Senator Tom Harkin and Dr. Victor Santiago Pineada Celebrate Disability Pride Month and Discuss Current Advocacy

As part of Disability Pride Month, Joyce welcomes former Senator Tom Harkin back to the show. Senator Harkin will reflect on the significance of the 36th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), July 26, 1990, by President George H.W. Bush. Senator Harkin will share his thoughts on the work that still needs done to advance the lives of Americans with disabilities.
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Joining Senator Harkin will be Dr. Victor Santiago Pineda. Dr. Pineda is the Executive Director of the Center for Independent Living (CIL) in Berkeley, California, —the world's first independent living center, founded in 1972 by Ed Roberts and other pioneering disability rights activists.
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Both men will share their insight into the importance of the Americans with Disabilities Act and how we need to continue to advocate for the rights of Americans with disabilities 35 years after its passage. In addition, Dr. Pineda will highlight his advocacy work on behalf of people with disabilities.

Joyce A. Bender Career Highlights

• Serves as CEO of Bender Consulting Services, Inc. and Board Chair and Founder of Bender Leadership Academy, a non-profit organization focused on addressing the transition to work for youth and young adults with disabilities.
• Founding partner of iDisability, an eLearning solution.
• Named a 2024 Woman of Influence by The Pittsburgh Business Times and 2024 Henry Viscardi Achievement Award Recipient from the Viscardi Center.