ABLE TODAY SHOW Thu, 28 May 2026 07:51:26 -0400 https://abletoday.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 ABLE TODAY SHOW yes 139ac2f8-a39c-567a-aae9-87ccdee3e085 Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir episodic false Mark Raymond Jr and Sara Hart Weir, two disability advocates for ABLEtoday.org discuss the ABLE Act and how it's helping thousands of people with disabilities across the country. Mark and Sara interview leaders in the disability community weekly.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir https://storage.buzzsprout.com/q5ngyf8lqjrlv71e3qsyemnxa9kd?.jpg ABLE TODAY SHOW Hannah Olson Hannah Olson Hannah Olson had just graduated from college and she thought she had her “dream job.” But the dream quickly became a nightmare when her new employer refused to understand or make any accommodations for Hannah’s chronic condition (Lyme disease). But others were understanding and Hannah used that support to found two companies–Chronically Capable and Disclo.  She joins our hosts Sara and Mark on our latest episode. 

During the interview, Hannah talks about how the Covid pandemic changed much of the workplace dynamic in terms of talking about one’s situation. Working at home meant that people had to let others know when they were facing different challenges–sick kids, homeschooling, illness etc.--and that also meant that employers had to make a decision: either become more accommodating or cease to exist. 

Whether you’re someone who is looking for a new job, needs accommodations at your current job, or you’re an employer struggling to provide accommodations, this is a great listen.  ✅ it out!

]]> Hannah Olson had just graduated from college and she thought she had her “dream job.” But the dream quickly became a nightmare when her new employer refused to understand or make any accommodations for Hannah’s chronic condition (Lyme disease). But others were understanding and Hannah used that support to found two companies–Chronically Capable and Disclo.  She joins our hosts Sara and Mark on our latest episode. 

During the interview, Hannah talks about how the Covid pandemic changed much of the workplace dynamic in terms of talking about one’s situation. Working at home meant that people had to let others know when they were facing different challenges–sick kids, homeschooling, illness etc.--and that also meant that employers had to make a decision: either become more accommodating or cease to exist. 

Whether you’re someone who is looking for a new job, needs accommodations at your current job, or you’re an employer struggling to provide accommodations, this is a great listen.  ✅ it out!

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-16097275 Wed, 13 Nov 2024 07:00:00 -0500 1619 full false Alabama Treasurer Young Boozer & Anita Kelley Alabama Treasurer Young Boozer & Anita Kelley Alabama Treasurer Young Boozer is one of the most experienced financial minds you will find and he joins Sara and Mark, and Anita Kelley, Director of Savings Division at State of Alabama Treasurer’s Office for this week’s episode. 

]]> Alabama Treasurer Young Boozer is one of the most experienced financial minds you will find and he joins Sara and Mark, and Anita Kelley, Director of Savings Division at State of Alabama Treasurer’s Office for this week’s episode. 

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-16060899 Wed, 06 Nov 2024 16:00:00 -0500 1750 full false Cure CMD with Kelly Berger & Avery Roberts Cure CMD with Kelly Berger & Avery Roberts Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-15934915 Tue, 15 Oct 2024 23:00:00 -0400 1569 full false Anne Gerhardt - the First ABLE Account Holder in the Country Anne Gerhardt - the First ABLE Account Holder in the Country There are more than 180,000 ABLE account holders, but somebody had to be first. Mark and Sara chat today with Anne Gerhardt - the first ABLE account holder in the world. Along with Anne is her dad Chip and Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague. 

]]> There are more than 180,000 ABLE account holders, but somebody had to be first. Mark and Sara chat today with Anne Gerhardt - the first ABLE account holder in the world. Along with Anne is her dad Chip and Ohio Treasurer Robert Sprague. 

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-15894789 Wed, 09 Oct 2024 08:00:00 -0400 2239 full false John's Crazy Socks John's Crazy Socks John Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, was about to graduate high school and he didn’t like his job prospects. But he knew who he wanted to work with. His dad, Mark Cronin. After throwing out a few ideas, they landed on John’s Crazy Socks, launching in 2016. They then proceeded to break every marketing rule there is, and somehow this social enterprise became a smash hit with people. 

]]> John Cronin, a young man with Down syndrome, was about to graduate high school and he didn’t like his job prospects. But he knew who he wanted to work with. His dad, Mark Cronin. After throwing out a few ideas, they landed on John’s Crazy Socks, launching in 2016. They then proceeded to break every marketing rule there is, and somehow this social enterprise became a smash hit with people. 

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-15853828 Tue, 01 Oct 2024 23:00:00 -0400 2592 full false Laura Castillo, Executive Director of 5 Minus P Society Laura Castillo, Executive Director of 5 Minus P Society Like most parents and caregivers, Laura Castillo had never heard of the rare neurological condition, 5 Minus P, until her daughter, Katie, was diagnosed with it. The news from the doctor overwhelmed her at first, but since then, Laura has gone on to become a fierce advocate for people and families living with the syndrome, serving for many years as the Executive Director of the 5P Minus Society. She joins our hosts to talk about how that diagnosis fundamentally changed not just her life, but her family’s and all of those around her.

]]> Like most parents and caregivers, Laura Castillo had never heard of the rare neurological condition, 5 Minus P, until her daughter, Katie, was diagnosed with it. The news from the doctor overwhelmed her at first, but since then, Laura has gone on to become a fierce advocate for people and families living with the syndrome, serving for many years as the Executive Director of the 5P Minus Society. She joins our hosts to talk about how that diagnosis fundamentally changed not just her life, but her family’s and all of those around her.

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-15698424 Wed, 04 Sep 2024 20:00:00 -0400 1608 full false Daniel Garcia - Buying His First Home With an ABLE Account Daniel Garcia - Buying His First Home With an ABLE Account In episode 22, Mark and Sara talk to Daniel Garcia, a blind ABLE account holder. Daniel discusses how he used his ABLE account to save up and buy a house.

]]> In episode 22, Mark and Sara talk to Daniel Garcia, a blind ABLE account holder. Daniel discusses how he used his ABLE account to save up and buy a house.

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-15654381 Tue, 27 Aug 2024 22:00:00 -0400 1351 full false Shaun Snyder of NAST Shaun Snyder of NAST In episode 21, we have Shaun Snyder, CEO of the National Association of State Treasurers, discussing the importance of financial education and the role of NAST and ABLE Accounts. Shaun shares insights on leadership, relationships, and his efforts to promote ABLE accounts through free legal education.

]]> In episode 21, we have Shaun Snyder, CEO of the National Association of State Treasurers, discussing the importance of financial education and the role of NAST and ABLE Accounts. Shaun shares insights on leadership, relationships, and his efforts to promote ABLE accounts through free legal education.

]]> Buzzsprout-15615803 Tue, 20 Aug 2024 21:00:00 -0400 2109 1 21 full false Senator Schmitt Senator Schmitt Senator Schmitt recently sat down with our hosts Mark and Sara to talk  about how his family’s experience pushed him to become a disability advocate and a legislative champion for ABLE accounts. 

When his infant son, Stephen, was diagnosed with a rare condition, Tuberous Sclerosis, Schmitt was a partner in a law firm, married and leading a great life, but Stephen’s diagnosis made him realize that, as he puts it, “that was something more I should be doing.” And for Schmitt that meant running for public office.

]]> Senator Schmitt recently sat down with our hosts Mark and Sara to talk  about how his family’s experience pushed him to become a disability advocate and a legislative champion for ABLE accounts. 

When his infant son, Stephen, was diagnosed with a rare condition, Tuberous Sclerosis, Schmitt was a partner in a law firm, married and leading a great life, but Stephen’s diagnosis made him realize that, as he puts it, “that was something more I should be doing.” And for Schmitt that meant running for public office.

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-15574674 Wed, 14 Aug 2024 14:00:00 -0400 1291 full false Sandy Swift Parrino - Part 2 Sandy Swift Parrino - Part 2 Part 2 of our living history with the unstoppable Sandy Swift Parrino and how the Disabilities Act ♿ (ADA) came to be. Through Sandy’s leadership as Chair of the National Council on Disability [IG @ncdgov] (NCD), the group had written the report, “Toward Independence,” which Sandy describes as the “birth of the ADA,” and had a meeting in 1986 with then Vice President George H.W. Bush.  Suddenly NCD was on the map and players!

]]> Part 2 of our living history with the unstoppable Sandy Swift Parrino and how the Disabilities Act ♿ (ADA) came to be. Through Sandy’s leadership as Chair of the National Council on Disability [IG @ncdgov] (NCD), the group had written the report, “Toward Independence,” which Sandy describes as the “birth of the ADA,” and had a meeting in 1986 with then Vice President George H.W. Bush.  Suddenly NCD was on the map and players!

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-15545834 Wed, 07 Aug 2024 12:00:00 -0400 2404 full false Sandy Swift Parrino - Part 1 Sandy Swift Parrino - Part 1 In this two part episode, Mark and Sara get in depth with Sandy Swift Parrino, founder of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ♿. As a parent with a disabled child, Sandy was already very familiar with the frustrations and senseless roadblocks thrown up by the government when President Ronald Reagan appointed her to the National Council on the Handicapped (now the NCD). It was 1981 and the ADA wasn’t even a dream yet, and Sandy and her fellow council members were given only a small room in a federal building’s name.


]]> In this two part episode, Mark and Sara get in depth with Sandy Swift Parrino, founder of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ♿. As a parent with a disabled child, Sandy was already very familiar with the frustrations and senseless roadblocks thrown up by the government when President Ronald Reagan appointed her to the National Council on the Handicapped (now the NCD). It was 1981 and the ADA wasn’t even a dream yet, and Sandy and her fellow council members were given only a small room in a federal building’s name.


]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-15505824 Tue, 30 Jul 2024 22:00:00 -0400 2846 1 19 full false US Women’s Wheelchair Basketball US Women’s Wheelchair Basketball In episode 18, Mark and Sara chat with Lindsey Zurbrugg and Becca Murray – two outstanding players on the US 🇺🇸 Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team who will be competing in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris this year. 

]]> In episode 18, Mark and Sara chat with Lindsey Zurbrugg and Becca Murray – two outstanding players on the US 🇺🇸 Women’s Wheelchair Basketball Team who will be competing in the 2024 Paralympics in Paris this year. 

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-15426352 Wed, 17 Jul 2024 07:00:00 -0400 1886 1 18 full false Mary McDirmid - ChSNC Mary McDirmid - ChSNC In episode 17, mark and Sara have a great conversation with Mary McDirmid. Growing up with a dad, who had Parkinson’s, Mary was already familiar with caretaking, but when her daughter Ruth was born, she decided to become a Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC®) to have a better understanding of her family’s needs and also help other families. And she started a firm, All Needs Planning to work with these families, so, as she puts it, “Give our kids an amazing life and if they’re on benefits, keep those benefits and keep them benefits eligible.”

Investment Advisory Services offered through Sound Income Strategies, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisory Firm. All Needs Planning and Sound Income Strategies, LLC are not associated entities.

]]> In episode 17, mark and Sara have a great conversation with Mary McDirmid. Growing up with a dad, who had Parkinson’s, Mary was already familiar with caretaking, but when her daughter Ruth was born, she decided to become a Chartered Special Needs Consultant (ChSNC®) to have a better understanding of her family’s needs and also help other families. And she started a firm, All Needs Planning to work with these families, so, as she puts it, “Give our kids an amazing life and if they’re on benefits, keep those benefits and keep them benefits eligible.”

Investment Advisory Services offered through Sound Income Strategies, LLC, an SEC Registered Investment Advisory Firm. All Needs Planning and Sound Income Strategies, LLC are not associated entities.

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-15356092 Wed, 03 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0400 2263 full false Stacy Pfiefer - Nebraska ENABLE Stacy Pfiefer - Nebraska ENABLE In episode 16, we chat with Nebraska’s Assistant State Treasurer Stacy Pfeifer. When she became assistant treasurer, she also became the state’s Director of the Enable Savings Plan.  Stacy is an ABLE expert, making connections across her state and the nation and meeting with many individuals and families committed to disability rights.

]]> In episode 16, we chat with Nebraska’s Assistant State Treasurer Stacy Pfeifer. When she became assistant treasurer, she also became the state’s Director of the Enable Savings Plan.  Stacy is an ABLE expert, making connections across her state and the nation and meeting with many individuals and families committed to disability rights.

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-15313692 Tue, 25 Jun 2024 22:00:00 -0400 1643 1 16 full false Faye Simon - Exceptional Parent Magazine Faye Simon - Exceptional Parent Magazine In episode 15, Mark and Sara chat with the Editor in Chief of Exceptional Parent Magazine, Faye Simon. Faye has been working in disability journalism for many years and the magazine, which is available online or in print, has proven to be a strong resource for people living with disabilities, parents, caregivers and supporting organizations. 


]]> In episode 15, Mark and Sara chat with the Editor in Chief of Exceptional Parent Magazine, Faye Simon. Faye has been working in disability journalism for many years and the magazine, which is available online or in print, has proven to be a strong resource for people living with disabilities, parents, caregivers and supporting organizations. 


]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-15158433 Wed, 29 May 2024 14:00:00 -0400 1350 full false Theo Braddy - National Council on Independent Living Theo Braddy - National Council on Independent Living In episode 14, Mark & Sara have their longest conversation yet with Theo Braddy, who is Executive Director of the  National Council on Independent Living. 

Mark and Theo both became quadriplegics at a young age, and both men have selflessly dedicated their lives to getting more resources and independence for people living with disabilities. 


]]> In episode 14, Mark & Sara have their longest conversation yet with Theo Braddy, who is Executive Director of the  National Council on Independent Living. 

Mark and Theo both became quadriplegics at a young age, and both men have selflessly dedicated their lives to getting more resources and independence for people living with disabilities. 


]]> Buzzsprout-15112663 Wed, 22 May 2024 08:00:00 -0400 3182 1 14 full false Hannah Cvancara Hannah Cvancara In episode 13, Mark and Sara chat with Hannah Cvancara -  a dedicated nurse, superior athlete, and unstoppable Disability Advocate. Hannah has lived with a prosthetic leg almost her entire life and it hasn’t limited her at all.

]]> In episode 13, Mark and Sara chat with Hannah Cvancara -  a dedicated nurse, superior athlete, and unstoppable Disability Advocate. Hannah has lived with a prosthetic leg almost her entire life and it hasn’t limited her at all.

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-15073099 Wed, 15 May 2024 11:00:00 -0400 2245 full false New Mexico State Treasurer New Mexico State Treasurer In episode 12, Sara and Mark are honored to speak with New Mexico’s State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya. Laura has broken her share of glass ceilings: she’s the first female state treasurer in New Mexico and the nation’s first Latina state treasurer! 

]]> In episode 12, Sara and Mark are honored to speak with New Mexico’s State Treasurer Laura M. Montoya. Laura has broken her share of glass ceilings: she’s the first female state treasurer in New Mexico and the nation’s first Latina state treasurer! 

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-15031531 Wed, 08 May 2024 10:00:00 -0400 1676 full false Washington + Sound Transit Washington + Sound Transit In episode 11 we feature an incredible partnership between Washington State’s ABLE Program and the the Sound Transit. Sara and Mark have a great conversation with Kari Sample, from Washington’s Disabilities Workgroup Program,  and Lorena Jones, senior benefits program manager for the Sound Transit, the public transit agency serving the Seattle metro area. 

]]> In episode 11 we feature an incredible partnership between Washington State’s ABLE Program and the the Sound Transit. Sara and Mark have a great conversation with Kari Sample, from Washington’s Disabilities Workgroup Program,  and Lorena Jones, senior benefits program manager for the Sound Transit, the public transit agency serving the Seattle metro area. 

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-14990647 Wed, 01 May 2024 11:00:00 -0400 1528 full false Texas ABLE Texas ABLE Joining Mark and Sara in episode 10 is  Linda Fernandez, the Director of the Texas Comptroller’s Educational Opportunities and Investments Division and Ashley Melero, who works with The Arc of Texas, serving to provide financial security to all people with disabilities. Ashley is also an ABLE participant.

]]> Joining Mark and Sara in episode 10 is  Linda Fernandez, the Director of the Texas Comptroller’s Educational Opportunities and Investments Division and Ashley Melero, who works with The Arc of Texas, serving to provide financial security to all people with disabilities. Ashley is also an ABLE participant.

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-14950728 Wed, 24 Apr 2024 16:00:00 -0400 1919 full false Job One Job One In episode 9, Mark and Sara have a great conversation with the leadership at Job One, a forward-thinking leader in providing employment and community support services for individuals with disabilities in the Kansas City area. On today's episode we hear from Aaron Martin, President and Chief Executive Officer and Anne Hochstein, Chief Operating Officer. 

]]> In episode 9, Mark and Sara have a great conversation with the leadership at Job One, a forward-thinking leader in providing employment and community support services for individuals with disabilities in the Kansas City area. On today's episode we hear from Aaron Martin, President and Chief Executive Officer and Anne Hochstein, Chief Operating Officer. 

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-14903749 Wed, 17 Apr 2024 11:00:00 -0400 1702 1 9 full false Wells Fargo Foundation Wells Fargo Foundation In episode 8, Mark and Sara were honored to have the new Chief Accessibility Officer of WellsFargo - Andrew Holbrook on the latest episode! Andrew has his own story behind his passion for workplace inclusion.

]]> In episode 8, Mark and Sara were honored to have the new Chief Accessibility Officer of WellsFargo - Andrew Holbrook on the latest episode! Andrew has his own story behind his passion for workplace inclusion.

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-14865198 Wed, 10 Apr 2024 12:00:00 -0400 1957 1 8 full false Autism Speaks Autism Speaks In episode 7, we had a great conversation with leaders from Autism Speaks.  Stuart Spielman, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Josh Cobbs, Senior Manager of Employment Initiatives.

]]> In episode 7, we had a great conversation with leaders from Autism Speaks.  Stuart Spielman, Senior Vice President of Advocacy and Josh Cobbs, Senior Manager of Employment Initiatives.

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-14817773 Tue, 02 Apr 2024 23:00:00 -0400 1710 full false Louisiana Disability Advocates Louisiana Disability Advocates In episode 6, we did a live podcast recording with Lousiana Disability advocates: Bambi Polotzola - the Executive Director of Governor's Office of Disability Affairs, Kelly Monroe - Executive Director of The Arc of Louisiana and Terri Underwood - Director of START Programs.

]]> In episode 6, we did a live podcast recording with Lousiana Disability advocates: Bambi Polotzola - the Executive Director of Governor's Office of Disability Affairs, Kelly Monroe - Executive Director of The Arc of Louisiana and Terri Underwood - Director of START Programs.

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-14681181 Wed, 13 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0400 1489 1 6 full false Keely Cat-Wells Keely Cat-Wells In episode 5, we had a great conversation with Keely Cat-Wells - a leading advocate in the national disability space. Keely is the Founder & CEO of Making Space, a Presidential Leadership Scholar and was selected to be on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. 

]]> In episode 5, we had a great conversation with Keely Cat-Wells - a leading advocate in the national disability space. Keely is the Founder & CEO of Making Space, a Presidential Leadership Scholar and was selected to be on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. 

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-14624234 Mon, 04 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0500 2100 1 5 full false West Virginia ABLE w/ Steve & Roxanne West Virginia ABLE w/ Steve & Roxanne In episode 4, our guests are Steve Slack, a passionate disability advocate, and Roxanne Clay, the administrator of the WV ABLE program. They join us to share their valuable insights

]]> In episode 4, our guests are Steve Slack, a passionate disability advocate, and Roxanne Clay, the administrator of the WV ABLE program. They join us to share their valuable insights

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-14590710 Tue, 27 Feb 2024 22:00:00 -0500 2406 1 4 full false Congressman Ander Crenshaw & Florida ABLE Congressman Ander Crenshaw & Florida ABLE In episode 3, we bring on former Florida Congressman Ander Crenshaw and ABLE United Director, Jon Finch. Congressman Crenshaw was one of the key players in Washington to get the ABLE Act passed in 2014 and the two discuss about their journey to get where we are today.

]]> In episode 3, we bring on former Florida Congressman Ander Crenshaw and ABLE United Director, Jon Finch. Congressman Crenshaw was one of the key players in Washington to get the ABLE Act passed in 2014 and the two discuss about their journey to get where we are today.

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-14427705 Fri, 02 Feb 2024 10:00:00 -0500 2463 1 3 full false Talking ABLE w/ Pennsylvania State Treasurer Talking ABLE w/ Pennsylvania State Treasurer In episode 2, we discuss bring Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity on to discuss her efforts in the Keystone state and her role nationally with ASPN.

]]> In episode 2, we discuss bring Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity on to discuss her efforts in the Keystone state and her role nationally with ASPN.

]]> Mark Raymond Jr & Sara Hart Weir Buzzsprout-14421329 Thu, 01 Feb 2024 11:00:00 -0500 1383 1 2 full false Intro to ABLE + The Beck Sisters Intro to ABLE + The Beck Sisters Mark Raymond Jr. and Sara Hart Weir, two disability advocates  bring you the latest news, stories, and insights from the world of ABLE accounts and disability empowerment. 

In episode 1, we discuss and learn about the history of the ABLE Act,  the complete bill name is the "Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving A Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act”. 

Our first guests are, Natalie and Mariae Beck - daughters of the late Stephen Beck Jr., talk about the impact their father had on the passage of this historic moment for people with disabilities.

]]> Mark Raymond Jr. and Sara Hart Weir, two disability advocates  bring you the latest news, stories, and insights from the world of ABLE accounts and disability empowerment. 

In episode 1, we discuss and learn about the history of the ABLE Act,  the complete bill name is the "Stephen Beck Jr. Achieving A Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act”. 

Our first guests are, Natalie and Mariae Beck - daughters of the late Stephen Beck Jr., talk about the impact their father had on the passage of this historic moment for people with disabilities.

]]> Brian Buzzsprout-14321570 Tue, 16 Jan 2024 15:00:00 -0500 1788 1 1 full false