HEALTHCAST: VOLUME 22

National Disability Employment Awareness Month celebrates the ingenuity people with disabilities bring to America's workplaces, and reminds employers of the importance of inclusive hiring practices.

Patrick “Blake” Leeper has never been one for excuses. Born without legs below his knees, Blake has defied the odds and won countless titles as a Paralympic runner. Leading mental health speaker Mike Veny is committed to transforming the stigma surrounding mental health into strength and Michele Erwin, founder of All Wheels Up, is disrupting the travel industry. 

We hope you are equally as inspired by these powerful stories! 
Brenda

Patrick "Blake" Leeper
OLYMPIC/PARALYMPIC GAMES MEDALIST, WORLD AND AMERICAN RECORD HOLDER

+WATCH THIS INSPIRING VIDEO
"The Bladerunner"

Ever since Patrick "Blake" Leeper was a child, he has been determined to be a star athlete. Although Leeper was born a bilateral below-the-knee amputee, he was raised to believe the only disability in life is a bad attitude. 

"Everyone was so inspired and motivated by Blake Leeper. He is an amazing young athlete and speaker. I would recommend him for any audience." -Community Mental Health Board

+LEARN MORE ABOUT PATRICK "BLAKE" LEEPER

Mike Veny
LEADING MENTAL HEALTH SPEAKER & TEAMWORK FACILITATOR

+WATCH HIS POWERFUL TEDX TALK
"Mental Illness is an Asset"

After suffering from a devastating mental health breakdown, Mike made the decision to use his speaking and drumming skills to serve others. He is committed to transforming the stigma surrounding mental health into strength and empowering employees to get the help that they need.

"I was completely blown away by your presentation!! It opened my eyes to my challenges, and the challenges faced by others." -Aetna

+LEARN MORE ABOUT MIKE VENY

Michele Erwin
FOUNDER OF ALL WHEELS UP: THE FUTURE OF ACCESSIBLE AIR TRAVEL

+WATCH HER INSPIRING TED TALK
"Funding the Future of Accessible Air Travel"

Michele’s journey into the disability rights movement began with her son Greyson, who was born with a neuro muscular illness. When her family needed to travel by plane, she experienced firsthand the struggles and difficulties of traveling with a wheelchair. She knew something needed to be done and created All Wheels Up, an advocacy and research organization that advocates for wheelchair accessible air travel and crash tests wheelchairs for commercial flight. 

"From Michele’s perspective, she sees the untapped potential in an underserved community." -The Here and Now Project

+LEARN MORE ABOUT MICHELE ERWIN

ICYMI: Upcoming Commemorative Events & More

COMMEMORATIVE EVENTS: If you are interested in bringing an inspiring speaker for an upcoming health observance, please let us know!

OCTOBER: National Breast Cancer Awareness Month Health Literacy Month, National Physical Therapy Month, National Disability Employment Awareness Month, Mental Illness Awareness Week (Oct. 4–10), National Healthcare Quality Week (October 20 – 26).

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