Hammerstrom/Rubin: The Bender Leadership Academy Prepares High School Students with Disabilities for the World of Work

In this episode of Disability Matters, host Joyce Bender and co-anchor Perry Judratasik highlight the Bender Leadership Academy, featuring guests Scott Hammerstrom, Bonnie Rubin, and student participants CJ and Alex. The discussion centers on the academy's mission to empower students with disabilities through various programs, including work readiness, mentorship, and mental health initiatives. They emphasize the importance of community, advocacy, and providing a supportive environment for young people to develop leadership skills and overcome challenges like bullying. The episode also covers upcoming events to support the academy and a news segment on accessible tax filing resources from the IRS, along with concerns about potential Medicaid cuts.