Screenshot of Dan's internet radio show page.PHOTO BY NADIA ADALATH

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Monday January 31st, 2011

PROFILE

Internet radio showmakes a differenceBy Nadia Adalath

Being disabled can be oneof the hardest situations aperson can go through;however through all thetough times a disabledperson faces there is oftensomeone out there who ismaking a difference in thisworld.

Dan Windhiemʼsinspirational journey beganin 1979 when he sustained a brain injury due to a car accident when he was just 16 yearsold.

Because of the injury, he is now living with left hemi paresis, he speaks in a monotone voice,his left arm is atrophied and his cognitive skills have been left impaired.

Starting his own Internet radio showDespite his enormous challenges, Windheim did not let his injuries defeat his spirit.

“In 2005 I was looking to promote a book I had written about my life and I approachedRockland World Radio to conduct this interview," Windeim said. “We did this interview aboutmy book Itʼs not all Black and White. Ten months later we did another interview aboutanother book we are working on. The first book is primarily on brain injury, and the new bookwill be on all disabilities.”

“I want people to know that there are people out there that do have disabilities andare doing great things. Anyone can become disabled and itʼs how you react to it

that makes a difference.”

When the host of his previous interviews was leaving the station, Windhiem asked the ownerif he could take her spot during the summer months. During that time he started his owninternet radio show called "Dialogues with Dan" in July 2008, and at the end of August hehad decided to keep doing the show. Since then Windhiem has been doing interviews everyTuesday night at 6:30 p.m. EST.

“Doing the Internet radio show 'Dialogues with Dan' has been the highlight of my life; with thisshow I am able to meet other people with disabilities and give them a voice.”

What does Dan want people to know?Dan made it clear that how we react to events in our lives is the most important message hecan give to others.

“I want people to know that there are people out there that do have disabilities and are doinggreat things. Anyone can become disabled and itʼs how you react to it that makes adifference.”

MOREINFORMATION

Brain Injury RecoveryNetwork

This website offers advice tosurvivors of a brain injury andtheir families. Their goal is tohelp the recovery process.

Dan Windheim's Poem Book

Dan's not just a radio showhost, an an author. He is also apoet. This book has a collectionof his poetry.

SEARCHWhat are you lookingfor? Try our SEARCHENGINE.

The Sheridan Sun Online http://sheridansunonline.sheridanc.on.ca/oct_21_2010/profile_...

1 of 2 31/01/11 11:40 AM

Danʼs professionalismDonald Minor was recently on Danʼs internet radio show and he was very pleased with howthe interview was conducted.

“He is very professional and friendly. That helps me as the interviewee to be relaxed andcomfortable when the interview is being conducted.”

What makes Dan tick is his realization that people shouldnʼt take their lives for granted,because it can be so easy to become disabled. Despite his injuries he shows people who aredisabled that anything is possible, never allow your spirit to become broken.

The Sheridan Sun Online http://sheridansunonline.sheridanc.on.ca/oct_21_2010/profile_...

2 of 2 31/01/11 11:40 AM