In this episode of Wheel With It, Devon is joined her friend by Stephanie Singer for an honest and inspiring conversation about advocacy, independence, and how the welfare system should truly work.

Stephanie shares her lived experience navigating public benefits, developing self-advocacy skills, and fighting for disability rights. Together, they explore how current policies often discourage independence — and what meaningful reform could look like.

You’ll hear about asset limits, financial barriers, building community, and what it really means to thrive instead of just survive. This episode shines a light on the human side of public policy and offers hope for a more empowering future.

Perfect for listeners interested in disability advocacy, welfare reform, public policy, and real stories of resilience.

00:00 – Introduction

01:10 – Meet Stephanie Singer

03:25 – Her advocacy journey

06:10 – Problems with today’s welfare system

09:40 – Sponsor break

10:23 – Back to the discussion

12:00 – Financial limits & independence

16:10 – Self-advocacy in action

20:05 – Thriving vs surviving

24:40 – Disability rights & reform

29:15 – Community and support systems

33:10 – Redefining independence

36:45 – Final reflections

39:10 – Wrap-up

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.lulu.com/shop/stephanie-singer/fight-song-tales-from-taekwondo/ebook/product-jedg9qw.html?q=Fight+Song+tales+from+taekwondo&page=1&pageSize=4

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

Connect with Devon/the show:

https://linktr.ee/wheelwithitpod