Meet Mark Steidl. He’s a determined young man halfway through getting an associates degree in social work. And he just won a Western Pennsylvania Press Club Golden Quill Award for an audio podcast episode in which he interviews actress Ann Talman. It’s part of Unabridged Press’ project Look Who’s Here! All-Abilities Media.
Actress Ann Talman poses with Mark Steidl at the ReelAbilities Film Festival in Pittsburgh. Photo: ReelAbilities Film Festival.
The winning podcast gave a closer look at Talman’s one woman-play about her relationship with her late brother Woody. The play was turned into a movie of the same name–Woody’s Order! The movie was part of the touring ReelAbilites Film Festival.
Mark has his foot in many doors. He’s a board member of Children’s Hospital Advisory Network for Guidance and Empowerment (CHANGE). He’s volunteered at the Woodlands Foundation, a camp for people with disabilities. And he now volunteers with Disability Options Network Independent Living Center.
He’s a student at Community College of Allegheny County, where he’s part of the student government. Mark also participates in the Gender & Sexuality Alliance (GSA). Beginning his journey into this world with cerebral palsy and overcoming obstacles many others don’t have to, Mark is taking on the world one interview at a time and showing that he is more than just a great-looking guy in a wheelchair.
Unabridged Press intern Shalace Moore sat down with Mark to learn more about him.
SHALACE: What is your motivation to be an interviewer for Look Who’s Here!?
MARK: My love for getting to know other people stories is partly due to my interest in history. I’m not talking about taking a history class, but going through old newspapers, seeing plays that take ’s or going to a history museum.
SHALACE: We now get news from websites and clips from YouTube and online forums. How do you connect with the younger generation being that most are into social media than reading newspapers? Is it easier to obtain an audience this way?
MARK: I am 23 and I use Facebook all the time to connect with my friends.
SHALACE: It is an honor to be nominated for an award, especially one in journalism. How did you feel when you got the news?
MARK: It was such an honor to get this nomination. When I first did this episode of our podcast, [our producer] Jennifer and I were struggling with the audio on her phone. So, when I got the news I was overjoyed.
SHALACE: You did an interview with local comedian Brian Gray. You yourself are a funny guy. Who is your favorite comedian?
MARK: It’s hard to pick a favorite comedian but I would choose Roseanne Barr. Roseanne is never afraid to tell it like it is, just like me.
UPDATED June 8, 2018: After Roseanne Barr’s racist tweet that led to her firing from the ABC network, Mark wished to add the following: “Racism is not what I stand for. After Roseanne’s comment, I am disappointed. However, I am not sorry for liking Roseanne’s show. I would like to apologize on behalf of our podcast if I have offended any of our fans. Our show will always be dedicated to having a nonjudgmental attitude “
SHALACE: In your spare time you like to see musicals. I too enjoy musicals, one of my favorites being Chicago. What is your favorite?
MARK: Mamma Mia 2.
SHALACE: Is there one are you looking forward to seeing?
MARK: Hamilton.
SHALACE: I heard it is coming to Pittsburgh next year. Will you let me know where to get tickets?
MARK: Yes.
SHALACE: You are a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community; can you talk a little more about that and what intersectionality means?
MARK: I’m out and proud. It is more natural to assume [I’m] heterosexual.
SHALACE: How do you handle it when people assume that?
MARK: I correct them.
SHALACE: Do you have a certain agenda or group of people you want to work with since you are with the #IWANTTOTWORK campaign?
MARK: I am attending classes at CCAC I am over halfway with an associates degree in social work. I would like to get my bachelor’s degree and obtain a case management position and work with people with disabilities.
SHALACE: I want to go off script a moment. You haven’t eaten anything in your life. You have a feeding tube. Do you want to try food?
MARK: I tried to but because of swallowing being uncoordinated it would go down the wrong way and I would choke on it. So after time I didn’t want to try anymore.
SHALACE: How do you deal with the aromas of food?
MARK: It is agony (laughs).
SHALACE: Have you seen the show Speechless?
MARK: Yes.
SHALACE: Do you find it funny?
MARK: No.
SHALACE: Is it offensive?
MARK: It is exaggerated. There is no reason to have someone to be speaking when the device can do it itself.
SHALACE: You have this Tobii Dynavox device that speaks for you. This system is elaborate. How did you get used to working this?
MARK: I started using a device when I was four years old. I would string letters together to hear them. By doing that I taught myself to read.
SHALACE: And you also work for Tobii Dynavox?
MARK: Yes, two hours a week writing “how to” and FAQ segments.
SHALACE: I notice that some words can be misconstrued by the tone of the voice being used. I have an auto text in my car so when I’m driving it automatically sends the text “I’m Driving” which people assume that it’s me and I’m being short with them.
MARK: Don’t you hate that?
SHALACE: Yes, I do. I am glad that I am not alone.
