Living With a Disability - No Big Deal!

Special Olympics works to spread compassion and acceptance in a way that can unite the world. The goal is to awaken everyone to each person's common humanity. Special Olympics offers a wide range of training sessions, competitions, health screenings and fundraising events. They also create opportunities for families, community members, local leaders, businesses, law enforcement, celebrities, dignitaries and others to band together to change attitudes and support athletes. Special Olympics North Dakota receives no federal funding. In this episode, Victor Meza III, Developemnt Director of SOND is back to share how they put the FUN in fundraising.

Special Olympics is a global movement of people creating a new world of inclusion and community, where every single person is accepted and welcomed, regardless of ability or disability. Through programming in sports, health, education and community building, Special Olympics is tackling the inactivity, stigma, isolation, and injustice that people with intellectual disabilities (ID) face. Since 1968, Special Olympics has been spreading the message: people with intellectual disabilities can-and will-succeed when given the opportunity.Guests today from Special Olympics North Dakota are Nancy Hanson, President/CEO and Victor Meza III, Developement Director to talk about the organization postiive impacts on the community of participants.

The 2022 Winter Paralympics just wrapped up! On today's episode Brad Gabrielson and Greg Moll discuss some highlights of the 2022 Winter Paralympics in China.

Sensory-Friendly, the story of one couple's wedding where each was living with a neurodivergent condition. She has autism, and the bridegroom is autistic and has ADHD. This is the story of their wedding and the things they put in place to assure a stress-free day they could enjoy and cherish. Sensory-friendly is a term that describes an environment free from triggers that may adversely affect someone who may be dealing with a condition where it can be triggered by any number of things.

Season 2 Episode 26: And that's a wrap! Thank you for following along in season 2 of our show. Today Brad and Greg talk through highlights of each episode this year. Stay tuned for more fun as we prepare for season three in 2022!

Season 2 Episode 25: 4 Paws for Ability is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to place quality service dogs with children with disabilities and veterans who have lost use of limbs or hearing, and educate the public regarding use of service dogs in public places. Enriching the lives of people with disabilities by placing life changing service dogs worldwide. 4 Paws envisions a world where people with disabilities can realize their full potential one service dog at a time. This podcast will cover the types of clients they serve, including providing service animals to children; something that was not provided when the founder found out by being rejected over and over again. One of her goals was to make the animals available for children too; with a team concept: parent, child, service dog.

Season 2 Episode 25: 4 Paws for Ability is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization whose mission is to place quality service dogs with children with disabilities and veterans who have lost use of limbs or hearing, and educate the public regarding use of service dogs in public places. Enriching the lives of people with disabilities by placing life changing service dogs worldwide. 4 Paws envisions a world where people with disabilities can realize their full potential one service dog at a time. This podcast will cover the types of clients they serve, including providing service animals to children; something that was not provided when the founder found out by being rejected over and over again. One of her goals was to make the animals available for children too; with a team concept: parent, child, service dog.

The holiday season is often filled by joyous gatherings with family and friends. However there also may be additional challenges for people with disabilities. Today Brad, Greg, and Jennifer discuss these topics ranging from access, to traveling, to and what the holidays can bring for those who may face challenges. This special double feature includes discussion about physical, mental, emotional and other types of conditions for the differently-abled community.

Season 2 Episode 23: Pride of Dakota series 3 of 3. MoMma (Mom of Marine) Beach has an interesting story of how one woman after years of beseeching from family and friends decided to go into business selling her product. Among them, spaghetti sauce, salsa, and the popular bloody mary mix. All produced from tomatoes and other ingredients grown and harvested by her. Enjoy her story.

Season 2 Episode 22: Today for part 2 of 3 in our Pride of Dakota series we interview Mary Simonson from the Open Door Center in Valley City. This non-profit has an exciting story and provides assistance for many situations. We will also learn about the Eagle's Nest Bookstore and Thunderbird Ranch, which focuses on Traumatic Brain Injury rehabilitation and a transition center to help people integrate back into society. They use a social mode rather than a medical model for the venture. They also have a popcorn brand, and offer soups for quick dinners, cake mixes and other items that help to fund the projects.

Season 2 Episode 21: Part 1 of 3. Since 1985, Pride of Dakota has promoted and enhanced the marketing of North Dakota businesses, products and services. Roll-A-Ramp is a family-owned company with headquarters in West Fargo, North Dakota. Learn more about the organization as Greg, Brad and guest Kara record from the Jamestown showcase.

Season 2 Episode 20: Today's podcast dives into some of the stories of inspiration from the athletes who participated in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games in August 2021. Listen as stories of courage, willpower and the desire to overcome adversity to make to one of the largest stages in sports.

Season 2 Episode 19: A look at the recently completed Paralympic Games held in Tokyo. A peek at the results and the athletes competing. Part 2 will dig deeper into the athletes and the obstacles they overcame to find success.

Season 2 Episode 18: ALS or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, is a rare neurological disease of the brain and spinal cord that primarily affects the nerve cells (neurons) responsible for controlling voluntary muscle movement (those muscles we choose to move). Voluntary muscles produce movements like chewing, walking, and talking. The disease is progressive, meaning the symptoms get worse over time. Currently, there is no cure for ALS and no effective treatment to halt or reverse the progression of the disease. Listen as Brad Gabrielson describes what it was like to have a mother who contracted the disease, and how it takes its toll on the body.

Season 2 Episode 17: Multiple Sclerosis is a potentially disabling disease of the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system). In MS, the immune system attacks the protective sheath (myelin) that covers nerve fibers and causes communication problems between your brain and the rest of your body. Eventually, the disease can cause permanent damage or deterioration of the nerves, resulting in the loss of the ability to walk independently, or at all, loss of muscle use and numbness and tingling of extremities.

Season 2 Episode 16: Part 2 of 2 - In Part 1 of "Uncharted Territory of Disabilities" we heard the story of Jennifer and the many conditions she deals with, including the inability to break down fat, protein, primary immune-deficiency syndrome, among others. In today’s episode we continue our interview with Jennifer as she reveals the challenges faced on a daily basis, while doing so in a very upbeat and positive way. Her ambition and drive are an inspiration and we are happy to welcome her back to the podcast.

Part 1 of 2: Jennifer’s story is one that is truly unique, in the true sense of the word. She deals with multiple issues that make her life on a day to day basis very challenging. Along with an immune deficiency, her body also has the inability to break down fat as well as protein, making her diet a very challenging affair. She has been told by the medical community, including the Mayo Clinic, that to have the combination of things going on has never been seen to their knowledge. Jennifer was born with some of these conditions, but did not find out until she was a little older, due to the advancement in how they check newborns when they are born. She is an inspiration, and shares her story in a very upbeat way.

Season 2 Episode 15:Part 1 of 2 - Jennifer’s story is one that is truly unique, in the true sense of the word. She deals with multiple issues that make her life on a day to day basis very challenging. Along with an immune deficiency, her body also has the inability to break down fat as well as protein, making her diet a very challenging affair. She has been told by the medical community, including the Mayo Clinic, that to have the combination of things going on has never been seen to their knowledge. Jennifer was born with some of these conditions, but did not find out until she was a little older, due to the advancement in how they check newborns when they are born. She is an inspiration, and shares her story in a very upbeat way.

Season 2 Episode 14: The CDC estimates that 61 million American adults have some kind of disability. That’s 24%, or 1 in 4 who have some kind of significant physical, cognitive, or mental impairment. Today Brad Gabrielson (a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy) and Greg Moll (also a wheelchair and paraplegic) discuss a recent article from Forbes magazine titled "We Need To Rethink The Penalties And Rewards Of Identifying As 'Disabled'”

The CDC estimates that 61 million American adults have some kind of disability. That’s 24%, or 1 in 4 who have some kind of significant physical, cognitive, or mental impairment. Today Brad Gabrielson (a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy) and Greg Moll (also a wheelchair and paraplegic) discuss a recent article from Forbes magazine titled "We Need To Rethink The Penalties And Rewards Of Identifying As 'Disabled'”

Season 2 Episode 13: Gigi's Playhouse is a Down Syndrome achievement center with locations throughout the United States. Last month the Fargo Playhouse suffered tragic loss when a fire burned thorugh the strip mall where they are housed and destroyed all contents inside. Executive Director Heather Lorenzen returns (first interview Episode 8) to discuss the incident and the future for the Playhouse.

Gigi's Playhouse is a Down Syndrome achievement center with locations throughout the United States. Last month the Fargo Playhouse suffered tragic loss when a fire burned thorugh the strip mall where they are housed and destroyed all contents inside. Executive Director Heather Lorenzen returns (first interview Episode 8) to discuss the incident and the future for the Playhouse.

Season 2 Episode 12: Polly Ann Neumiller Memorial Organization (PANMO) has a mission to make indoors and outdoors more accesible to people with disabilities. This 501c3 non-profit organization was founded by host Brad Gabrielson in honor of Polly, his late life partner and mother to his children. In today's episode he talks about the goals of the organization, fundraising, and how people can help.

Polly Ann Neumiller Memorial Organization (PANMO) has a mission to make indoors and outdoors more accesible to people with disabilities. This 501c3 non-profit organization was founded by host Brad Gabrielson in honor of Polly, his late life partner and mother to his children. In today's episode he talks about the goals of the organization, fundraising, and how people can help.

Season 2 Episode 11: What does it mean to be "disabled"? According to the CDC, about 61 million Americans are estimated to have some form of a disability. However, disabilities can be very different, nor are they always visible. Host Brad Gabrielson has spastic cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, he is joined by Greg Moll, a friend and fellow chair-user who became paraplegic after an accident. Today they discuss a recent article from Forbes magazine on indentifying as disabled.

What does it mean to be "disabled"? According to the CDC, about 61 million Americans are estimated to have some form of a disability. However, disabilities can be very different, nor are they always visible. Host Brad Gabrielson has spastic cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, he is joined by Greg Moll, a friend and fellow chair-user who became paraplegic after an accident. Today they discuss a recent article from Forbes magazine on indentifying as disabled.

Season 2 Episode 10: Albinism is a rare group of genetic disorders that cause skin, hair, or eyes to have little or no color. It is also associated with vision problems. About 1 in 18k-20k people in the US have some form of albinism. Guest today is Dr. Morgan J. Foster, who has this condition. She holds a PhD in Public Health and serves the disability community through her work with Easter Seals of North Dakota.

Albinism is a rare group of genetic disorders that cause skin, hair, or eyes to have little or no color. It is also associated with vision problems. About 1 in 18k-20k people in the US have some form of albinism. Guest today is Dr. Morgan J. Foster, who has this condition. She holds a PhD in Public Health and serves the disability community through her work with Easter Seals of North Dakota.

Season 2 Episode 9: Kitty Cone (1944-2015) was an American disability rights activist. She had muscular dystrophy (initially mis-diagnosed as cerebral palsy and polio). She moved to the California Bay Area in 1972, and began working as a community organizer for the disability rights movement in 1974. In today’s episode, Brad Gabrielson (cerebral palsay) and Greg Moll (spinal cord injury) discuss her journey and some of the great advocacy work done in her lifetime.

Kitty Cone (1944-2015) was an American disability rights activist. She had muscular dystrophy (initially mis-diagnosed as cerebral palsy and polio). She moved to the California Bay Area in 1972, and began working as a community organizer for the disability rights movement in 1974. In today’s episode, Brad Gabrielson (cerebral palsay) and Greg Moll (spinal cord injury) discuss her journey and some of the great advocacy work done in her lifetime.

Season 2 Episode 8: Heather Lorenzen, Executive Director for the Fargo location of Gigi’s Playhouse, a Down Syndrome Achievement Center. Down Syndrome occurs when a baby is born with a third copy of the 21st chromosome. Although it is considered a developmental and intellectual disability, people can live pretty normal lives and accomplish great things. Gigi’s Playhouse is a 501c3 non-profit organization and provides free programming for individuals with Down Syndrome and their families from before birth and continuing through adulthood to help them reach their full potential.

Our guest today is Heather Lorenzen, Executive Director for the Fargo location of Gigi’s Playhouse, a Down Syndrome Achievement Center. Down Syndrome occurs when a baby is born with a third copy of the 21st chromosome. Although it is considered a developmental and intellectual disability, people can live pretty normal lives and accomplish great things. Gigi’s Playhouse is a 501c3 non-profit organization and provides free programming for individuals with Down Syndrome and their families from before birth and continuing through adulthood to help them reach their full potential.

Season 2 Episode 7: Judy Siegle-Aamodt is an author, former paralympic athlete, public speaker, and a self-described odd-quad. In part 2 of our interview we learn more about her advocacy work for the disability community in Fargo-Moorhead and beyond. Some of the programs she works with include Night to Shine, Rest and Rejuv, Wheels for the World, and Open Arms Ministry - a buddy program to connect families with and without disablities. Judy is an inspiration for people of all abilities.

Judy Siegle-Aamodt is an author, former paralympic athlete, public speaker, and a self-described odd-quad. In part 2 of our interview we learn more about her advocacy work for the disability community in Fargo-Moorhead and beyond. Some of the programs she works with include Night to Shine, Rest and Rejuv, Wheels for the World, and Open Arms Ministry - a buddy program to connect families with and without disablities. Judy is an inspiration for people of all abilities.

Season 2 Episode 6: Judy Siegle-Aamodt is an author, former paralympic athlete, public speaker, and advocate for all people with disabilities. At age 18 the direction of her life changed when the car she was riding in was hit by a drunk driver who sped through a stop sign. She started breaking through barriers before the ADA was enacted. She is a Minnesota native and graduate of Concorida College in Moorhead. Judy describes herself as an odd-quad and is passionate about helping people live life without limits.

Judy Siegle-Aamodt is an author, former paralympic athlete, public speaker, and advocate for all people with disabilities. At age 18 the direction of her life changed when the car she was riding in was hit by a drunk driver who sped through a stop sign. She started breaking through barriers before the ADA was enacted. She is a Minnesota native and graduate of Concorida College in Moorhead. Judy describes herself as an odd-quad and is passionate about helping people live life without limits.

Season 2 Episode 5: Today's guest is Sharon Leathers from Sunny Florida. Greg from Roll-A-Ramp shares info on the three types of cerebral palsy: Ataxic, Athatoid (Dyskinetic), and Spastic. Podcast host Brad and Sharon both attended the Anne Carlson School (formerly the Crippled Children's School) in Jamestown, North Dakota.

Today's guest is Sharon Leathers from Sunny Florida. Greg from Roll-A-Ramp shares info on the three types of cerebral palsy: Ataxic, Athatoid (Dyskinetic), and Spastic. Podcast host Brad and Sharon both attended the Anne Carlson School (formerly the Crippled Children's School) in Jamestown, North Dakota.

Sight is a sense people often take for granted. Despite some limitations, people who are blind or have low vision can live pretty normal lives. Today's guest is Dr. Allan Peterson of Horace, North Dakota. Allan lost his vision when in his 30's due to a degenerative eye disease. Today he talks about navigating life while blind for the latter half of his life.

Season 2 Episode 4: Sight is a sense people often take for granted. Despite some limitations, people who are blind or have low vision can live pretty normal lives. Today's guest is Dr. Allan Peterson of Horace, North Dakota. Allan lost his vision when in his 30's due to a degenerative eye disease. Today he talks about navigating life while blind for the latter half of his life.

Anophthalmia is a birth defect where a baby is born without one or both eyes. In today's episode Brad interviews one of his caregivers CC, who has a 21 year old daughter with this condition. CC talks about the details of the disability and the situation involving raising a daughter with these challenges.

Season 2 Episode 3: Anophthalmia is a birth defect where a baby is born without one or both eyes. In today's episode Brad interviews one of his caregivers CC, who has a 21 year old daughter with this condition. CC talks about the details of the disability and the situation involving raising a daughter with these challenges.

Season 2 Episode 2: Adding a wheelchair ramp to your home doesn't have to be complicated. Today's guest is Howard Rosten from SMILES Center for Independent Living in Mankato, Minnesota. Howard works with many clients to make their homes accessible. This episode also builds on episodes 13 and 18 from season 1.

Adding a wheelchair ramp to your home doesn't have to be complicated. Today's guest is Howard Rosten from SMILES Center for Independent Living in Mankato, Minnesota. Howard works with many clients to make their homes accessible. This episode also builds on episodes 13 and 18 from season 1.

Season 2 Episode 1: Welcome back to season two! Today podcast host Brad Gabrielson, a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, interviews Matt Magness, principal owner of the Roll-A-Ramp company. Roll-A-Ramp sponsors this podcast and is a global company that manufactures portable ramps for a variety of accessibility needs. Matt answers questions about how he came to own the company, and about the present and future of the ramp industry.

Welcome back to season two! Today podcast host Brad Gabrielson, a wheelchair user with cerebral palsy, interviews Matt Magness, principal owner of the Roll-A-Ramp company. Roll-A-Ramp sponsors this podcast and is a global company that manufactures portable ramps for a variety of accessibility needs. Matt answers questions about how he came to own the company, and about the present and future of the ramp industry.

Today host Brad Gabrielson along with friends Greg and Jennifer look back at season 1 of the podcast by discussing favorite guests and popular episodes. Thank you for following along on this adventure. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as we are looking forward to 2021.

Today host Brad Gabrielson along with friends Greg and Jennifer look back at season 1 of the podcast by discussing favorite guests and popular episodes. Thank you for following along on this adventure. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as we are looking forward to 2021.

Arthrogryposis, also called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), describes a variety of conditions involving multiple joint contractures (or stiffness) where the range of motion of a joint is limited. The joints may be unable to fully or partially extend or bend. The condition can affect hands, legs and walking, and sometimes speech. Today’s featured guest is Kevin Arhus. He was born with AMC and is a long-time friend of host Brad Gabrielson. The two attended the North Dakota Crippled Children’s School (later renamed the Anne Carlsen Center) in their younger years.

Arthrogryposis, also called Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita (AMC), describes a variety of conditions involving multiple joint contractures (or stiffness) where the range of motion of a joint is limited. The joints may be unable to fully or partially extend or bend. The condition can affect hands, legs and walking, and sometimes speech. Today’s featured guest is Kevin Arhus. He was born with AMC and is a long-time friend of host Brad Gabrielson. The two attended the North Dakota Crippled Children’s School (later renamed the Anne Carlsen Center) in their younger years.

People with disabilities can encounter a variety of challenges that may not be obvious to other individuals. Today's special guest is Dr. Allan Peterson from Horace, North Dakota. Allan has been blind for more than half his life after losing his sight while in his 30s. Today he shares his experiences of voting in elections and explains how special technology allowed him to vote in 2020 without assistance. Host Brad Gabrielson along with Jennifer and Greg from Roll-A-Ramp discuss the topic of accessible voting in elections.