Connections with Evan Dawson

Throughout the week, Evan Dawson will host a series of conversations about inclusion and disability rights as part of Dialogue on Disability Week.

Guests provide expert and personal insights about policies, programs, and community issues related to intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities.

On Monday, January 24 at 1 p.m. on AM 1370/WRUR-FM 88.5 Evan welcomes Joel Shamaskin, M.D., retired physician living with ALS and Elizabeth Krisanda, executive director, the ALS Association Upstate New York Chapter.

Dr. Joel Shamaskin is a retired physician living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS. He was diagnosed with the neurogenerative disease in 2016. Since then, he has worked to learn about his disease, both to plan for his own needs and to help others diagnosed with ALS. He joins us to discuss his story, what he wants medical professionals and community members to know about ALS, and we talk about what he and other advocates want to see in the way of technology, policy, and more when it comes to assisting people with ALS.

This story is part of Dialogue on Disability Week -- a partnership between WXXI and Al Sigl Community of Agencies -- in conjunction with the Herman and Margaret Schwartz Community Series.