Melissa, shares a powerful story of resilience and creativity. Diagnosed with autism in her twenties, Lauren Melissa turned the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic into an opportunity, hand-writing a novel that was later accepted by Bold Strokes Books.
Based in New York City, she passionately advocates for the representation of queer, BIPOC, and disabled individuals in fiction, bringing to life diverse, multiracial, neurodivergent, and queer characters. Her journey is a powerful testament to the strength found at the intersections of identity and creativity.
Timestamps
08:27 Getting Into Writing
16:03 Having Relatable Characters in Fiction
21:16 Portraying Neurodiversity in Fiction
25:09 Getting Published As An Independent Publisher
33:34 Advocacy on Autism, Race, and Queerness
44:12 Social Expectations, Codependence, and Autistic Identity
Connect with Lauren Melissa Ellzey
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmellzey
Website: https://laurenmelissaellzey.com/