A new podcast titled Enable: The Disability Podcast is making waves by sharing inspiring stories from individuals with disabilities and different abilities. In the latest episode, Eric Conklin, a reporter for NJ Advance Media, discusses his personal journey of being diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. He reflects on significant moments during his childhood, such as undergoing a sleep study and taking medication for ADHD, while also pondering the impact of these experiences on his social interactions.
Conklin’s narrative highlights the unique challenges faced by adults on the autism spectrum, but he also emphasizes the strengths and capabilities that come with being differently abled. Through his experiences, he aims to foster understanding and empathy towards individuals with disabilities. Listeners can find new episodes of Enable: The Disability Podcast weekly on platforms like YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon, and iHeart.
Meet the Hosts
The podcast is co-hosted by Geoff Herbert and Kurt Hower, both of whom bring their own remarkable stories to the table. Herbert, who was born with profound binaural hearing loss, has established a successful career as a reporter and SEO Lead for syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. Despite the challenges of being mostly deaf, he has thrived as a DJ for 25 years, utilizing assistive technologies such as hearing aids, lipreading, and closed captioning to enhance his communication and performance.
Hower, with over 35 years of experience at Advance Local, has become a prominent figure in both the media industry and the community. He has served on various boards, including the Central PA Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation, where he was involved in advocacy and public policy. Diagnosed with ankylosing spondylitis, a rare form of arthritis affecting the spine, Hower encourages others to focus on their contributions rather than their limitations.
Community at Work Job Fair
In a related initiative, the Community at Work Job Fair is set to take place on October 16, 2025, at CNY Works, located at 960 James St. in Syracuse, N.Y.. This free event aims to connect adults with physical and mental disabilities to inclusive employers. Participants will have the opportunity to explore various industries and learn about job openings with companies actively hiring.
Herbert and Hower will co-host a panel discussion at the job fair, focusing on hiring tips and accessibility options. This valuable discussion will also be recorded for an episode of the Enable podcast, furthering the mission of raising awareness and improving workplace inclusivity.
While the job fair is tailored for adults with diverse mental and physical abilities, it is open to all community members. Participation is free for both job seekers and employers, fostering a welcoming environment for everyone. For more information about the job fair, interested individuals can visit communityatworkjobfair.com.
The launch of Enable: The Disability Podcast and the upcoming job fair are significant steps towards promoting inclusivity and understanding within society, showcasing the diverse experiences and contributions of individuals with disabilities.
