Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t (Enable: The Disability Podcast, Episode 1)

“Enable: The Disability Podcast” is a new podcast featuring stories of amazing people with disabilities and different abilities. In Episode 1, “Enable” co-hosts Geoff “DeafGeoff” Herbert and Kurt Hower introduce themselves, sharing their own experiences and challenges they’ve faced. Herbert was born with a profound binaural hearing loss. Hower has ankylosing spondylitis, a rare disease that causes arthritis of the spine.  Herbert and Hower seek to use the podcast to share stories of others, highlight resources available, and teach the importance of focusing on what you can do, not what you can’t. “Disability is not a dirty word,” Herbert says. “People value me for what I bring to the table,” Hower adds. “So although I might have a deficit in one area, in another area I might have a lot to offer.” About the hosts Herbert is a reporter, SEO Lead and content supervisor for syracuse.com | The Post-Standard, where he’s worked for 15 years. Despite being mostly deaf in both ears, he’s also worked as a DJ for 25 years, including 10 years in radio (as “DeafGeoff”) and 10 years as a wedding DJ in Upstate New York. He learned how to communicate orally with hearing aids, lipreading and speech therapy, and embraces assistive technology like visual waveforms in music programs, closed captioning/subtitles, and video calls. Hower, who has worked at Advance Local for over 35 years, is a leader both in the media industry and in the community. He has been actively involved in leading change as the print industry has continued to rapidly evolve, while also serving on a variety of boards including the Central PA Chapter Arthritis Foundation Board of Directors where he was Chairman of Board Development and a member of the Public Policy and Advocacy Committee. He encourages others to focus on what they can contribute to society rather than their challenges. “Enable: The Disability Podcast” will release new episodes weekly on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Follow facebook.com/enablepodcast or @enablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok for more. Community at Work Job Fair The Community at Work Job Fair will take place Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025, at CNY Works, 960 James St., in Syracuse, N.Y. The free event will provide adults with physical and mental disabilities the opportunity to meet inclusive employers, explore industries, and learn about positions with actively hiring companies. Herbert and Hower will co-host a panel discussion about hiring tips and accessibility options at the job fair. The discussion will be recorded for an episode of the “Enable” podcast. While the fair is tailored for adults with diverse mental and physical abilities, experiences or access needs, all community members are welcome. Participation is free for both job seekers and employers. For more information, visit communityatworkjobfair.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices