Twenty-First Century Disability Podcast

Twenty-First Century Disability was created and is hosted by Hollis Peirce, a chronically physically disabled man with Congenital Muscular Dystrophy. Mr. Peirce, who is on a ventilator, can narrate his podcast using only his bottom lip. His voice is intelligible and intelligent.

Mr. Peirce says: “Living with a chronic physical disability, I’ve turned obstacles into stepping stones, achieving my goals against the odds. Through my podcast and engaging with audiences worldwide, my mission is to inspire resilience, encourage the pursuit of dreams, and broaden awareness about the diverse experiences of individuals with disabilities.”

In the trailer, Mr. Peirce voices a key mission of the show: “How the modern world is changing the way society sees disability.”

I learned from Mr. Peirce that 1.1 billion people in the world, or 15%, identify as having some kind of disability. For Hollis Peirce, disability can be seen from a social perspective. How has being surrounded by this era of time made it easier for disabled people?

Hollis Peirce explains: “My approach and work have earned me honors and accolades that I’m immensely proud of, including the Ottawa Celebration of People Award in 2008 and, most recently, in 2024, I was a Meritorious Service Medal Award Winner.

“I hold both an undergraduate and graduate degree in History from Carleton University. Majoring in History has provided me with a profound understanding of the world and how it’s evolved over time, allowing me to interact with and perceive it in a more constructive, critical light.

“I am passionate about education and philanthropy. I am proud of my participation in a panel at the Canadian History Association’s Annual Meeting at the University of British Columbia in 2019 and guest lecturing at Carleton University in classes on Disability Studies and Social Work.

“In 2023, I established the Hollis Peirce Bursary for Students with Disabilities at Carleton University to help students with physical disabilities achieve their own academic goals in spite of financial burdens or hardship.

“And I am most proud of my contributions to furthering accessibility in my hometown of Ottawa, Ontario. In 2009, I served as the Ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy Canada’s Walk & Roll. I was the leader and creator of the Accessibility Team (A-Team) for the Ottawa Folk Fest (2008–2010) and Bluesfest (2010). In 2009, I founded the Ottawa Power Wheelchair Hockey League (OPWHL).”

Each episode of Twenty-First Century Disability begins with an acoustic guitar, then Hollis Peirce introduces the show, repeats the primary theme, and then says playfully, “Hop in, let’s go for a ride.”

Despite Mr. Peirce’s difficulty talking, he commands the show with wit and wisdom. He started the show in October 2023 and has completed 33 episodes as of this review. Episodes can run from 20 to 40 minutes, and Mr. Peirce knows how to turn the spotlight over to his guests on each episode.

On the June 19, 2025, show, Intimacy Unplugged, Hollis Peirce talked with Maria, a full-time wheelchair user with Spina Bifida and a devoted mother of two. Maria passionately discusses her campaign advocating for the sexual rights of disabled individuals, shedding light on the critical need for awareness and education surrounding this often-overlooked topic.

Throughout the conversation, Maria highlighted the numerous challenges that disabled people encounter in accessing appropriate healthcare and sexual health education. She emphasized the importance of fostering spontaneity and intimacy in relationships, which are crucial for the overall well-being of individuals with disabilities.

As the discussion unfolded, Maria called for the creation of more inclusive environments that support the sexual rights and well-being of disabled individuals. She also underscored the necessity of collaboration among advocates, healthcare providers, and educators to address the multifaceted issues related to sex and disability.

This episode explores the main themes of the show — that disabled people aren’t helpless, can live normative lives, and that technological advances continue to improve their quality of life.

In the September 18, 2025, episode, Mr. Peirce dove into the inspiring journey of Laila and her pivotal role in founding Sielo Robotics, a groundbreaking company dedicated to creating assistive robotics. What began as a university class project has transformed into a promising startup, making significant strides in the field of adaptive technology.

Mr. Peirce has courage to spare, and his commitment to the disability community is unwavering. As a person fortunate enough not to be disabled, I learned so much from Twenty-First Century Disability. I do not think this show is ONLY for people who are disabled. There are copious lessons to be learned from Hollis Peirce and his guests.

I think the famous physicist Stephen Hawking nailed it when he said, “My advice to other disabled people would be, concentrate on things your disability doesn’t prevent you from doing well, and don’t regret the things it interferes with. Don’t be disabled in spirit as well as physically.”