Walk and Roll Live-Disability Stories

In this powerful episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, Doug Vincent and Addie Rich sit down with U.S. Army veteran Daniel Palacios, whose life changed forever after a tragic motorcycle accident left him paralyzed at the T5–T6 level. Daniel takes us through his journey—from serving his country at Fort Bliss, to navigating loss and a life-altering injury, to rebuilding his world through the support of family, the Long Beach VA community, and fellow veterans. Today, Daniel channels his strength and experience into service. Through organizations like PVA and the Triumph Foundation, he dedicates himself to supporting newly injured veterans, ensuring no one faces their recovery alone. Join us as Daniel shares his honesty, resilience, camaraderie, and his mission to uplift others walking a similar path. Walk and Roll Live

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, hosts Doug Vincent and Addie Rich sit down with Donald Allison, who shares his lifelong journey from growing up in Fontana, California, to living today in Yucca Valley near Joshua Tree National Monument. Donald opens up about the early signs of a rare and progressive muscle disease called Inclusion Body Myositis (IBM)—a condition that first affected his hands, then his mobility, and ultimately placed him in a wheelchair. Diagnosed at the Mayo Clinic, Donald explains what it’s like to live with constant muscle weakness, chronic pain, immune system complications, and the everyday challenges of personal care and independence. He also pays tribute to the pivotal role his mother played in his life, including the legacy she left behind to ensure he could continue living safely in his home after her passing in 2021. This episode is a raw, honest, and educational look at life with a rare neuromuscular condition, filled with resilience, vulnerability, and the power of family and adaptability. Walk and Roll Live

In this powerful episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, Doug Vincent and Addie Rich sit down with Chris Pecson from Reno, Nevada, whose life changed in 2015 after a devastating street bike accident left him with a complete T-6 spinal cord injury. Chris opens up about the day of the crash, the realities of early rehabilitation, and the powerful mindset shifts that helped him move forward. Now working as a part-time delivery driver and preparing to start college in 2026 as a computer science major, Chris shares how he rebuilt his independence, discovered new passions, and found purpose beyond the injury. His story is one of resilience, growth, and the courage to chart a new future. Whether you're part of the disability community, a supporter, or someone needing a reminder that life can be rebuilt after unexpected change, Chris’s journey will leave you inspired and hopeful. Walk and Roll Live

On this episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, Doug and Addie sit down with legendary adaptive sports coach Carl Vereen, founder of the Rolling Cubs Junior Wheelchair Basketball Team. Carl shares his incredible journey from coaching championship teams in Michigan to creating new opportunities for youth athletes with disabilities here in the Inland Empire. Since founding the Rolling Cubs in 2018, Carl has built a powerhouse program that competes in the West Coast Conference under the National Wheelchair Basketball Association. His leadership has already helped two athletes continue their athletic careers at the University of Arizona. With multiple national championship coaching roles, decades of experience, and honors such as the Community Leadership Award and the David Ruback Legacy Award, Carl brings unmatched passion and insight to the world of adaptive sports. Join us as Carl talks about empowering young athletes, building confidence, creating champions, and growing the next generation of wheelchair basketball stars. This is a story of resilience, mentorship, community, and the life-changing impact of adaptive sports. Walk and Roll Live

At just five years old, Suhrab Zarifi’s life was forever changed when a bomb blast in war-torn Afghanistan left him paralyzed. What could have been a story of loss became a story of unbreakable spirit. In this moving episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, hosts Doug Vincent and Addie Rich sit down with Suhrab to reflect on his childhood, the challenges of growing up with a disability in Afghanistan, and the incredible resilience that carried him through decades of struggle and hope. Suhrab shares what it was like to rebuild his life from the ruins of conflict, the love and support that kept him moving forward, and the message of courage he hopes will reach others living with disability or trauma. His story is a reminder that even in the darkest circumstances, the human spirit can roll forward with strength, faith, and grace. Walk and Roll Live

When a construction accident took his left arm in 1980, Willie Stewart thought his best days were behind him. What followed instead was a transformation few could imagine. From quitting life to conquering it, Willie became a world-class endurance athlete, a Paralympic medalist, and a beacon of resilience for adaptive athletes everywhere. In this compelling episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, hosts Doug and Addie sit down with Willie Stewart, a Challenged Athletes Foundation ambassador whose story redefines the meaning of strength. Hear how he turned loss into purpose, overcame mental barriers, and went on to complete the world’s toughest endurance races — including the Ironman, Leadville 100, and Escape from Alcatraz Triathlon — all with one arm and an unstoppable mindset. Willie’s message is clear: the only real disability is the one in your mind. Whether you’re an athlete, an advocate, or someone searching for motivation, this episode will leave you ready to take on any challenge that comes your way. Walk and Roll Live

In this illuminating episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, Doug and Addie sit down with leaders from the San Francisco Disability Business Alliance (SFDBA) — the first organization in the Bay Area dedicated entirely to supporting entrepreneurs with disabilities. From helping people with disabilities start and grow their own businesses to breaking down barriers in access to capital and inclusion, SFDBA is proving that disability and entrepreneurship go hand in hand. Discover how they’re empowering individuals to build independence, economic freedom, and community impact — one small business at a time. Join us as we explore the programs behind their success, including the Future Entrepreneur Cohort and Boost Awards, and hear real stories of resilience, innovation, and opportunity. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, advocate, or simply someone who believes in equal access to success, this episode is packed with insight, hope, and empowerment. Walk and Roll Live

In this powerful episode of Walk and Roll Live, Doug Vincent and Addie Rich sit down with lifelong educator Rita Duran and her devoted daughter to share a story of perseverance, purpose, and love. After 38 years of teaching and a life filled with running marathons, supporting students, and giving back to her community, Rita’s world changed following a life-altering accident that forced her into medical retirement. But her story didn’t end there — it evolved. Today, Rita continues her journey of recovery through physical therapy at Casa Colina, finds strength through PossAbilities, and shares her love of literacy by visiting schools to read to students. With honesty and warmth, she opens up about overcoming self-isolation, rediscovering joy, and the powerful bond she shares with her daughter — her greatest advocate and inspiration. Join us for a moving conversation about resilience, rediscovery, and the enduring power of purpose. Walk and Roll Live

In this uplifting episode of Walk and Roll Live, hosts Doug and Addie sit down with Jeff Mitchell, a man whose life took a dramatic turn but whose determination and positivity never wavered. Jeff shares his journey from a successful career and active lifestyle to facing a life-altering injury that changed everything — except his spirit. With honesty and humor, Jeff talks about the early days of recovery, learning to adapt, and how he found new purpose through community, advocacy, and faith. His story is a reminder that even when life doesn’t go as planned, you can still roll forward and make every day meaningful. Join us as we explore Jeff’s resilience, his advice for others facing challenges, and his message of hope for anyone redefining what independence looks like. Walk and Roll Live

In the latest episode of Walk and Roll Live, hosts Doug and Addie welcome members of the Workpower team—Angel, Brandi, Linda, and Neshama—for the debut of Workpower Leadership & Communication Strategies for Employers. Developed as part of Kidpower International and supported by Ability Central, this free online resource is designed to help employers and workplace leaders strengthen communication, inclusion, and leadership for people with and without disabilities. Hear firsthand from Workpower ambassadors about the challenges and successes people with disabilities experience in employment—and how practical, empathy-driven strategies can create thriving, connected teams. Walk and Roll Live

In September, 1973, President Richard Nixon signed the Rehabilitation Act into law. While much of the Act focused on vocational training and services, one section—Section 504—quietly broke new ground. It became the first U.S. civil rights law to prohibit discrimination against people with disabilities in federally funded programs. In this week’s episode of Walk and Roll Live – This Week in Disability History, we explore the origins of the Rehabilitation Act, the hard-fought battle to implement its protections, and how Section 504 laid the foundation for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Subscribe now to follow the series and learn more about the pivotal moments that shaped disability rights.

In this powerful episode of Walk and Roll Live, we sit down with Bob Millsap to hear his incredible story of perseverance through unimaginable challenges. From losing his fiancée at a young age, to building a life and family with his wife Shelly, to navigating career highs and devastating setbacks, Bob’s journey is one of resilience and faith. After nearly losing Shelly to a freak explosion, becoming her caregiver, and later surviving 53 days in the hospital with Covid-19, Bob now faces long-term health conditions with determination and courage. Through his book Shake Yourself Free and his ongoing writing, Bob shares how he has found meaning and purpose in the midst of pain. His story will inspire anyone facing adversity to keep moving forward with hope. Walk and Roll Live

September, 1971, Steamboat Springs, Colorado, became the stage for the very first Special Olympics Winter Games. With 500 athletes from the U.S. and Canada, this groundbreaking event showcased the talent, joy, and determination of people with intellectual disabilities in skiing, skating, and other winter sports. This week on Walk and Roll Live – This Week in Disability History, We explore how the Games not only transformed public perception but also helped fuel the growing disability rights movement. From those snowy slopes, a global movement of more than 5 million athletes was born. Subscribe to follow the series and discover more milestones that shaped disability rights. Walk and Roll Live

At just three years old, Kat’s life was forever changed by a car accident that left her a quadriplegic and full of unanswered questions. For nearly three decades, she carried the weight of what she didn’t know—until she began searching for the missing pieces of her story. What she uncovered not only reshaped her understanding of survival but also gave her the courage to live boldly. Now at 31, Kat is rewriting her life on her own terms. From competing in international adaptive ski competitions to transforming a van into a rolling home, traveling across states with her dog Jada, and embracing the freedom of adaptive sports, Kat refuses to live small. In this powerful episode of Walk and Roll Live, Kat shares her remarkable story of survival, discovery, and what it truly means to live big. Walk and Roll Live

In September, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) into law. This landmark legislation provided federal funding to schools serving low-income students and laid the foundation for later reforms that extended educational rights to students with disabilities. In this second episode of our new series, This Week in Disability History, we explore how the ESEA opened doors for inclusive education and set the stage for laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Each week, we highlight a pivotal moment that shaped disability rights. Subscribe now so you don’t miss a single story. Walk and Roll Live

On this episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, we sit down with Jose “Junior” Dominguez, who was diagnosed at just five years old with dermatomyositis, a rare autoimmune disease that mostly affects older adults but can be especially dangerous in children. Now, 38 years later, Jose shares his journey of growing up with this condition, the challenges and victories along the way, and how love from his girlfriend, his daughters, and family has kept him going. This conversation is about resilience, family, and finding joy in the ups and downs of life. Jose’s story is proof that even with rare conditions, people can live meaningful, love-filled, and empowered lives. Subscribe to Walk and Roll Live for more stories from the disability community. Walk and Roll Live

This episode marks the launch of our new series, This Week in Disability History. Each week, we’ll revisit a milestone that shaped the path toward equality and access for people with disabilities. On September 4, 1957, nine courageous Black students—known as the Little Rock Nine—integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. Their bravery, and the national battle that followed, reshaped the civil rights landscape and opened legal and cultural doors that would later influence the disability rights movement. Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss a single story in this powerful journey through history. Walk and Roll Live

In this brand new episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, hosts Doug Vincent and Addie Rich sit down with Gilmar Arana, a 25-year-old athlete and advocate who was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus in Guatemala City. At just eight years old, Gilmar moved to the United States and discovered adaptive sports through Rancho Los Amigos. From his early days under Coach Rick Tirambulo to competing at the Division 3 Wheelchair Basketball Nationals with coaches Héctor Duran and Ray Cervantes, Gilmar shares how sports have shaped his resilience, teamwork, and determination. He also talks about his time with the Los Angeles Chargers Wheelchair Football Team, his role as a Spanish interpreter at Rancho Los Amigos, and his current pursuit of an AA degree at Cerritos College—a path made possible by the encouragement of Coach David Rodarte. This episode is a celebration of perseverance, community, and the power of adaptive sports to transform lives. Walk and Roll Live

Jeff Whittle spent years behind the microphone as a DJ, newsman, and sportscaster. Today, he’s traded in the airwaves for dumbbells and resistance bands. As the founder of Silver Strong Fitness, Jeff helps older adults and people with disabilities regain their strength, restore mobility, and stay active—whether in his gym or through online sessions around the world. In this episode of Walk and Roll Live, Doug reconnects with his former radio colleague to talk about Jeff’s career shift, the passion that drives his work, and how fitness can transform lives at any age or ability. Walk and Roll Live

In this episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, we welcome back Jen Larios to continue her powerful conversation about living with multiple sclerosis. The first time Jen joined us, she shared her two-year struggle to get an M.S. diagnosis and what it was like living with an invisible disability. Now, as she spends more time using a wheelchair, Jen opens up about how her life has changed — from how people see her to how she sees herself. Jen shares the challenges, misconceptions, and unexpected positives of transitioning from invisible to visible disability, along with her ongoing work in advocacy and research through the Beat-MS study at Stanford. Her story is a reminder of resilience, awareness, and the importance of community. Walk and Roll Live

On this episode of Walk and Roll Live, we welcome back Brandi and introduce Neshama as we continue our deep dive into invisible disabilities. Neshama opens up about living with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Panic Disorder, and Sensory Processing Disorder, while Brandi shares her experiences with a rare nerve disease, being Hard of Hearing, fibromyalgia, and learning disabilities. Both women reveal the daily challenges they face—often in the shadow of skepticism from others—simply because their disabilities aren’t visible. From sensory overload to slow information processing, and from physical pain to emotional resilience, they shed light on the realities that can’t be seen but are deeply felt. This is a powerful conversation about breaking stereotypes, finding coping strategies, and advocating for understanding and inclusion. Walk and Roll Live

In this episode of Walk and Roll Live, we continue our exploration of invisible disabilities with guest Therese Adjivon-Theodore, who shares her journey living with Sickle Cell Anemia. From her earliest memories to the challenges she faces each day, Therese opens up about the physical, emotional, and social realities of a condition that often goes unseen. She also educates us on what Sickle Cell is, how it’s managed, and what she wishes people understood about invisible disabilities. This heartfelt conversation shines a light on resilience, advocacy, and the importance of empathy. Walk and Roll Live

This week on a special bonus episode of Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, we shift the spotlight to the siblings. Addie, who lives with a disability, has been featured on our show before—but this time, we hear from someone just as close to the journey: her sister. She offers an honest, heartfelt perspective on what it’s like growing up with a sister with a disability—the joys, the challenges, the quiet strength, and the deep bond that shapes their relationship. This touching conversation provides insight into how disability impacts the whole family and the powerful role siblings often play in advocacy, support, and love. Whether you're part of the disability community or simply curious about the ripple effects it can have on families, this episode offers a unique and valuable point of view. 🔊 Tune in now for this special look through the eyes of a sibling. Walk and Roll Live

In this open & honest episode of Walk and Roll Live, we kick off Invisible Disabilities Month with guest Randy Schlecht, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor. Randy opens up about his early life, the event that changed everything, and his long path to recovery. Unlike visible disabilities, Randy’s challenges aren’t always obvious to others—and that leads to misunderstanding, misjudgment, and stigma. He shares what it’s like to live with an invisible disability, how it affects the way people perceive him, and why society needs to broaden its understanding of what disability looks like. This is a raw and enlightening conversation that sheds light on the hidden struggles and strength of those living with TBI and other invisible conditions. Walk and Roll Live

This week on Walk and Roll Live – Disability Stories, we sit down with Liv Kneller, a courageous young woman whose life took an unexpected turn from an active, healthy childhood in the UK to navigating the complexities of chronic illness. Liv opens up about the long road to receiving her diagnosis of POTS (Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome), dysautonomia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and other overlapping health conditions. From a back injury in her teens to a series of debilitating symptoms that forced her to take leave from work, Liv shares her emotional and physical journey—including moments of hope, grief, healing, and transformation. She talks candidly about how she’s learning to live with her “new normal,” the mental health challenges that have run parallel to her physical symptoms, and what keeps her going on the hard days. This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating invisible illnesses or supporting someone who is. Liv’s story is a powerful reminder that healing is not linear—and that acceptance, community, and self-compassion can carry us through the darkest times. Walk and Roll Live Instagram