LATEST POSTS
With Proper Love and Support It is Easy to Thrive
“In 2018, when I told my mom that I was wanting to be a trans man, and my mom was supportive of that and not everybody was so supportive of it, but that’s okay. Receiving the support from my mom definitely boosted my self-confidence.”
Disabilities and LGBTQ+ Advocacy is All Love: An Interview with Nicole “For Love” Adler
“I was born with a label. I had endured the label of Down Syndrome my whole life and all of the stereotypes that are associated with it. Then, when I came out as a gay person, I had to endure twice the labels and discrimination. So, this has shaped my advocacy work to eliminate labels and to see people as human beings first.”
Bringing Joy to Others One Design at a Time
“I have a heart for people, and that means I have a heart for inclusion! I believe that disabled people can meaningfully contribute to life and ministry, alongside the able-bodied community, as they were designed to be. “
DJ Alex—Music and Self-Advocacy are in My Blood
“All of the roles I have today are where I can be a positive role model to the community and can make a difference. Where I can make sure everyone is heard. Everyone’s advocacy journey is different, and there is room for us all in the work.”
Looking Back, Never Forgetting, and Moving Forward! An Interview with Rosanna “Rosie” Ryan
“I have a lot of friends and support. I am involved in People First, an organization by and for people with developmental disabilities. I speak up for myself and others.”
From Not Knowing to The Awareness Show
“I decided to start a Podcast. The first episode of the Awareness Show Podcast aired 13 years ago and now there are over 115 episodes. I’ve interviewed everyone from self-advocates to celebrities including the actress Donna Mills from Knots Landing and Dawn Wells who played MaryAnn on Gilligan’s Island!”
Becoming Alex the Poet
THE HEART OF A TART
Delectable dessert
Much more sumptuous
Than a desert
Glorious food
Easy as pie
A joy to enjoy
Beneath the sky,
And the love it takes
To make a tart
Might not necessarily be
A piece of cake,
But baking takes
Patience and time,
But no need to dwell
Over making mistakes,
A Journey to Greater Career Fulfillment
“For those of you just starting out, it can help to talk with friends and family about what you like to do. It doesn’t have to necessarily be about what job you like to do. Sometimes, even general conversations can help you figure out what you might be interested in.”
The Gift of Defying Expectations by Joel Henderson
During my life, I have had great experiences. There are way too many to put in this short story. But a few are worth mentioning. My father and I walked from San Diego to Los Angeles. It was just the two of us, and he pushed my chair and did everything we needed on the trip.
Flexibility, Creativity, and Persistence are Key to Employment Success! An Interview with Prabjoat “P.J.” Swan
“Working has made my life busier, and that makes me happy. It makes me focus. I like meeting new people and making new friends makes me happy.”