Disability Advocates / Innovative Women - Heather & Jessica Tomko

Heather and Jessica Tomko are sisters who both have a genetic, neuromuscular disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA). SMA affects the motor neurons, which causes people with SMA to have weak muscles that atrophy over time. Heather and Jessica were both diagnosed as infants, and a life with SMA is all they have ever known. They strive to bring their full selves, disability and all, to a world that is often inaccessible and not accepting of disabilities.
Watch full episode on YouTube
Resources Mentioned:
- Heather's blog: https://theheatherreport.com
- Heather's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theheatherreport
- Heather's work: https://www.caregiving.pitt.edu
- Jessica's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicatomko
- Article that Jessica wrote: https://triblive.com/opinion/jessica-tomko-disability-representation-in-the-entertainment-industry
- Film Pittsburgh Reel Abilities Festival: https://filmpittsburgh.org/pages/reelabilities
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00:00 - Preview
01:09 - Early Life
02:01 - Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) Diagnosis
05:39 - Relationship as Sisters and with Parents
12:30 - Colleges & Careers
19:18 - Heather's Work
22:12 - Jessica's Work
23:52 - Billboard Message
26:30 - How will you two leave your marks?








