What does it really take to thrive in a system that often limits independence?
In this powerful episode of the Wheel With It Podcast, Devon sits down with her friend Stephanie Singer (@wheelwithitpod/videos/upload) to discuss advocacy, disability rights, independence, and how the welfare system should work.
Stephanie shares her personal journey navigating public benefits, building self-advocacy skills, and pushing for meaningful reform. Together, they break down the real-world challenges facing people with disabilities — from asset limits and income restrictions to the emotional toll of staying compliant just to survive.
You’ll also hear about:
• Why the current welfare system discourages independence
• The importance of self-advocacy and community support
• How policy reform could empower people instead of trapping them
• Stephanie’s work in advocacy and disability leadership
• What thriving truly looks like beyond survival
This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in disability rights, public policy, welfare reform, and creating systems that help people live full, independent lives.
🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast app
📺 Watch more episodes at wheelwithit.com
💬 Join the conversation in the comments
00:00 – Intro
01:10 – Meet Stephanie Singer
03:25 – Stephanie’s advocacy journey
06:10 – Why the welfare system holds people back
09:40 – Sponsor Message (Nulu Knives)
10:23 – Back to the conversation
12:00 – Asset limits & financial independence
16:10 – Learning self-advocacy
20:05 – Thriving vs surviving
24:40 – Disability rights & policy reform
29:15 – Building community support
33:10 – What real independence looks like
36:45 – Final thoughts from Stephanie
39:10 – Closing
Connect with Stephanie:
https://www.instagram.com/mercymedicalangels50?igsh=bzZvcmxqNnZ2ZjA1
https://www.lulu.com/shop/stephanie-singer/fight-song-tales-from-taekwondo/hardcover/product-95mqqr4.html
https://www.facebook.com/share/17R8wU5sUV/
https://www.instagram.com/golden_infinity_advocacy?igsh=MTMzbnkzMWZ5cHNrcA==
https://mercymedical.org/
https://www.lulu.com/shop/stephanie-singer/fight-song-tales-from-taekwondo/hardcover/product-95mqqr4.html?page=1&pageSize=4
https://www.lulu.com/shop/stephanie-singer/fight-song-tales-from-taekwondo/ebook/product-jedg9qw.html?q=Fight+Song+tales+from+taekwondo&page=1&pageSize=4
Connect with Devon/the show:
https://linktr.ee/wheelwithitpod