Disability Employment Awareness Month: Advocacy, Innovation, and Legacy with Valyncia M. Wilson

In this episode of the See Life Different podcast, host Zaakirah returns from a hiatus to focus on empowering Black, Indigenous women of color and individuals with disabilities. Zaakirah shares updates about her life changes, including a move from Oklahoma and her involvement in NPR Oklahoma. The episode coincides with Disability Employment Awareness Month and World Blindness Awareness Month. Special guest, Valyncia M. Wilson, a program manager from Oklahoma's Department of Rehabilitation Services (OKDRS), discusses resources for individuals with disabilities, including employment support and Social Security benefits. Zaakirah emphasizes storytelling, cultural heritage, and personal experiences as a journalist and advocate, aiming to inspire and educate listeners on overcoming adversity and embracing diverse identities. 00:00 Welcome to See Life Different Podcast 00:43 Podcast Hiatus and Updates 01:06 Disability Employment Awareness Month 01:28 Repurposing Radio Show and Podcast Episodes 02:28 Life Changes and New Focus 03:35 Limited Series and NPR Correspondent 05:32 Empowering Through Storytelling 12:21 Guest Introduction: Valyncia M. Wilson 13:55 Valyncia's Passion and Advocacy 15:24 Resources for Job Seekers with Disabilities 18:16 Transition Services for Youth 19:25 Social Security Disability Benefits 21:05 Valyncia's Legacy and Contact Information   Empowering Women of Color and Disability Advocacy on the See Life Different Podcast. Connect on Social: facebook.com/seelifedifferent instagram.com/seelifedifferentpod https://twitter.com/seelifediffPod Links Mentioned: https://www.zaakirahnayyar.com Oklahoma Department of Rehabilitation Services: https://www.okdrs.gov   Focus Black Oklahoma, an affiliate of NPR Oklahoma where Zaakirah is a correspondent: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLfcNRP1vQg5VxAjP0nTokZTxT9E5i4ito&si=XBGodqYdOapcrWuz