At Pittsburgh’s Inclusive Innovation Summit in March, Look Who’s Here! host Mark Steidl participated in Unabridged Press’ panel about inclusion in media. He wrote this talk for the event.
Hello. My name is Mark Steidl and I am a featured host of Look Who’s Here! Look Who’s Here covers a broad variety of topics that are important to the disability community as a whole. However, before I tell you about the specific topics that our project has covered, let me tell you a little about me and my background in inclusive media.
I am 23 years old, a student at Community College of Allegheny County, majoring in social work foundations. As you can see, I use a wheelchair and a communication device to talk. I use this equipment because I have cerebral palsy, which means that I have a damaged connection between my brain and my muscles. I operate my communication device with the two switches that are positioned at either side of my head. The communication device also enables me to use a computer.
“THE THINGS I DO EVERY DAY WOULD HAVE BEEN IMPOSSIBLE EVEN 20 YEARS AGO.”
People often wonder how I do things without the use of my hands. Well, since I am unable to use my hands to hold a book or paper, I do most things in a digital format. It does take me longer to do my work than it takes for most people. Thank goodness for technology. The things I do every day would have been impossible even 20 years ago.
generic viagra So, for the urgent requirement of copulation effect you may use the jelly and if it is not a fault of the individual himself, certain reasons may confound into such a disease. A large percentage of dogs, cats, and probably most other animals suffer, at least to some degree, from seasonal allergies- just like humans. look at here order viagra online viagra canada online Buying medicines online is a great idea of saving your money and time. Considering the thing in the mind, the medical science has invented many solutions for improving fertility in both men and women and for cheapest viagra prices increasing sex drive.I am an advocate for myself and for other people with disabilities. My work on Look Who’s Here is part of that advocacy because the topics I cover usually involved policy, programs and unique ways of looking at disability.
The topics I have covered include The Woodlands Foundation, which is a nonprofit recreational organization dedicated to enriching the lives of people with disabilities, accessibility and sensory-friendly performances sponsored by the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, the importance of Medicaid for people with disabilities, and the issues facing siblings of children and adults with disabilities.
Just the fact that I am a person with a significant disability doing the interview is a kind of advocacy and definitely raises awareness among those who see the interview. Because my disability is visible, people are likely to underestimate me and not see the person and professional that I am. Like many people with disabilities, I have to challenge misperceptions each and every day.
Media is a great way to do that. As a proud Pittsburgher who has always had an interest in the media profession, I have had several local role models who have helped me understand the power of media. In addition to Jennifer [Szweda Jordan], I have learned a lot from Larry Berger, host of the Saturday Light Brigade, who helped me experience how to produce for radio. Chris Fennimore of WQED and Adil Mansoor, of Dreams of Hope: Queer Youth Arts, have also been a big influence.
The opportunity to participate in Look Who’s Here! has taken my interest in disability to a new level. Working with other individuals with disabilities like founding host Erin Gannon, has given me a sense of Pittsburgh pride, especially today. Thank you so much.
