The Heumann Perspective

The transcript for this episode is available here. This episode, Judy chats with the CEO of Girl Scouts Nation's Capital, Lidia Soto-Harmon. They discuss how the Girl Scouts are prioritizing inclusion and encouraging advocacy. Enjoy this trip down memory lane as Judy talks about her years as a Girl Scout, as well as Lidia and Judy reminising on working for the Clinton Administration. Lidia is the CEO of Girl Scouts Nation's Capitol. A first-generation Cuban-American, she previously worked as the Deputy Director for the President's Interagency Council on Women under Clinton. At Girl Scouts, Lidia founded the Latina leadership conference, Encuentro de Chicas Latinas. Girl Scouts Nation's Capital is the largest Girl Scout Council in the country and serves as the area's top leadership organization for girls, with 76,800 girl and adult members (girls in grades K-12). The Council covers the Greater Washington Region, including the District of Columbia and 25 counties in Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia. Lidia is directly responsible for developing strategies that achieve the organization's vision and mission and directs a $16+ million operating budget with 112 employees in six offices, with eight beautiful Girl Scout camps, and a volunteer structure that includes over 24,000 dedicated adults. As promised, here is a photo of Judy as a young Girl Scout! Related Links: Girl Scouts Nation's Capitol Juliette Gordon Low- Founder of Girl Scouts Ways to get involved with Girl Scouts Ways to support Girl Scouts Find Girl Scout Cookies in your area "More Than Peach" Crayons created by Loudon County Girl Scout, Bellen 4th World Conference on Women in Bejing, 1995 Bejing + 5 Document  This episode's Ask Judy question came from @carlyfahey on Instagram. If you'd like to submit a question for Ask Judy, send it to media@judithheumann.com or DM Judy on Instagram or Twitter. Find a shortened video version of this interview on Judy's YouTube channel.  Intro music by Lachi. Outro music by Gaelynn Lea.

This episode, Judy interviews José André, a disabled piano prodigy. Jose is a self-taught musician who has performed internationally since the age of six. Enjoy Judy and José's discussion about his deep love of music and journey thus far. Plus, you'll get to hear José play the piano twice in this episode. The transcript for this episode is available here. This episode is sponsored by The KITE Research Institute's virtual conference on national parks accessibility in Canada. Learn more and register at parksaccessibilityconference.ca. Follow José on Instagram and Facebook @joseandre.bo José André Montaño is 17-year-old self-taught musician who delights listeners across the Americas. He discovered his piano skills in a self-taught way at the age of four. Since then, he has been fascinated with music. At 6 years old, José formed and led his first Latin Jazz band. José has performed internationally with live presentations that have received standing ovations in Italy, Canada, Malaysia, Finland, Brazil, Peru, Mexico, and Colombia. He also performed at the DC Jazz Festival, Mid Atlantic Jazz Festival, International Jazz Day, and other venues. He has shared stage with Marcus Miller, Jason Moran and Renee Fleming, and other renowned musicians. Each year outstanding young musicians with disabilities from around the world receive the VSA International Young Soloist Award. In 2019 José André was one of the recipients and performed at the John F. Kennedy Center as an emerging artist. During the 2nd Annual Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind "Lighting the Way" Gala; José André was presented with the Visionary Award recognizing the achievements of his talented as a person with vision loss. Related Links: José's Website The Kennedy Center's Tribute to Pope Francis Cajón Peruano Instrument Visual Description: The Cajón Peruano is a rectangular wooden box with a circle cut out in the middle of the back panel. The player sits on the top of the instrument in a straddle position. They use their hands to hit the front of the box to create drum rhythms. This episode's Ask Judy question came from @natleef on Instagram and @heatherisuppose on Twitter. If you'd like to submit a question for Ask Judy, send it to media@judithheumann.com or DM Judy on Instagram or Twitter. Find a shortened video version of this interview on Judy's YouTube channel.  Intro music by Lachi. Outro music by Gaelynn Lea.

To celebrate Disability Pride Month, this special episode elevates the voices of our listeners. We asked "What does disability pride mean to you?" and received submissions from all over the world. Enjoy hearing some of them in this podcast episode and check out the YouTube video version for more. The transcript for this episode is available here. This episode is sponsored by Fable Pathways. Thank you to all who submitted! This episode features: Laura Babiuk E. Bleu Zaina and Xander Fairey Kelley Coleman Dermot Devlin Johanne Mayer Harper McKenzie Terry Mwea  Marlene Brockington Briana Mills  Emily Grodin Sulaiman R. Khan Shai Voskoboynik Becky Mwaniki Pixie Tatum Tricarico Christie Cyktor It also includes written responses via Instagram from: @mnorman218 @thais.carrillo @fishseddynyc @shannkathleen @beccaloryhector If you'd like to submit a question for Ask Judy, send it to media@judithheumann.com or DM Judy on Instagram or Twitter. Check out a video version with other submission on Judy's YouTube channel.  Intro music by Lachi. Outro music by Gaelynn Lea.

CONTENT WARNING: Please be advised that this episode mentions suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and psychiatric hospitalization. This episode, Judy interviews Dior Vargas. Dior is a Queer Latina Feminist Mental Health Activist. Judy and Dior discuss the importance of mental health, resources available to different communitites, and Dior's personal journey to advocacy. Follow Dior @dior_vargas on Instagram. Dior Vargas is a queer Latina feminist mental health activist. She works to deliver education and resources to all communities, with an emphasis on the QTBIPOC community. She is a native New Yorker and grew up in Spanish Harlem. Dior experienced a lot of trauma as a child. After several attempts to end her life, she was hospitalized and placed in a psychiatric ward. Dior's experience forced her to realize that she didn't want to have a passive role with her mental health nor her life in general. Dior lives with PTSD, persistent depressive disorder, and traits of borderline personality disorder. She believes that every day is an endeavor towards a better quality of life. Dior has identified as an activist since she was in high school. She has covered issues like body image, reproductive rights, and domestic violence but in 2013, she decided to focus on mental health. For the past several years, Dior has been able to connect with hundreds of people and learn about their experiences. Related Links: Dior's website The People of Color and Mental Illness Photo Project The Color of My Mind: Mental Health Narratives from People of Color Book The Color of My Mind on Amazon The Color of My Mind on Barnes and Noble  Therapy for Latinx Latinx Therapy National Queer & Trans Therapists of Color Network The Steve Fund Resources relating to this episode's Ask Judy question about Roe v. Wade: DREDF Infographic about #DisabledAndProChoice Statement from Disability Organizations about Supreme Court decision REV UP Voting Information If you'd like to submit a question for Ask Judy, send it to media@judithheumann.com or DM Judy on Instagram or Twitter. Find a video version of this interview on Judy's YouTube channel.  Intro music by Lachi. Outro music by Gaelynn Lea.

This episode, Judy chats with Spencer West about his role in improving representation, the intersections of being gay and disabled, as well as the access differences he has discovered going from growing up in the U.S. to now living in Canada. The transcript for this podcast episode is available here. This episode is sponsored by Fable Pathways. Follow Spencer on TikTok and Instagram @spencer2thewest After losing both legs from the pelvis down at the age of five due to a genetic disease, Spencer West tackled challenge after challenge, learning to navigate a world set against those with disabilities. Spencer is a successful global keynote speaker, content creator, and activist. He is known for summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, opening for Demi Lovato's 2014 World Tour, starring in the documentary Redefine Possible: The Story of Spencer West, which debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival, and author of the best selling book Standing Tall: My Journey. He has over 3-million Tik Tok followers and has appeared countless times in the media including, ABC News, Buzz Feed, 60 Minutes, CTV, BBC News, TMZ, CNN, Forbes, and The Globe & Mail, CBS This Morning, Bloomberg, and was a featured guest on Season 2 of Karamo The Podcast, hosted by Karamo Brown. Related Links: Spencer's Website Every Body Curious Spencer x Crest Pride Campaign Spencer's Memoir This episode's Ask Judy question came from Keira Thompson. Check out her book, Mila and the Too Hard Hoop. If you'd like to submit a question for Ask Judy, send it to media@judithheumann.com or DM Judy on Instagram or Twitter. Find a shortened video version of this interview on Judy's YouTube channel.  Intro music by Lachi. Outro music by Gaelynn Lea.

This episode, Judy interviews Joshua Basile. They discusses Josh's experience acquiring a disability and his journey to becoming an advocate in many areas. He shares his goals for disabled people to thrive, not just survive by creating community, improving Medicaid programs, increasing employment opportunities, and so much more. The transcript for this podcast episode is available here. About Joshua Basile Joshua Basile is a 36-year-old power wheelchair user, C4-5 quadriplegic, trial attorney, disability rights advocate, community leader, consultant, public speaker, inventor, and philanthropist. In 2004, Mr. Basile's life was flipped upside down while on a family vacation in Delaware when a wave slammed him headfirst into the ocean floor rendering him paralyzed below the shoulders. He woke up 14 days later at the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center at the University of Maryland with a ventilator in his neck which was keeping in him alive and helping him to breathe. Mr. Basile did not let his paralysis stop him from finding his voice and wheeling after his goals. Shortly after his injury, he formed the 501(c)3 nonprofit Determined2Heal Foundation, Inc. which empowers and educates those impacted by spinal cord injury on how to live active healthy lifestyles. He founded SPINALpedia.com the world's largest video mentoring network for the paralysis community with over 22,000 videos. He has personally mentored over 1500 families impacted by spinal cord injury. He is a board member of the United Spinal Association, the acting Secretary, and sits on the Strategic Planning Committee. In 2013, Mr. Basile graduated magna cum laude from law school and is a trial attorney with Jack H Olender & Associates. He is a seasoned disability rights advocate and has successfully put forward numerous initiatives and policies at the State and Federal level to break down barriers for people with disabilities. He is passionate about changing existing narratives for people with disabilities as it pertains to independent living, transportation, employment, and web accessibility. Related Links: Washington Post Article "A Spirit the Waves Couldn't Break" Fuel Service App Determined2Heal Foundation Inc. SPINALpedia Accessibility.com Interview This episode's Ask Judy question came from John Beach. If you'd like to submit a question for Ask Judy, send it to media@judithheumann.com or DM Judy on Instagram or Twitter. Find a shortened video version of this interview on Judy's YouTube channel.  Outro music by Gaelynn Lea: https://violinscratches.com/

This episode, Judy chats with Ann Cody and Cheri Blauwet. Ann and Cheri are both retired Paralympic athletes who have filled many different roles as leaders in the area of sports and disability. Judy, Ann and Cheri discuss the importance of including disabled people in sports, the evolution of the Paralympic movement, and more. The transcript for this podcast episode is available here. Ann Cody oversees the International Disability Rights portfolio at the U.S. Department of State.  She is responsible for the Department's engagement to combat discrimination and abuse against persons with disabilities globally and to promote the rights, respect, and full inclusion of all persons with disabilities on an equal basis with others. Prior to joining the State Department, Ann oversaw the Washington, D.C. office of BlazeSports America where she shaped the organization's policy efforts and helped lead its international initiatives.  Also a Paralympic gold medalist, Ann held leadership positions at the highest levels of the Paralympic movement with the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee, and International Olympic Committee. She is a recipient of the Paralympic Order - the highest honor bestowed by the International Paralympic Committee. Cheri is a mother, physician, Gold medal-winning Paralympic athlete and leader in the Olympic and Paralympic movement driven to promote inclusion in the sports and fitness sector and beyond while empowering others to reimagine their full potential. She is an Associate Professor in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Harvard Medical School and an attending physician at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Cheri is also a retired Paralympic athlete in the sport of wheelchair racing, competing for the United States Team in three Paralympic Games (Sydney '00, Athens '04, Beijing '08) and bringing home a total of seven Paralympic medals. She is also a two-time winner of both the Boston and New York City Marathons. Translating her background as an athlete to the clinic setting, Dr. Blauwet now serves in numerous leadership roles throughout the Olympic and Paralympic Movement. Related Links: Cheri Blauwet's Website International Paralympic Committee Tatyana McFadden Case Deaflympics Special Olympics This episode's Ask Judy question came from John Beach. If you'd like to submit a question for Ask Judy, send it to media@judithheumann.com or DM Judy on Instagram or Twitter. Find a shortened video version of this interview on Judy's YouTube channel.  Outro music by Gaelynn Lea: https://violinscratches.com/

This episode, Judy interviews model, actor, producer, and advocate, Nyle DiMarco. Judy and Nyle chat about his journey from studying to become a math teacher, to winning America's Next Top Model and Dancing with the Stars, to creating his own production company. They also discuss his recently released memoir, Deaf Utopia. The transcript for this podcast episode is available here. This interview is also available in video format with ASL interpretation on YouTube here. Follow Nyle DiMarco on Instagram and Twitter @nyledimarco Purchase Deaf Utopia here. About Nyle DiMarco Advocate, producer, actor, and model Nyle DiMarco has been breaking down barriers and winning over audiences since 2014, when he was a fan favorite on cycle 22 of America's Next Top Model and became the second male winner and first Deaf contestant on the series. The following year, partnered with Peta Murgatroyd, he took home the coveted mirror ball trophy on season 22 of ABC's Dancing with the Stars. Nyle's acting credits include roles on Difficult People, Switched at Birth, This Close, and Station 19. He founded The Nyle DiMarco Foundation, which focuses on bilingual education and aims to improve access to accurate information about early language acquisition. He is the executive producer of the Netflix reality show, Deaf U, and the Oscar-nominated short documentary, Audible. He recently released his memoir, "Deaf Utopia: A Memoir and a Love Letter to a Way of Life." Related Links: Deaf Utopia: A Memoir and a Love Letter to a Way of Life The Nyle DiMarco Foundation Deaf U on Netflix Audible on Netflix This episode's Ask Judy question came from Dakota Rose. If you'd like to submit a question for Ask Judy, send it to media@judithheumann.com or DM Judy on Instagram or Twitter. Find a shortened video version of this interview on Judy's YouTube channel.  Outro music by Gaelynn Lea: https://violinscratches.com/

To honor the 45th anniversary of the 504 Sit-In that took place in 1977, Judy chats about the importance of teaching and learning about the history of the 504 Sit-In. The transcript for this episode is available on Google Docs. Dennis Billups is a blind disability rights and gentrification activist. He was Chief Morale Officer in the 504 disability rights sit-in of 1977 and contributed to the Netflix documentary, Crip Camp. Emily Beitiks is Associate Director at the Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability at San Francisco State University. With a PhD focused on disability studies, Beitiks is an expert on access, assistive technology devices for the disabled, and disability in popular culture. Related Links: Paul K. Longmore Institute on Disability Patient No More Virtual Exhibit Patient No More Traveling Exhibit 504 Curriculum Guide Crip Camp Documentary on Youtube This episode's Ask Judy question came from @proulx_rich on Twitter. If you'd like to submit a question for Ask Judy, send it to media@judithheumann.com or DM Judy on Instagram or Twitter. Find a shortened video version of this interview on Judy's YouTube channel.  Outro music by Gaelynn Lea: https://violinscratches.com/

This episode, Judy interviews actress, model, and social media content creator, Lauren 'Lolo' Spencer. Lolo and Judy chat about Lolo's impressive career path and aspirations, as well as her experience acquiring a disability as a teenager. Follow Lolo Spencer on Twitter and Instagram @itslololove Lolo Spencer is a Film Independent Spirit Award nominated actress, model, public speaker, and social media content creator. She currently stars as Jocelyn in HBO Max's Sex Lives of College Girls executive-produced by Mindy Kaling, has a YouTube channel titled Sitting Pretty, and hosts an Instagram TV talk show titled The New Narrative where she interviews guests with varying disabilities who are creating a new narrative for the disability community through their work and how they show up in society. She stars as Tracy Holmes in the John Cassavetes Award Winning film Give Me Liberty. The film premiered both at Sundance and Cannes Film Festivals. Her performance was listed as one of the top performances of Sundance Film Festival 2019 by RogerEbert.com. She has been featured in popular media outlets like CNN, The New Yorker, AOL, HuffPost, Buzzfeed and more. She's modeled in campaigns for Tommy Hilfiger Adaptive and Zappos Adaptive. She's been a panelist at the YouTube Accessibility Summit, Los Angeles Abilities Expo, VidCon, and Cannes Lions, the world's largest advertising conference and awards. Her ultimate goal is to give an honest perspective of life as a disabled person dispelling myths and stereotypes of how disability lifestyle is perceived and experienced by creating content and pushing for inclusion and representation in the entertainment and beauty industries. Related Links: Lolo's YouTube Channel  Sitting Pretty Productions Give Me Liberty Film Sex Lives of College Girls on HBO Max This episode's Ask Judy question came from @kat.hardin on Instagram. If you'd like to submit a question for Ask Judy, send it to media@judithheumann.com or DM Judy on Instagram or Twitter. Find a shortened video version of this interview on Judy's YouTube channel.  Outro music by Gaelynn Lea: https://violinscratches.com/