We are inviting artists with disabilities to be guest hosts for the Able Voices podcast. Today, our guest host is Tony Memmel.

Tony Memmel is a singer, songwriter, speaker, and teacher with unique charisma and creativity. Though he was born with one hand, he taught himself to play the guitar professionally by building a special cast that he designed out of guerrilla tape. He has toured toured 47 of the 50 states, 25 countries, and has worked with 16 countries, virtually sharing his music and his message of hard work, determination, and resilience. His work ranges from visiting schools, hospitals, and churches, to writing and arranging music for children, composing symphonies, performing in historic concert venues, and helping people with hand and limb differences, like his, to develop their adaptive methods that allow them to make music part of their lives. Today, Tony will be speaking to David Harrell.

David Harrell is a New York City–based actor, speaker, and disability advocate originally from Georgia, known for his award-nominated solo play A Little Potato and Hard to Peel, which blends humor, storytelling, and personal experiences growing up with a disability to inspire audiences worldwide. Through both his performances and keynote presentation, Navigating a Two-handed World…Single Handedly, he encourages people to embrace resilience, reject limitations, and live with dignity and courage. With over 15 years of experience in theater, film, and television—including appearances on Law & Order: SVU—he is also an active advocate for accessibility in the arts, working with organizations like Inclusion in the Arts and SAG-AFTRA. Harrell holds a BFA and MFA in theatre performance and continues to educate and inspire diverse audiences, including students across the country, through his work on stage and in schools.

Follow Tony on Social Media:

Website: https://www.tonymemmel.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonymemmel/

Follow David on Social Media:

Website: https://davidharrellspeaks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidharrell3/

The ABLE Voices podcast is produced and edited by BIAAE Operations Coordinator, Daniel Martinez del Campo. The introduction music was written by Kai Levin and the ending song was written by Sebastian Batista. Kai and Sebastian are students in the Arts Education Programs at the Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education.

For more information about our programs visit us at https://college.berklee.edu/BIAAE

Follow us for more weekly updates at:

Instagram: @BIAAE

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BIAAE

We are inviting artists with disabilities to be guest hosts for the Able Voices podcast. Today, our guest host is Tony Memmel.

Tony Memmel is a singer, songwriter, speaker, and teacher with unique charisma and creativity. Though he was born with one hand, he taught himself to play the guitar professionally by building a special cast that he designed out of guerrilla tape. He has toured toured 47 of the 50 states, 25 countries, and has worked with 16 countries, virtually sharing his music and his message of hard work, determination, and resilience. His work ranges from visiting schools, hospitals, and churches, to writing and arranging music for children, composing symphonies, performing in historic concert venues, and helping people with hand and limb differences, like his, to develop their adaptive methods that allow them to make music part of their lives. Today, Tony will be speaking to Rion Page.

Dr. Deborah “Deb” Amend is an assistant professor of special education at Northern Kentucky University, a pianist, and a passionate advocate for adaptive music education. Inspired by raising three daughters who learned instruments through creative adaptations, she co-founded the Cincinnati Adaptive Music Camp with violinist Jennifer Petry nearly 15 years ago. What began as a small initiative has grown into the Cincinnati Adaptive Music and Arts Camp, offering inclusive programs in music and visual arts, supported by custom adaptive instruments and tools. Dr. Amend’s work focuses on developing practical teaching methods and training educators to create more inclusive, disability-informed environments, with the goal of helping all students access and participate fully in the arts.

Follow Tony on Social Media:

Website: https://www.tonymemmel.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonymemmel/

Learn more about the Cincinnati Adaptive Music Camp:

https://theadaptiveartsandmusicproject.org/caamc-2026/

The ABLE Voices podcast is produced and edited by BIAAE Operations Coordinator, Daniel Martinez del Campo. The introduction music was written by Kai Levin and the ending song was written by Sebastian Batista. Kai and Sebastian are students in the Arts Education Programs at the Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education.

For more information about our programs visit us at https://college.berklee.edu/BIAAE

Follow us for more weekly updates at:

Instagram: @BIAAE

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BIAAE

We are inviting artists with disabilities to be guest hosts for the Able Voices podcast. Today, our guest host is Tony Memmel.

Tony Memmel is a singer, songwriter, speaker, and teacher with unique charisma and creativity. Though he was born with one hand, he taught himself to play the guitar professionally by building a special cast that he designed out of guerrilla tape. He has toured toured 47 of the 50 states, 25 countries, and has worked with 16 countries, virtually sharing his music and his message of hard work, determination, and resilience. His work ranges from visiting schools, hospitals, and churches, to writing and arranging music for children, composing symphonies, performing in historic concert venues, and helping people with hand and limb differences, like his, to develop their adaptive methods that allow them to make music part of their lives. Today, Tony will be speaking to Rion Page.

Rion Paige Thompson is an American country singer from Jacksonville, Florida who finished in 5th place on season 3 of the X Factor USA. She was a part of the Girls catagory, mentored by Demi Lovato. Rion, who has a rare condition called arthrogryposis multiplex congenita which has caused permanent damage to her arms, resulting in her hands being in a fixed bent position.

Follow Tony on Social Media:

Website: https://www.tonymemmel.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tonymemmel/

Follow Rion Page on Social Media:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ohrionpaige/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ohrionpaige/

The ABLE Voices podcast is produced and edited by BIAAE Operations Coordinator, Daniel Martinez del Campo. The introduction music was written by Kai Levin and the ending song was written by Sebastian Batista. Kai and Sebastian are students in the Arts Education Programs at the Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education.

For more information about our programs visit us at https://college.berklee.edu/BIAAE

Follow us for more weekly updates at:
Instagram: @BIAAE
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BIAAE