Joyce A. Bender is the founder and CEO of Bender Consulting Services, Inc., a firm that recruits and hires people with disabilities in the public and private sectors, trained in the information technology, engineering, finance/accounting, human resources, and general business areas. Bender partners with corporations and federal agencies in order to assist them with achieving their diversity and workforce inclusion initiatives across the U. S. and Canada.
In 1985, Joyce had a life-threatening accident due to epilepsy that caused a cerebral hemorrhage that required subsequent brain surgery. As a result of her personal experience, she developed a passion for helping people with disabilities and established Bender Consulting Services, Inc. in September 1995.
Joyce is the past-chair of the board of the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) and the former chair of the national Epilepsy Foundation board of directors.
Awards received by Joyce Bender include the following:
- 2013 AAPD Justice for All Corporate Award
- 2011 Epilepsy Foundation Hero of Epilepsy Award
- 1999 President’s Award, received from President Clinton at the White House
Ms. Bender holds a bachelor of science degree in psychology from Geneva College, and hosts the weekly radio show, “Disability Matters with Joyce Bender” on www.voiceamerica.com.