Access Unlimited

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Episodes

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Access Unlimited

In Access Unlimited, we explore the dynamic world of those with limited mobility. Your hosts, Amanda Vallo & Kim Melton, interview fascinating guests, ranging from advocates to experts to everyday people, to explore the personal stories that shape the lives and experiences of those with limited mobility. We’ll cover everything from the latest breakthroughs in adaptive technology to the impact of accessibility legislation to the triumphs and challenges in the world of adaptive sports. Access Unlimited is your guide to the heart of understanding life beyond physical boundaries.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episodes

Van Life: It's About the Journey

Join us as we interview Kirk Williams, a professional photographer and van-life instagrammer with a twist - he's also in a wheel chair. Kirk details everything from how to go about setting up your own rig to challenges with cooking to his remarkable journey throughout South America in his van. Ear muffs warning: PG-13. The content is very kid-friendly, but there are a few words in there that would be embarrassing if your kid uttered them in front of their entire first grade class. Hosted on Acas...

Oct 03, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast

It Takes a Village

In this episode, we sit down with Olivia Kunevicius. In 2017, Olivia became the full time caregiver for her sister, Jessica, after a TBI related to cardiac arrest. In this interview, we get her unique perspective and dive into some of the uncomfortable things that many caregivers are too afraid or embarrassed to discuss with other people. Olivia shares about the path to recover from a caregiver's perspective, and discusses the candid realities of being a caregiver. Ear Muffs Warning: PG-13. Whil...

Aug 22, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast

Back to the Track

With a little engineering and a lot of heart, Mark Lapansie has found his way back to the track after a motorcycle injury left him paralyzed from the waist down. Mark's story is one where innovation, drive, and passion led to on question: well, why not? Earmuffs warning: PG - this one is wholesome through and through. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information....

Aug 02, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast

The Glamor of Reimagining the Poop Scoop

In this episode, we sat down with Pam Allen - a board member at Mobility Dog, a non-profit that trains service dogs. While her resume as a board member is certainly impressive, we got down to her real accomplishments...namely coordinating a design-a-thon with Metro State University to reenvision the poop-scoop. Why? Because for individuals with mobility limitations, picking up after a service dog isn't always a simple feat. Don't worry - the whole episode isn't strictly about poop scoops (fortun...

Jul 12, 2024•53 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast

Adventures at Burning Man

Meet Paul Walker, a man who seems to respond to every challenge that life throws at him with, "Why not?" Despite being in a wheelchair, Paul has not only attended the iconic Burning Man festival multiple times but has also played a pivotal role in creating the stunning artwork that defines the event. Get ready to be inspired as we explore Paul's incredible journey through life and his contributions and experiences at Burning Man. Earmuffs Warning: PG-13. Some swearing and references to guns and ...

Jun 27, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast

PEAK Performance

In today's episode, we're delving into the transformative world of the PEAK Center at Craig Hospital. This cutting-edge gym is not your average workout facility—it's a specialized haven tailored for individuals in various stages of spinal cord injury recovery. From state-of-the-art machines to personalized physical therapy sessions, the PEAK Center caters to those embarking on their recovery journey as well as those who have transitioned into post-recovery life, focusing on physical maintenance ...

May 09, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast

You Don't Have to Go It Alone

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jose Reyes to discuss the journey to acceptance from the unique lens of a licensed therapist who has had a traumatic brain injury (TBI). At the heart of Jose's story is a profound message of resilience and empowerment as he transitioned from a patient to a Peer Mentor at Craig Hospital. By embracing his new reality and channeling his experiences into meaningful action, he has not only transformed his own life but has also become a guiding light for others on...

Apr 25, 2024•58 min•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast

Part 2 With David Ortiz: Let's Get Down to the Brass Tacks

In Part Two of our interview with Colorado Congressman David Ortiz, we sit down for an in depth discussion about disability rights. We’ll cover everything from the issues to how to get involved - he even pitches a bill idea on the spot.  While you don't need to listen to Part 1, The Man, The Myth, The Legend: David Ortiz, for this episode to make sense - you should still go back and give it a listen - it's fun and we talk about cephalopods. Below is a list of the resources Representative Or...

Apr 10, 2024•59 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast

The Man, The Myth, The Legend: Representative David Ortiz

Join us as we put Representative David Ortiz in the hot seat. In this first installment of our two-part saga, we'll peel back the layers and get to know David as a person (spoiler alert: he's fun). In the next episode, we'll dive into the issues and how you can get involved to help keep moving the needle forward for ADA legislation and compliance. Earmuffs! Rating: This one is PG 13. There are a few f-bombs (totally warranted, by the way), some references to a man named Dick Champion, and one or...

Mar 28, 2024•54 min•Ep 2•Transcript available on Metacast

The Origin Story

Everyone has an origin story, and in this episode, Amanda shares her very real, very raw origin story about how she came to be in a wheelchair. You'll also get to hear a little bit about who we are as people, our contributions to a zombie apocalypse team, and fun facts about wolverines. Earmuffs! Rating: This episode is pretty heavy and has some mature (albeit funny) themes at the beginning (nothing too bad, but grandma might blush). We'd recommend giving it a listen before you play it around yo...

Mar 14, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep 1•Transcript available on Metacast