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