Dialogue on Disability: Celebrating Abilities

Since 2003 WXXI and the Al Sigl Community of Agencies have worked together with the Herman and Margaret Schwartz Community to help break the ingrained stereotypes about individuals with intellectual and physical disabilities. The year-round project called MOVE TO INCLUDE, is designed to motivate individuals to take action and include more people with disabilities in the workplace, in schools, neighborhoods and in all aspects of society. Dialogue on Disability, a week-long spotlight initiative takes place every January, and is supported by the Fred L. Emerson Foundation with additional support from The Golisano Foundation.

WXXI Classical celebrates Dialogue on Disability 2026

Classical 91.5 WXXO-FM

Published December 5, 2025 at 11:48 AM EST

Dialogue on Disability, is a week-long initiative that shines a spotlight on the lived experiences of people with disabilities. WXXI Classical focuses on musicians who create their art while living with a disability. Every January, WXXI sets aside one week to celebrates these musicians. Tune in to hear a variety of profiles.

On WXXI Classical our hosts will celebrate how musicians with disabilities have overcome challenges to enrich classical music. Read stories about many of these musicians and work that is being done around the world to make music and performing more accessible by and for all.

Tune in to learn more about:

Pianist Jonathan Biss who experiences performance anxiety
Evelyn Glennie, deaf Scottish percussionist
David Helfgott, Australian pianist
Molly Joyce, American composer, educator, and performer
Ana Karneza, singer and actress with physical deformity
Tobias Picker, American composer with Tourette Syndrome
Itzhak Perlman, Israeli-American violinist
Thomas Quasthoff, German-born bass-baritone with thalidomide deformity
Joaquin Rodrigo, Blind composer and pianist
John Rutter, British composer and conductor
Nick van Bloss, British pianist

WXXI Classical promotes and supports inclusion for musicians of all abilities through programming and special events. WXXI’s Move to Include Initiative is made possible by a generous grant from the Golisano Foundation.