Podcasts about Best Buddies International

Peyton Bolling, Miss America's Teen 2025, is a high school senior, civics advocate, and academic achiever with a passion for service and leadership. As the daughter of a U.S. Marine Corps Colonel, Peyton has a deep appreciation for the sacrifices made by military families and a profound love for her country. Her father's multiple deployments inspired her to foster unity within her community and promote civic participation and active citizenship.Peyton's leadership journey began in 2023 when she was selected as a United States Senate Page. During her transformative five-month experience living and working on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., she gained invaluable firsthand insight into the federal legislative process. Motivated by this experience, Peyton launched Civics in Motion, an initiative designed to educate individuals of all ages on the importance of government engagement and community involvement. She has expanded her program, collaborating with organizations such as the Winthrop Rockefeller Foundation, the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce Civics Bee, and the Arkansas Secretary of State.Peyton further amplifies her advocacy through Glimpses in Government, an Instagram series she created and hosts to make government more accessible to teens by featuring interviews with civic leaders at all levels. Balancing her advocacy work with academics, Peyton maintains a 4.2 GPA while taking college-level courses and serving as the All Student Body Vice President at her high school. She has earned recognition as an AP National Scholar with Distinction and was honored as Arkansas' Military Kid of the Month. Her achievements also include being a National Dancemaker Scholarship Winner, a 2024 Arkansas Girls State Senator, and a vocal advocate for youth engagement and voter registration.As Miss America's Teen, Peyton continues to expand Civics in Motion while partnering with organizations such as Best Buddies International, the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women campaign, and supporting the Miss America Opportunity. Looking ahead, Peyton plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from the University of Arkansas and earn a Juris Doctorate, aspiring to shape American governance and policy in Washington, D.C.Peyton's journey reflects her unwavering commitment to service, leadership, and creating positive change, inspiring others to become engaged and thoughtful citizens.Follow her on instagram at: @MissAmericasTeen and @PeytonBolling and @CivicsInMotionFollow us on Instagram @oneworldonefuturepodcast to be the first to know when new episodes drop! And don't forget to follow our host, Ashley, at @itsashleynevison for even more updates and behind-the-scenes content!

Best Buddies: Champions of Disability Inclusion with Anthony Kennedy Shriver In this episode of ‘Pushing Forward with Alycia,' Alycia welcomes Anthony Kennedy Shriver, the founder, chairman, and CEO of Best Buddies International, to honor Best Buddies Month and Spread the Word Day. They discuss the harmful use of the ‘R word,' the growth and impact of Best Buddies since its establishment in 1989, and Anthony's personal inspirations from his family, including his mother, Eunice Kennedy Shriver, and his aunt, Rosemary Kennedy. The conversation highlights the importance of employment, social connections, leadership, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Anthony emphasizes the cultural shift towards inclusion, the powerful role of companies in creating inclusive environments, and Best Buddies' various initiatives, including employment programs, leadership training, and the exciting new launch of a dating app in collaboration with Bumble for people with special abilities. Themes That Shaped the Conversation  The True Spirit of America

As part of a Bloomberg TV discussion on the company's partnership with Best Buddies International, Jersey Mike's CEO Peter Cancro also discussed the company's recent sale to Blackstone for $8 billion. He spoke with Bloomberg's Scarlet Fu and Romaine Bostick. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Timeout with Leaders, Tyler White and Kevyn Rustici chat with Lindsay, who shares her journey of personal growth and community service. As a devoted Bills fan and leader at Best Buddies International, Lindsay discusses the importance of teamwork, the influence of her parents on her pursuit of happiness, and the profound impact of her trip to Nicaragua. She challenges listeners to redefine success on their own terms and emphasizes the significance of giving back to the community. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that encourages you to live authentically and embrace the power of service!

In this episode, I speak to Jeanne and Sara from Best Buddies. Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, inclusive living, and family support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).I found this episode to be very informative and inspiring. They are currently looking for people to become buddies in their citizens' program to be matched for a one-to-one friendship. After listening to this episode I hope that you will feel inspired too and will get involved in whatever capacity you can. For more information about Best Buddies in your community please visit https://www.bestbuddies.org/If you are in New Hampshire visit https://www.bestbuddies.org/newhampshire/Be sure to follow Dose of Good on social media for the latest updates on the PodcastFacebook -https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552349588905Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/dose_of_good_podcast/?utm_source=qrYouTube -    / @doseofgoodpodcast

In this episode, we have the honor of sitting down with a true legend in the New England cycling community—Richard Fries. Richard is the Co-Founder of Domestique Events, which organizes two incredible gravel events: the Lime Rock Epic and the Natchaug Epic. He also serves as the Director of Cycling Experience at Best Buddies International, a nonprofit organization that provides opportunities and support for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.In this episode, Richard shares his remarkable journey in cycling, from his early days as a bike racer to his current roles as an event producer, advocate, and commentator. We dig into his career highlights, including his time working with the UCI as their first official English-language announcer and his leadership role at MassBike. Richard also discusses the important work Best Buddies does to foster inclusion through its charity rides and cycling programs, and how he helps make those events some of the safest and most enjoyable rides in the country.We also explore how to make cycling more inclusive, bridge the gap between different types of cyclists, and hear about Richard's thoughts on e-bikes and the decline of road racing in New England. Finally, Richard gives us an insider's look at the Lime Rock Epic and Natchaug Epic—two must-ride events for any gravel enthusiast!Tune in for an inspiring conversation about endurance sports, cycling advocacy, and why New England truly is the best region for cyclists.**Episode Highlights:**- Richard's early career in cycling, his time as a race announcer, and founding Domestique Events- The mission of Best Buddies and its impact on the community through cycling- Insights on making cycling more inclusive and accessible- The challenges and rewards of putting on iconic gravel events like the Lime Rock and Natchaug Epics- Richard's favorite rides and thoughts on the future of New England cyclingFor more information, check out Domestique Events and Best Buddies. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @newenglandendurance to stay updated on future episodes and events!Art & Eric embark on a journey to showcase and celebrate the endurance sports community in New England.

In this episode, Lauren meets yet another life trajectory twin, Janelle Meyer, who went to college with dreams of being a graphic designer, but who eventually came back to her true calling, work helping students succeed. Janelle is a special educator with a real passion for using brain-based methods to help children learn to read and succeed in school. This episode covers her journey to becoming a special education teacher, the reasons why she loves having a partner in her small business, and the importance of finding continuity (in both your professional and social life!) in the otherwise unpredictable Foreign Service lifestyle.--Janelle Meyer is an international educator, inclusion advocate, avid runner, and mom. Having spent the last 15 years living and working in Beijing, Kuala Lumpur, Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), London, and the USA, she has developed a deep understanding of educational practices and how to support neurodiverse needs.Having an older brother with significant special needs, she has always sought inclusionary practices supporting the whole learner and family outside the classroom. In Malaysia, she was a founding board member of SENIA's local chapter (SENIM). Bridging the classroom to the real world, she founded chapters of Best Buddies International in China & Malaysia.With her masters in Special Education and as a certified dyslexia practitioner, she is the co-founder of Global Village Tutors, which reflects a holistic and evidence-based approach to nurturing well-rounded, resilient international students with Dyslexia and/or ADHD. GVT has experienced educators and professionals dedicated to helping students overcome their challenges and succeed academically in the world. They offer various services, from one-on-one instruction or school guidance through the learning support process tailored to each student and family's unique needs.Global Village Tutors WebsiteJanelle's LinkedInContribute to her World Vision team's fundraising goals for the Chicago Marathon Learn more about and get involved with Janelle's favorite global organizations supporting the needs of diverse children:SENIA NetworkBest Buddies

Have you ever had two leaders telling you two different things that are in direct opposition to each other? It's a common dish served in foodservice, where franchised locations, channel teams or contracted locations mean that a worker might suddenly feel like they're sandwiched between more than one boss.And that disjointed experience makes it hard to rally employees around a consistent and engaging brand mission that enables and empowers employees to deliver guest experiences that drive loyalty and revenue.Enter Eurest USA, a contract foodservice company within Compass Group that's developed an award-winning recipe for delivering memorable food and guest experiences across 48 states and a wide range of restaurants and brands.Alison Lambert, Director of Engagement & Insights at Eurest, joined ITK host JD Dillon to share how the organization tackles the meaty challenge of ensuring its 16K+ team members are empowered to deliver a meaningful, consistent guest experience while connected to the same company-wide goals.Learn more about Eurest - Eurest-USA.comFollow Eurest on Instagram - instagram.com/eurestusaSupport Alison's charity of choice, Best Buddies International - bestbuddies.orgGet a copy of JD's book, The Modern Learning Ecosystem - jdwroteabook.comFor more about why Axonify is the essential employee enablement solution that equips frontlines with the tools to learn, connect and get things done, visit https://www.axonify.com.

In Episode 156 I had the honor to speak with Garett Tomasek, U.S. leader of Best Buddies. Garett was introduced to me and the Unstoppable Mindset by accessiBe's own Sheldon Lewis, also a past guest on the podcast. Sheldon also introduced me to an incredible woman who is a Best Buddy in Canada. Meet Jessica Rotolo who is a talented and fearless 25-year-old model, artist, self-advocate, actor and dancer, who has a passion for performing on film and stage. Jessica was born with Downs Syndrome. I empathize a great deal as my parents, like Jessica's, were told that she would be a burden on them. As with my parents, Jessica's parents, especially her mom, fiercely opposed the idea that their daughter could not grow up to do whatever she wanted with her life. Along the way, Jessica was introduced to Best Buddies Canada where she met one of her pier buddies, Lauren Abela. Under the Best Buddies program, a Best Buddy like Jessica gets a new “pier buddy” every year. These people are volunteers who choose to become friends and mentors for persons with development or intellectual disabilities. In the case of Lauren and Jessica, their relationship flourished, and they became and still are clearly best friends, and Jessica's mom, Dorlean is also part of the team. Mom refers to herself as Jessica's Momager and prefers to work behind the scenes. However, she clearly is a significant part of the conversation you get to experience on this episode. Clearly these three are an unstoppable force. Lauren is a leader in Best Buddies and Jessica is an international ambassador for the program. Check out this episode and be ready to be inspired and encouraged. About the Guest: Jessica Rotolo Jessica is a talented and fearless 25-year-old model, artist, self-advocate, actor and dancer, who has a passion for performing on film and stage. Jessica was born with Down syndrome and is a role model for her community as well as an Ambassador for DramaWay, Best Buddies Canada and Best Buddies International. As the recipient of several awards, Jessica has also been recognized in the Ontario Legislative Assembly and the Canadian House of Commons for her outstanding international commitment in advocating and fundraising for her Down Syndrome community. She has performed in several musical drama productions throughout her career at DramaWay, a Toronto drama company serving the All-Abilities community. She has been a guest on several Canadian News Stations and Talk Shows. She has appeared in numerous campaigns for the Canadian Down Syndrome Society and a Documentary called “Employable Me Canada” not to mention a number of other fashion shows and photo shoots, including the Fashion Arts Toronto show and with designer 3ndolith. Dorlean Rotolo As her “Momager,” Dorlean is committed to supporting her daughter, Jessica, in all aspects of her career of modeling, acting, dancing and her advocacy for Best Buddies Canada, Best Buddies International and the Down syndrome community at large. Lauren Abela Lauren is a recent psychology graduate and now Student Recruitment Officer at the University of Guelph-Humber. She was first introduced to Best Buddies in high school at St. Jean de Brebeuf in Vaughan, Canada. Lauren fell in love with the atmosphere and purpose of the organization, and soon took on greater leadership roles including co-founding her own chapter with Jessica and becoming Canada's first Global Ambassadors for Best Buddies together. Because of Jessica, Lauren chose her thesis research topic to be called, “Down Syndrome Acceptance: Changing Attitudes Through Interventions.” Through her research, she found a positive relationship between disability education and inclusionary attitudes. Lauren is grateful to have attended university on a full scholarship as a Founders' Academic Merit Scholarship recipient, and made the most of her last 4 years as an active member in the community. Upon graduating, she received her school's top graduation awards, including Gold Medallion for Leadership Excellence and Michael Nightingale Community Enrichment Award. Presently, Lauren plans to pursue further education to become a Registered Psychologist and continue her research assistantship with her former professor's non-profit, Teaching & Learning Research (TLR) In Action, studying the accessibility of post-secondary classrooms for the visually impaired. In the meantime, she travels around Ontario promoting her school, encouraging students to apply for scholarships and consider joining Best Buddies. Best Buddies taught her that friendships are not something to be taken for granted, and the power of giving kindness to someone who needs it most holds immeasurable impact. Ways to connect with Jessica, Dorlean & Lauren: Best Buddies Canada Instagram: https://instagram.com/bestbuddiescanada?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Best Buddies Canada Website: https://bestbuddies.ca Jessica's Instagram: https://instagram.com/jessica.rotolo20?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== Jessica's Linktree Website: https://linktr.ee/Jessica.Rotolo20 Shop Jessica's Cards: https://kidicarus.ca/product-tag/jessica-rotolo/ About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes: **Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us. **Michael Hingson ** 01:21 Well, hello once again and welcome to unstoppable mindset today we get to do something a little bit different, something we haven't done a lot, although when we do it. It's kind of fun. And that is we have more than one guest on the podcast today. Several months ago, we had a guest on Garrett Tomasek, who is involved with best buddies in the United States. And if you listened to that episode, you had a chance to learn about Best Buddies. And he was introduced to us by Sheldon Lewis here at AccessiBe well. Along the way, Sheldon also introduced us introduced us if I could talk I'd be in great shape but introduced us to Jessica Rotolo and Dorlean Rotolo and Lauren Abela. Lauren is a best buddy Jessica is a best buddy of Lauren's. And we also have, as I said, other people involved in this whole thing specifically Darlene, who is Jessica's mom, she prefers to be called her momager. And we're going to talk all about that. But Jessica is involved in a lot of different events. Jessica is a model, she's an actress, she does a variety of different kinds of things. And she was born with Down syndrome. So we're going to talk about all of that. And we're going to talk about best buddies and do whatever it is that we need to do to make this a fun time. So sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. And I think I'm going to start with Jessica and say welcome to unstoppable mindset. How are you? **Jessica Rotolo ** 03:00 Yes, I'm great. I'm great. I go. ahead, go ahead. I am 25 years old, and I live in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, and I was born with Down syndrome. And right here is a buddy of mine, a pure buddy who I love. **Lauren Abela ** 03:21 Lauren. Jessica is hugging me right now. I'm Lauren. **Jessica Rotolo ** 03:24 And my mom who I live with **Michael Hingson ** 03:29 Hug your mom too. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 03:30 And I'm getting hugs right now. **Michael Hingson ** 03:33 Okay, just checking for **Dorlean Rotolo ** 03:35 being just as mom is the amount of hugs we get. Well, that's kind of I once said on a documentary she did that she she would be a professional hugger. **Jessica Rotolo ** 03:45 And that was called employable me. And that was when I was looking for a job and they helped me actually get a job at Navara the costume rental store. And well, so they do and they also helped me get my art and to Christmas cards. **Michael Hingson ** 04:04 Oh, so do you have a job today? Today? **Jessica Rotolo ** 04:07 I do. I actually work at my preschool. Centennial. Jobcentre. Ah, okay, I am a path forward classroom assistant there because I went to Centennial when I was a kid, a baby, a baby, a **Michael Hingson ** 04:27 baby. Well, that's kind of cool. Well, Lauren, let's welcome you also to unstoppable mindset. How are you? **Lauren Abela ** 04:34 I'm doing good. I'm nervous but excited. **Michael Hingson ** 04:38 Don't be nervous. No need to be nervous. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 04:43 You don't bite do you? **Michael Hingson ** 04:45 Never anxious. Just food. And humans are not food. So no. Well, Lauren, tell us a little bit about you kind of growing up. Why don't you start us off with that. We learned already a little bit about Jeff because she's 25, and she was born with Down syndrome, we'll come back to that. But tell us about you, Lauren. Yeah, **Lauren Abela ** 05:05 so I was born, normally developing, I have a twin brother and two older sisters, born and raised here in Ontario, Canada. And I first got involved in high school with best buddies in the 11th grade. So halfway into my career, and I haven't left since. So **Michael Hingson ** 05:24 how did you discover Best Buddies? **Lauren Abela ** 05:26 So I know that the club had a presence around my high school. And they would often host events and have tables set up during club fairs, and they would have big sales. So within those first couple years, I was getting familiar with the organization. And then finally, in the 11th grade, they were recruiting people for to join the Club. And then after that, I was like, you know, why not? What's, what's stopping me from joining and just and making new friends. So that was why I wanted to go and join and was that hope of making new friends and here I am today, so incredibly blessed to have my truly lifetime best friend Jessica? **Jessica Rotolo ** 06:06 Yes. And I started best buddies in grade nine of high school. And I've been in Best Buddies for 10 plus years. And it's been a fun ride through it. Oh, **Michael Hingson ** 06:24 well, how did you discover Best Buddies? We heard how Lauren did. But Jessica, how did you discover Best Buddies? **Jessica Rotolo ** 06:30 I actually heard about it from a teacher in class that Emily Chang was an is her name. And she told everyone about it. And I said, oh, oh, join. And I heard of I joined and I loved it ever since. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 06:57 Now. How to highland park. **Jessica Rotolo ** 07:00 Yeah. To Highland Park High School. Yeah. How **Michael Hingson ** 07:05 close in age are you to learn and Jessica? **Jessica Rotolo ** 07:08 Well, I'm 25 and Lauren is 22 turns.Okay, four months? **Michael Hingson ** 07:13 Yeah. All right. So, so you and how old? How old? Were you, Jessica, when you were in the ninth grade and started voting and best? You were four. Okay. My gosh. Okay. So, you started well, before Lauren, how did you guys meet and become best buddies. **Jessica Rotolo ** 07:31 So we met when I went to Humber College, when I went there. And I, she called Best Buddies, Canada. And she wanted to join, she wanted to start up a Best Buddies group up there. And I called Best Buddies, Canada. And I said that I want to start up as buddies up there as well. So best buddies, Canada basically. put us together. And we met first at Humber, at the Starbucks there, and we decided to start up a Best Buddies chapter. **Lauren Abela ** 08:14 And, Michael, just to add on to that, if you're not, if, you know, just to share some background information that's based Canada is quite a small leadership team. So we had reached out to different people within the organization. And then in office, they're like, Hey, someone from Hungary reached out. Yeah. Someone from the University of Guelph Humber reached out. So it was the team over at the space Canada. Deanna and Vicki who connected Jessica and I together. Yes. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 08:40 And the university and the college are right beside each other. They are Yeah, so. **Jessica Rotolo ** 08:46 So the Humber College actually went to 12. Humber University University. **Michael Hingson ** 08:50 Right. So did you get a college degree, Jessica? **Jessica Rotolo ** 08:57 Well, I was in the sea ice program there. And that is a two year program for people with special needs, like me and other people who have autism and other any **Michael Hingson ** 09:14 special special special needs. Yeah, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 09:16 it's a two year program. Yes, **Jessica Rotolo ** 09:18 a two year program. And I was in person for a little bit and then COVID happened. And I was online, which I did not like. Yeah, yeah. But I also did a documentary in 2018 called employable me. And that's when I got the job and the cards, but they also said that I was eligible to graduate two years before 2015. And that meant that if I graduated, then I would have gone to Humber College in person all throughout **Dorlean Rotolo ** 09:56 Europe, but then I don't think you'll remember Lauren. Yeah. Yeah, I meant to be, **Jessica Rotolo ** 10:01 but it was meant to be. But I went, I deferred it for a year and then an orphan. Yeah. Worked out. **Michael Hingson ** 10:08 Yeah. Sodid you go back to college and finish or? **Jessica Rotolo ** 10:12 Well, I defer it for a year. And they went to Humber what engineering. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 10:18 She got accepted. But then she deferred the acceptance for one year because I had a number of things she was doing. So then she went to college for the two year program. Okay. The second year was COVID. So yeah, she was **Lauren Abela ** 10:31 Jessica. I can't imagine what if you had beat me to starting the chapter? Chapter. Yeah. **Michael Hingson ** 10:40 So after COVID, so you haven't gone back and finished your second year yet? No, **Jessica Rotolo ** 10:45 no, I'm done now. Oh, no, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 10:47 you finished? She finished it online, **Michael Hingson ** 10:49 online. Okay. Okay. And I **Jessica Rotolo ** 10:51 graduated online as well. Cool. **Michael Hingson ** 10:55 So you virtually walked across the stage and got here. So Dorlean, tell us about you a little bit, kind of your life growing up, and then certainly having the opportunity to be with Jessica, and being a mom and all that. This has obviously been different for you than probably what you expected? **Dorlean Rotolo ** 11:20 Oh, absolutely. I grew up in Saskatchewan and rural farming community. My father was a farmer, my mother, a nurse and, you know, had a lovely life in not in Saskatchewan, and then move to the mountains. And then after when I was living in Banff, I decided I wanted to move out to Ontario, so moved here and luckily met my husband. And you know, we had Jessica and it certainly was a shock like most families when you have a surprise that you weren't expecting, and but we wouldn't change Jessica in any any possible way. She is a force to be reckoned with. Yes. And the Down Syndrome has not stopped her from leading an unbelievable life. I **Jessica Rotolo ** 12:06 do anything anyone else can do. Yeah, she's **Dorlean Rotolo ** 12:09 very, very accomplished, young lady. And we're incredibly proud of her. And my first time that actually I went to a hotel to a, an event in Vaughan, which is north of Ontario. And I didn't know it, but it was a Best Buddies event that was being put on. And I remember having a t shirt from it that I eventually just gave away because I'm like, I don't know why I have this t shirt anymore. And then lo and behold, when Jessica, signs up for Best Buddies, I'm like, Oh my gosh, I should have kept that T shirt. Yeah. **Michael Hingson ** 12:46 Yeah. Well, so do you have other children? Yes, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 12:49 we have one daughter. Her name is Bobby. And she's doing her PhD in Waterloo, Ontario, and very proud of her. She started her PhD when she was 22 years old. And that's in public health. And yeah, she's doing very accomplished younger woman as well. **Michael Hingson ** 13:05 Jessica, are you gonna go get a PhD? **Jessica Rotolo ** 13:08 I don't know. Yeah. To a makeup course. So I want to learn everything to know that is about makeup. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 13:20 Well, when you go into her bedroom at Sephora. **Jessica Rotolo ** 13:26 She's got a makeup to **Michael Hingson ** 13:29 what to tell people a little bit about Jessica. Jessica is a model. She's an artist, self advocate, actor, and dancer. And you have performed in a variety of different kinds of things that I do want to get to all that. But the point is that you are definitely doing a lot of stuff. So maybe a PhD isn't in your future, and that's okay. Or you might decide down the line that you want to be more of an academic, but that's probably a whole lot more boring than being an artist and a dancer. And especially, I speak from experience being a self advocate. Yeah, yeah. Yeah, so you **Jessica Rotolo ** 14:08 I am a self advocate for Down syndrome and Best **Dorlean Rotolo ** 14:12 Buddies and alopecia and alopecia because **Jessica Rotolo ** 14:15 in 2014, I was on a pill for sleep disorders and I caused alopecia. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 14:25 Yeah, target all patients. **Michael Hingson ** 14:28 Tell us about that. Tell us what that is. How **Jessica Rotolo ** 14:31 alopecia is hair loss. So I was completely bald from head to toe. Like hair, eyebrows, lashes everywhere. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 14:42 And then so we after nine months from the pill Jessica passed out. So we took the took her off the pill and then within eight months her hair started growing back. Yeah. But then there were still patches that were not coming back. So Jessica was would go to Sandy Brooklyn. hospital. Yes. And every three months is hollow just **Jessica Rotolo ** 15:03 there. We did 50. So it is a 50 steroid injections and my head and eyebrows. And that did not work **Dorlean Rotolo ** 15:14 every three months. And then very luckily Pfizer came out with a trial test pill, which Jessica was accepted to three and a half years ago. And so she's been going to a dermatologist and she's on that. And it's grown her hair to 32 inches long. **Jessica Rotolo ** 15:30 Wow. And growing and growing. And going with the pill. Yeah. **Jessica Rotolo ** 15:36 And now we're doing a documentary on my hair grow hair loss and hair growth journey. And I'll be cutting my hair off shoulder length, and I'll be donating my hair as a wig to someone who has **Dorlean Rotolo ** 15:58 alopecia. So continental hair is where Jessica bought a number of weeks when she had her hair loss. And they are graciously part of the documentary with Sunnybrook Hospital. And they will, Michael Suba. His name is and he will be donate making a way out of justice hair that will be donated to a young woman who is suffering from alopecia. **Michael Hingson ** 16:22 Oh, that's that's pretty cool. Yeah. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 16:25 And she's getting her hair cut when I started taping this weekend. **Jessica Rotolo ** 16:31 We can Yeah. **Michael Hingson ** 16:32 What's the new documentary **Dorlean Rotolo ** 16:33 gonna be about? Well, Jessica's hair loss and regrowth journey. Okay. And **Michael Hingson ** 16:38 when will that be released? **Dorlean Rotolo ** 16:42 For spring, spring? Because we'd like to enter into Tiff and all the film festivals, and then also put it into the educational system. Yes. So it'd be a 12 to 15 minute documentary. Yeah. So we're very excited about it. We have a wonderful director named Scott drecker. Who is, is doing all the filming will **Jessica Rotolo ** 17:02 love him. Yeah. I also did a couple of public service announcements. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 17:09 And that's how we know him. Yeah, that's how we did that was for the Down Syndrome. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 17:15 Society. That's right, **Michael Hingson ** 17:16 so. So Dorlean, what is best buddies meant for you? Clearly, and I know that Jessica and Lauren have thoughts about that, and we can talk about that. But I'm curious, what does it really mean for you? 17:32 Well, the biggest thing for me was friendship. When Jessica joined, the friends that she made, and still has connected with is unbelievable. They are women that now our doctors are going to medical school. They are all very accomplished young women, and they still keep in touch with Jessica. So to me, it's friendship, this is what best buddies really is. For our family, and but also it's the, it's to the it's given just so many unbelievable opportunities to become a leader, they they have given her so many different ways where she can just shine and and and be that leader that we knew was in there. Because she hasn't gotten it from other other places, associations, but Best Buddies has just let her shine. I've been to two **Jessica Rotolo ** 18:29 leadership conferences in Toronto, Canada, twice. One was a sleepover and when was a day thing? **Michael Hingson ** 18:39 And what were the leadership conferences about or what did you accomplish there? **Jessica Rotolo ** 18:44 Um, basically how to make new friends and learning how to speak in front of large crowds. 18:54 Well, there you go. And be an advocate. Yeah. **Michael Hingson ** 18:58 So Lauren, do you go to on any of these events with Jessica? **Lauren Abela ** 19:04 Yes. So my first one similar to justice story was in high school. So before we had met, but you know, just over the summer, we went to the International Leadership Conference. **Jessica Rotolo ** 19:13 We did and that was our first one in person. Yeah, first, where was that? Indiana? 19:21 Oh, it's an Indiana **Jessica Rotolo ** 19:23 in the US. **Michael Hingson ** 19:24 I have. I have close friends. So we live in Bloomington. It's beautiful. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 19:29 Believe how stunning it was just loved every minute because Joe and I went as well. Yeah. And we had a mini vacation while they were off working and getting up at six and **Lauren Abela ** 19:42 made sure I was up on time. Mondays but so memorable. **Michael Hingson ** 19:48 This is where I know Best Buddies is is a miracle organization because there's never a day that just go get up at 6am **Michael Hingson ** 19:58 Well, you know that's how actresses are They like to sleep late. Oh, **Michael Hingson ** 20:01 yeah. Yeah, I like to sleep in and then they party till 1111 30 at night so or later. **Michael Hingson ** 20:10 Sleep. So So Jessica, you are doing a lot of different things with acting and art and so on. Why and how did you start all of that? And how young were you when you started that? **Jessica Rotolo ** 20:24 I believe I started this. My art and everything. When I was like four, I think what, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 20:34 John who taught you how to do so Jessica signature has a heart tell them? Yes. **Jessica Rotolo ** 20:38 My heart is Madras signature. And my my aunt, my aunt, Auntie Bev taught me how to make an M first, and then a V at the bottom and connect it and connect them make a heart like a heart. But now, I do it all myself. Yeah, yeah. **Michael Hingson ** 20:59 So what kind of art do you do? Hearts, our hearts. **Jessica Rotolo ** 21:04 Make hearts and then also people, female and male. And **Michael Hingson ** 21:11 what kind of art is it? Is it just drawing or painting or what? **Jessica Rotolo ** 21:15 Painting Manet? Okay, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 21:19 you're one of Jessica's pieces **Michael Hingson ** 21:20 of art? Well, for those who can see the podcast, because a lot of people are going to be listening to this, but if you want to show one, I don't see a problem. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 21:30 Well, you know, the the unique thing about Jessica is Hearts is that she divides them into little squares and colors. And so they're very, very colorful, and, and very **Jessica Rotolo ** 21:41 intricate. I would say it **Dorlean Rotolo ** 21:44 takes her about 40 to 50 hours to do one of **Michael Hingson ** 21:46 her I was just gonna ask that. Yeah, so 50 hours to do one, huh? Are you do you do oil paint or what? **Jessica Rotolo ** 21:54 No acrylic paint acrylic. Okay. Yes. So like on the canvas. Now, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 21:58 when she first started out, it was crayons. It was like a pencil crayon. Yeah. And then I introduced her to the acrylic paint when she got older. And yeah, they're they're a work of art. And she's Yeah, our prime minister has one dancer and mentioned national has one while we gave 24 away to a World Down Syndrome Day event that we did on March 21st. So many people have just because wonderful heart and **Jessica Rotolo ** 22:26 then when I started acting, I believe it was 15 I think with drama away, or your 14 when you thank you. I was 14. And I loved it ever since that **Dorlean Rotolo ** 22:48 you call them your second family. Yeah. And what do you do with drama? Where **Michael Hingson ** 22:51 does the classes tell us about trauma? **Jessica Rotolo ** 22:54 Our drama, winter or is like a group B? This is Mississauga, West Scarborough east, everywhere. Number of classes for drama. There is songwriting, which I love the most. That one is where you write your own songs. As a group as a group. Yes. And then dance. Dancing. I love dancing and dancing. I started when I was 1616. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 23:34 Yeah. But when with drama when you didn't when you were young boy. But how **Jessica Rotolo ** 23:39 old? Were your little? Oh, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 23:40 yeah, you started like with ballet. You were three years old. **Jessica Rotolo ** 23:44 Three years old. I started dancing. Wow. **Michael Hingson ** 23:47 So you've been doing it a while needless to say, which is certainly cool. And you've been dancing. So drama. What kind of drama do you do today? **Jessica Rotolo ** 24:00 Um, we do a lot of plays. Like, um, the last play that we did was the very first play that drama we ever did. Wizard of Oz such **Dorlean Rotolo ** 24:12 as 22 years ago. Yes. And I was **Jessica Rotolo ** 24:15 the what keepers of the West. **Michael Hingson ** 24:20 And did you say the big line? I'll get you my pretty and your little dog too. **Jessica Rotolo ** 24:26 I did not. Really? I was going to and what **Dorlean Rotolo ** 24:33 did you say instead? **Jessica Rotolo ** 24:35 I don't remember. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 24:37 You don't remember your line. **Michael Hingson ** 24:42 Oh, what what was her line? **Jessica Rotolo ** 24:44 Yeah, for God. **Michael Hingson ** 24:47 Don't talk to her about forgetting lines. **Jessica Rotolo ** 24:51 But that was the past play that we just did. **Michael Hingson ** 24:56 You just did that one, huh? Yeah, we **Jessica Rotolo ** 24:58 just did that one. Now. **Michael Hingson ** 24:59 I I'm curious. Are plays like that recorded? Do this? Anybody make videos on them? Are they available? **Jessica Rotolo ** 25:07 Yeah, yes. They're all recorded and you can get them online. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 25:11 Yeah and drama. Wait, drama way.com Yeah. And there because it's everybody, everybody that is in an actor all everybody has special needs. And **Michael Hingson ** 25:23 I'm just gonna say Yeah. Then from verbal to **Dorlean Rotolo ** 25:25 nonverbal. And Danielle stir nod who is the **Michael Hingson ** 25:29 executive producer, director and co founder. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 25:33 She? She has that everybody has an amazing role. And the costumes the props are very fun. believable. Yeah. Her staff. What do you think about the staff have drawn love **Jessica Rotolo ** 25:45 them? Yeah, I miss a couple of them. Because some of them are to move on how to move. Yeah, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 25:53 but it's an incredible organization. Yeah. Yeah. And so last year for drama. Wait, I **Jessica Rotolo ** 26:02 am yeah, I'm also an ambassador for jumbo i Tell **Michael Hingson ** 26:05 me about that. Please. **Jessica Rotolo ** 26:08 I love being an ambassador for jumbo I just because I have these a car for being an ambassador. And I can just give one out to any any for if Danielle **Dorlean Rotolo ** 26:25 needs a spokesperson, or anybody who wants to be entered interviewing about drama, wait, just because asked to represent drama. Wait. **Michael Hingson ** 26:36 So Lauren, how are you and Best Buddies involved with what Jessica is doing with drama? Where are you? Other than obviously supporting? Yeah, **Lauren Abela ** 26:48 so actually really had an amazing time watching just because played the Wizard of Oz this year. It was spectacular. So I really, really enjoyed just showing up supporting, watching, it was really a really nice time because all the laughs and how serious everyone takes their role. Like it was a honestly professional production. Needless to say, so. That's the reason generally, they don't have a direct connection at the moment. But nothing that we can't start today. There's anything I've learned from Jessica is that, you know, if you want to do something, go ahead and do it. **Jessica Rotolo ** 27:26 We did a lot of other plays. And actually, some of them were copied onto DVD guns, instead of like online, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 27:36 and there are other actors or performers that are part of the best buddies. organization as well. Yes, yes. But Best Buddies has been incredible. Especially, you know, the way you can tell them what were you with you and Lauren, the first Canadian? **Jessica Rotolo ** 27:52 Oh, yes, we actually we are the first Canadian buddy best buddy pair to be a to be the best buddies global ambassadors. And our kids, this is the top **Lauren Abela ** 28:11 are the ambassadors I'm wearing a purple collared shirt that they gave us at the International Conference this year, which **Dorlean Rotolo ** 28:17 says Best Buddies ambassador. Yes. And then Jessica, you're wearing which **Jessica Rotolo ** 28:21 shirt? I'm wearing my best buddies Canada talk. **Lauren Abela ** 28:25 And it has the logo in white, or a solid red t shirt. **Michael Hingson ** 28:29 What is the logo look like? If you would learn Oh, **Jessica Rotolo ** 28:32 it's actually the logo is two people putting their arms like this around each other on each other. **Lauren Abela ** 28:42 Like, like **Michael Hingson ** 28:43 this doesn't work very well just to go because most people aren't going to see this. They're going to hear it **Jessica Rotolo ** 28:48 actually I got this talk at the 20th year Leadership Conference. **Michael Hingson ** 28:57 Cool. So for you, Lauren. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 29:01 Might may say the the gentleman that he his name is Keith Haring and he's a contemporary artist in the world and he create created and donated the best buddies logo for Anthony Kennedy Shriver Wow, they weren't went to university together. Uh huh. Huh. So that's who does that develop the logo? Yes. **Michael Hingson ** 29:25 So Lauren, what is your favorite thing about having Jessica as a as a best buddy and a best friend? **Lauren Abela ** 29:31 Do I have to pick just one Michael like really? Possible to **Lauren Abela ** 29:42 certainly the key one that like stood out as soon as we met the first day, it was just your confidence. Yeah. And how you approach life and it's definitely learned a lot from you. Still learning each day is a how you can just Jessica how you can just take on challenges and be like You know what, I deserve to be here and I'm gonna own it, whatever you're doing. If you're standing in front of 100,000 people, you're gonna own it. I believe that. So definitely just Well, **Jessica Rotolo ** 30:10 I actually did something called motion ball. I know I for Special Olympics, Canada, I auditioned with a really. I did an audition tape, which I technically really didn't need to, because I was in already. But I auditioned, like, my little skit, and then I won. And I'm much I didn't plan on. And I got to perform at the guard and find out how many people 2500 2500 People **Michael Hingson ** 30:55 did you start? Yeah. **Jessica Rotolo ** 30:58 And I loved it. I don't get nervous whatsoever. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 31:04 And a very interesting fact. Is that, so Anthony Kennedy Shriver started special started. Best Buddies. Yeah. In like 1989. And his aunt and mother started Special Olympics. Right? So he comes from a fabulous lineage of people that just give to the world. And especially people with special needs. So they're extra special. They have an extra special place in our heart, don't they? Yeah, they really do. **Michael Hingson ** 31:37 Well, I think Lauren, you've probably kind of answered this, but I'm going to ask it anyway. What has Jessica taught you that you can take away as a life lesson? Yes, **Lauren Abela ** 31:46 so something I've been sharing with different high schools I've visited for my school. As that's my new job. After graduating from university, I now go around to different high schools in Ontario, recruiting people for the University of Guelph Humber, and include this part of my speech, because I really want others to have a similar friendship story if they can, if they can join best buddies or start their own chapter. And that's that, you know, how to be accepted for who you are. Because Jessica accepts me for who I am. And how to love with all of your heart. So I really, really appreciate Jessica for those two very big. Well, **Michael Hingson ** 32:29 Ken, I think that's extremely important. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 32:32 What do you say they're a very big hug right now. **Michael Hingson ** 32:34 What do you think? What? What do all of you think that best buddies can teach the world? And how can we get more people to pay attention to the lesson? **Dorlean Rotolo ** 32:46 Well, from a parent's perspective, sure that my child can do anything like anybody else, it may take her a little bit longer, but she can do anything. And she just needs to be given the chance from a job to being a friend. Just give them the opportunity because they deserve it. They're part of our planet. And, and they're, you know, we were made by all made by our you know, who we believe in, if you're, if it's God, it's whoever you believe in, we are all made together to live on this planet, and we each deserve. You know, that opportunity just to live a wonderful, wonderful life and Best Buddies. Absolutely. Does that. It does. Yes. **Michael Hingson ** 33:31 Well, well, Jessica and Lauren, in their various ways are ambassadors. It sounds like so are you do you go out and give speeches and talk to the public? No, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 33:39 no, I don't. I don't **Jessica Rotolo ** 33:42 know. She goes on the documentary. Unbelievable. Me with me. Yeah, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 33:45 yeah. So but no, I don't I just I'm behind the scenes making sure that when just because they're, everything's done for her or we work together to do it. Yeah. You know, I'm, I'm her taxi. I'm her. **Jessica Rotolo ** 34:00 With us now for us. Yeah. Yeah, it was awesome. For us. That's the **Jessica Rotolo ** 34:04 same for worldwide Down Syndrome Day. 2023 **Dorlean Rotolo ** 34:08 was yeah, just it was, you know, helped me don't do it for me, help me. Let me let me show you that. I can do it too. I may need help. But just and that's, you know, his World Down Syndrome days. Again, their theme. Yeah, it was wonderful. And **Jessica Rotolo ** 34:22 I was also bullied in the past like, as a little baby and as a little kid and now Best Buddies really helped me make new friends. Yeah. And **Michael Hingson ** 34:38 that's real accepted. That is clearly great and a good thing. And and having a good friend like Lauren is always a valuable thing I think for for anyone, Lauren, you got your degree in psychology. You're going to continue on and go further with that. Yes, **Lauren Abela ** 34:57 I do want to pursue further Education, hopefully become a psychotherapist and and maybe a psychologist down the road. But you know I haven't shared yet but just to come and our friendship influenced my thesis topic thesis research paper. For my fourth year I just wrote it. And that was on Down Syndrome acceptance, changing attitudes through interventions. So it was measuring, quantitatively whether a short video, just sharing more about people with Down syndrome of all different ages, genders in jobs and careers, and how capable they are. And it did find a positive relationship between education and acceptance attitudes. So if there is any advice that I can give people, it's to be open to learning, and to ask questions, and approach people with a positive and open heart. You know, there's enough hate in this world don't spread more from yourself. **Michael Hingson ** 36:03 There's too much hate in this world, actually. But yeah, well, you know, so we've, we've heard a lot about Jessica's leadership and so on, and mom in the background, but you've taken on leadership roles and Best Buddies and elsewhere. Why did you do that? And what what was the inspiration to make that happen? **Lauren Abela ** 36:22 Yeah. Well, I know, I mentioned to you how I joined the student union with my university Ignite. And that was wanting to make clubs more accessible for students to join, seeing the positive impact of Best Buddies on the school. And I just wanted to give back in that way, and like Jessica, Tommy take action, you know, don't wait for someone else to do it. If there's something you want change, and then be that difference you want to see in the world. So that's how I approach these leadership opportunities. And it's certainly, you know, really definitely a credit, Jessica to many of my accomplishments, including the the award that my school gave me. Yes, yeah. Because we were. **Michael Hingson ** 37:11 Now when when you're a best buddy with someone, so Jessica is your best buddy. And and probably more relevant to ask it this way. Do you have more than one best buddy? Or do you stick with one person and devote all your time to that? **Jessica Rotolo ** 37:27 I have lots of money. I have like eight buddies now, since high school. **Michael Hingson ** 37:39 But how many do you have at one time? **Jessica Rotolo ** 37:42 I'm one at a time, one at a time. **Michael Hingson ** 37:45 So Lauren, same for you. **Lauren Abela ** 37:47 Yes. So the beauty of the organization is that for each year or semester, depending on how the chapter organizes it, you are matched with just one person typically hoping, hoping that the numbers do line up. And the goal is to during that one year of commitment, foster friendship to last a lifetime. So that's what happened to Jessica. So **Jessica Rotolo ** 38:10 the mean, yes, but when I was in high school, yes. It was like I had four buddies. From that chapter one **Michael Hingson ** 38:22 each year. Yeah, yes. Yes. Or what? **Dorlean Rotolo ** 38:27 years because you were there for seven years. Yeah. **Jessica Rotolo ** 38:30 Yeah. So I actually know the names as well. Tiffany so Ha, Chloe, Grace, Lauren, Mary Louise from Tmu. And Lisa, and now Priyanka from the Tim you, so? **Michael Hingson ** 38:49 So if you and so the two of you, Lauren and Jessica, are not in the organization's definition. Best Buddies, your best buddies for life anyway. But you have you have different Best Buddies says Best Buddies in the organization. Yes. Yeah. **Lauren Abela ** 39:07 So how it is organized is that students with intellectual or developmental disability are classified as a best buddy. Yeah, and those without an IDD is a pure body. Yes. So those one pure buddy is matched with one best buddy each year. And you know, you can request to be with a person sometimes it really it differs Chapter Two chapter. Yeah, we actually **Jessica Rotolo ** 39:33 requested I requested her to be the the first by developer chapter **Dorlean Rotolo ** 39:40 and the unique thing is Humber is that you have to be a student to be in the in the organization, the chapter, but it Tmu **Jessica Rotolo ** 39:50 Tim, you the buddies don't have to be a student. Yeah. And the pair bonding is have to be a student. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 39:57 Yeah, yeah. And community To be living has come where they are us t Fs okay? **Jessica Rotolo ** 40:03 Yes FST has come in helped us find the bodies and bodies. So **Lauren Abela ** 40:11 different Best Buddies chapters, especially at the university slash college level will partner with the community organization to recruit the best buddies from whereas we at Humber, we're very lucky to have students in the CIC program that we could recruit directly from, **Jessica Rotolo ** 40:27 which I helped with because I was in that program, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 40:31 which has helped you became the largest club and yeah, at the school, didn't you? I **Lauren Abela ** 40:36 want to believe so. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 40:40 You have amazing amount of people come is wonderful. Yes, yeah. Yeah, there's so many great events. **Michael Hingson ** 40:49 So what kind of events? I think we've heard some of the things that the Jessica has done well, but, and obviously, Darlene, but Lauren, what kind of events have you done with this buddies? Or is it sort of similar to what Jessica has already told us? **Lauren Abela ** 41:04 I think the events I just mentioned here are just all of her personal accomplishments. I can't top that, Michael ask someone else. **Michael Hingson ** 41:15 Trying to top it, it's **Dorlean Rotolo ** 41:17 been very shy here, because without Lauren, it was it was a group that, you know, an effort between the two of them, there are partnerships so without each other, that clubs certainly would not have been successful, no as it was, but also the support that best buddies Canada gave them was really wonderful. Deanna is just **Lauren Abela ** 41:40 amazing. And some of the events that Deanna allowed us to participate in include the Ascot, yes. Which was an annual fundraiser so just Can I volunteered with that event? We've gone to the Blue Jays game. Free tickets from Best Buddies, Canada. Yeah, PJs **Dorlean Rotolo ** 41:56 Care Foundation went into the box and sat in the box. **Lauren Abela ** 41:59 Yeah, we're also we've got watch the champions movie and in the feeder in Toronto. Yeah. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 42:04 And that's you've also could, you've had dance evenings at the at the school you've had friendship walks, right? Yeah. Yeah, **Jessica Rotolo ** 42:16 we did. You guys did. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 42:19 Talk to your Yes. That was best, buddy. Yes. **Jessica Rotolo ** 42:22 We also did the friendship dance. But that was my high school. Yeah. And I came in second in a dance off. **Michael Hingson ** 42:34 So Jessica, do you do social media at all? Yes. **Jessica Rotolo ** 42:40 Well, we both do, actually. And what do you do for a zoo? **Michael Hingson ** 42:43 Tell us about that. Hi, sorry, sad again. **Jessica Rotolo ** 42:48 We do Instagram lives together. Tell us about that. It's really fun. **Lauren Abela ** 42:53 Yes, maybe I can share how it started, which came about because of COVID. It was hard to connect with people. And I'm not sure it was a service. But it's Canada that reached out to me. They reached out to us. And they suggested that we go live on their Instagram just sharing a skill. And it became almost a weekly thing for us. **Jessica Rotolo ** 43:14 I believe our first we did a makeup tutorial we **Lauren Abela ** 43:18 do. Yeah. So we've done anywhere from makeup to baking. Cooking. walks outside. Yeah. Fashion. Yeah. And **Jessica Rotolo ** 43:27 also the conference. Yeah, **Lauren Abela ** 43:31 we went live at the conference too. For those that couldn't make it as it was quite far. We wanted to have Sharon in our experience so highly, highly recommend every person to go to a leadership conference at least once in their life. Yeah, **Jessica Rotolo ** 43:44 well, I did three **Dorlean Rotolo ** 43:46 who were some of the people throughout the conference in Indiana. Famous people that you got to meet **Jessica Rotolo ** 43:52 Miss T Miss USA Miss Teen USA, Garin **Jessica Rotolo ** 43:57 flowers? Yes. Getting flowers **Jessica Rotolo ** 44:01 in the Champions cast, the movie of champions, the cast there, but a couple of them our best Windows ambassadors as well. So **Dorlean Rotolo ** 44:13 yeah, yeah, it was one. That was wonderful. You guys had perfect weather. **Jessica Rotolo ** 44:17 Yes. Perfect weather. It was so nice. It was so hot out there. It was. **Michael Hingson ** 44:25 So I'm Darlene, are you strictly behind the scenes? Are you an ambassador for Best Buddies? Or do you take on any kind of roles **Dorlean Rotolo ** 44:33 on behind the scenes Michael? **Michael Hingson ** 44:36 be out in the open at all? Huh? **Michael Hingson ** 44:38 No, I'm behind the scenes. I'm the momager. And yeah, I just make sure that, you know, whatever Jessica needs, you know, from whatever, you know, helping her with what she's going to wear for any event to getting her there safely, making sure she has, you know, nourishment and drinks. Yeah, Let's, I'm just Yeah, strictly behind the scenes which I is for me. One **Jessica Rotolo ** 45:06 time. Enjoyable me. Yeah, why not? That's **Dorlean Rotolo ** 45:08 what we're best buddies. Studies. I'm just when Jessica, when Jessica **Jessica Rotolo ** 45:15 except for my Hayden Park chapter for that she was a part of it as well. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 45:25 Yeah. So what I did with when Jessica was at Hayden Park Secondary School with GE, all girls school in the public, the Toronto District Public School Board. **Jessica Rotolo ** 45:36 Yeah. And we had an attacker with another school UTS UTS. Yeah. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 45:40 And so they were a distance away. So I would drive with our van and I would take two trips for the girls to load into the van and drive them over. So they didn't, because it was too far for them to walk. So it was really nice that they got to go to the other school instead of always having an event at their school or school. Yeah, **Lauren Abela ** 45:59 yeah. Yeah, one thing to jump in, that parents can do, in terms of supporting Best Buddies is actually to advocate to the staff at their school if there isn't a chapter to ask for them to be started one. Yeah. So that's one thing that we want to encourage family members and supporters. So if you know, of a friend or your child who has a disability, and there isn't a best buddy chapter to reach out to the President, the principal, the vice principal, and to see if one can be started. Yeah. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 46:33 And then they just need one of the teachers would be, you know, be the contact with with the school, but it depends if it's at a high school versus a university level. Yeah. Because if it's a university level, did you need a teacher University? No, yeah. No. **Lauren Abela ** 46:51 Students just ourselves. Students. **Jessica Rotolo ** 46:57 In high school, it **Lauren Abela ** 46:58 was an elementary level. So we do our best buddy chapters in elementary as well. Same **Michael Hingson ** 47:04 process in the US and Canada. **Lauren Abela ** 47:09 Well, similar, so you just reach out to your state's supervisor in terms of the States or in Canada, reach out to Best Buddies Canada office, and they will be able to provide support on next steps and how to move forward. **Michael Hingson ** 47:23 So since it's come up, we might as well deal with it if people want to reach out how do they figure out where their local Best Buddies offices are reaching out to their state or whatever? How do they do that? **Jessica Rotolo ** 47:37 You can go online at best buddies.com. Yes, yes. **Lauren Abela ** 47:43 And then there you can find contacts, and what chapters are currently available to be joined. based on your geographic location? Yes. **Lauren Abela ** 47:56 Your work there. Very **Dorlean Rotolo ** 47:57 good. So what is it **Jessica Rotolo ** 47:59 best buy this for? us.org.org? **Michael Hingson ** 48:02 Yeah, that makes sense. This would be a nonprofit. Yeah, yes. Yeah. And do all Best Buddies chapters, pretty much do the same thing with the same kinds of people. So you deal primarily with intellectual disabilities, not all physical disabilities. **Lauren Abela ** 48:17 So there are intersecting disabilities. However, the best buddies main audience are those with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It doesn't exclude anyone, everyone is welcome to join. It just depends on on the the matching system, but there's also the Associate Member position where you don't have to be matched. You can just attend events as you please, to enjoy and the fun and make people meet people across the whole chapters. And that's what **Jessica Rotolo ** 48:44 we are right now. **Michael Hingson ** 48:48 How large is best buddies in Canada now? **Jessica Rotolo ** 48:55 A shop there was in 1993. And that was the York University campus. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 49:05 Yeah, Cam doctor, but how many there are in the in Canada? I really don't know that number. **Jessica Rotolo ** 49:11 Me neither. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 49:12 But it's there's a lot of chapters lots. **Michael Hingson ** 49:16 And you say a started in 1993? Yes. Your, **Jessica Rotolo ** 49:20 your character University was the first ever chapter. It's **Dorlean Rotolo ** 49:23 just north of Toronto. Uh huh. **Lauren Abela ** 49:25 So I can give overall statistics. Best Buddies programs now engage participants in each of the 50. United States. And we're in Canada as well and in over 47 countries impacting over 1.3 million people worldwide. Yeah. **Michael Hingson ** 49:41 So it is pretty substantive, although I don't generally hear much about it, but I'm glad that we've been able to do this, but I haven't really heard a lot about Best Buddies outside of being introduced to Best Buddies, people by Sheldon, which I really am grateful to We'll be able to do, because I like the message you clearly send the message that I think I and other people with disabilities, sin, which is we're as capable as anyone else stop limiting us with your own attitudes and beliefs. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 50:19 And one very interesting fact about what is happening right now with Best Buddies International, it is. They have its National Disability Employment Awareness Month, right. N D. A. M, in India, and is basically to have people you know, just trying to get everybody employed. It's a very big part of the best buddies in the US is to they have wonderful programs. Do **Michael Hingson ** 50:49 you know what the unemployment rate among people with Down syndrome is? No, I don't have that statistic either. Yeah. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 50:57 We have. We have many families whose children or young adults are at home and do not have employment. Like when, as Jessica mentioned, when she was in the last documentary, they helped her get a job at a place called Malabar the costume rental store. And she absolutely loved, loved, loved it. But then COVID happened, it was close down. And then yeah, it was closed for good after that. So she lost her job. He loved it. **Michael Hingson ** 51:24 When he just wanted to go try on costumes. **Jessica Rotolo ** 51:29 Oh, I also I also got to meet a celebrity that came in. He was an actor. From the show victorious. He played back on the show. **Lauren Abela ** 51:54 On the topic of employment, just wanted to quickly mention, I was an ambassador for the Discover ability network. So any viewers listening in from Ontario, this is a free service paid for by the government, for employees with disabilities to connect them to employers looking to hire inclusively. So discoverability network, feel free to check that out later. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 52:14 And Jessica with fcb, Canada, she did a public service announcement. And they one of the things they helped create was a What would you guys create on? Oh, **Jessica Rotolo ** 52:29 we pretty wanted to be employable. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 52:38 employable? Yeah. Yes. And employable. And so they created the first LinkedIn, LinkedIn network for people with Down syndrome. **Michael Hingson ** 52:46 Yes. Ah, now what organization is, again? 52:50 FCB. Canada. What **Michael Hingson ** 52:51 is FCB? 52:52 It's just one of the advertising agencies in I'm not sure what FCB stands for. I was wondering, yeah, I'll look that up. And then with the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, so it doesn't say FCB it just says FCB. Canada. Yeah. Wonderful, wonderful people. And, yeah, so the employable. So anybody who has Down Syndrome who would like to connect to it, it is a LinkedIn page, specifically for people with Down syndrome. Yes. What does it stand for? Long name? Yeah. Oh, yeah. **Lauren Abela ** 53:30 Full service, integrated marketing and communications agency with offices in Toronto and Montreal? Yeah. **Michael Hingson ** 53:36 Well, there you go. Yeah. Well, that is cool. Well, let me ask, Jessica, what are your long term plans? I mean, so you do art, you do modeling and a number of different things. Do you just want to continue that? Do you have any kind of long term goals in life? **Jessica Rotolo ** 53:55 I do have one 54:03 guy in this house. Yeah. That's the problem. You know, Michael is yes, Jessica wants to move out of her house. But you know, it's financially she would never be able to that's the unfortunate thing because she doesn't have the income to be able to move out of her home or home. So she is forced to live with us until, you know, maybe we could while we're trying to get a business going with for Jessica with her with her heart design. And, and her cards are soft. I **Jessica Rotolo ** 54:33 am till five. Yeah. I wouldn't move out. Yeah, I don't live on my own. **Lauren Abela ** 54:39 You know, some people would blame the economy, so I can't really blame the economy. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 54:44 Yeah, it's very expensive to live in Toronto. So champion champions. **Jessica Rotolo ** 54:49 Want to move closer to my work, and your My vigor score for my drama classes around that area. Well, **Michael Hingson ** 55:00 you might, you may find as time goes on, you'll be able to make more of a career out of some of the things you're doing, which would really be exciting. No boys in your life I gather, huh? No, **Lauren Abela ** 55:11 not Yeah, that **Michael Hingson ** 55:12 was a pretty definitive answer. **Jessica Rotolo ** 55:14 I don't want to I don't want any. No, no. No, boy. **Lauren Abela ** 55:24 Are we gonna dance at each other's wedding? **Dorlean Rotolo ** 55:29 They're gonna dance at each other's weddings, but she's got to find a guy first. **Michael Hingson ** 55:35 Seems like a reasonable thing to do. And, you know, I'm, I'm one of those people who's of the opinion there is somebody for everyone. So you just never know, Jessica. 55:44 Yeah. You'll never know. **Michael Hingson ** 55:48 We have Well, we've already got Dorlean addressed. I mean, she's got a guy. So that works. Yeah. So Lauren, what about you? What are your sort of long term goals and guys, and all that? **Lauren Abela ** 55:58 Definitely looking into buying a house in a few years, hopefully. Definitely working because I just started working after just graduating this year. So I want to find a salary position. Some pretty good. And again, yeah, do a master's, become a psychotherapist, maybe do some more research. You know, start a family, get married first. Goals and happy and healthy and make a difference in the world? **Michael Hingson ** 56:28 Have you found the right person to get married to yet? Um, **Lauren Abela ** 56:32 I hope so. I think so. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 56:36 He's our favorite. **Michael Hingson ** 56:37 He's a keeper. No, mom, mom blesses. So that's a good start. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 56:42 He's an extraordinary young man. Very nice. **Michael Hingson ** 56:45 So for each of you question, what advice do you want to give to the world? And we've talked a lot about different things. And I know, we've probably addressed some of the issues. But as we kind of bring this to a close, this has been going for a while it's almost an hour, can you believe it? But **Dorlean Rotolo ** 57:04 what kind of what kind of interviewer? What kind **Michael Hingson ** 57:07 of advice and suggestions? Would you like to leave people with what kinds of thoughts? Let's start with Dorlean? **Dorlean Rotolo ** 57:15 Well, My Messages to Young families, when Jessica was in my arms in the hospital, the doctor that came into the room to assess Jessica basically told me that I would grow to love her, which just absolutely broke my heart. Yeah. And so to all the young families, you know, yes, it's a shock at the beginning when you when you're holding your, your child, and you know, the diagnosis, but life will be incredible. We could not ever imagine our life without Jessica, but also the people she has brought to our lives has been a true blessing. It's been a blessing for us, you know, meeting people like Lauren, Peter, and just all of Jessica's friends in the mothers that I've met and fathers, they're just beautiful people. So it'll be okay. That's, that's my message. It'll be okay. **Michael Hingson ** 58:09 Have you ever had the opportunity to go back and see that doctor who said that? **Dorlean Rotolo ** 58:15 No, no, I don't know what I'd say to him. And especially days later, when we went to back to the hospital, and then he used Jessica as a specimen for a fellow doctor to show the fellow Doctor all the signs of that it's a baby with Down syndrome. Basically, I had a break down for a couple of days, because, you know, that's Is this the way my daughter was going to be perceived by the world? And, you know, we certainly have shown that No, she's not. She's a perfect person in our eyes and everybody's eyes that No, sir, yeah, yes, surely so. **Michael Hingson ** 58:52 So I don't, I don't want to do a lot of preaching myself this week. But I will make the comment that we've got to get beyond this idea that disability means lack of ability, because it doesn't mean lack of ability at all. It's a characteristic and everyone has it. But you know, I hear what you're saying. My parents were told that they should send me away when it was discovered that I was blind and the same thing and they rejected that. And I wish more parents would, would take that step to not just go by what science says just because somebody is different. Yeah. 100%. So Jessica, what kind of advice do you have for the world? How do you want to leave people thinking about you this week? **Jessica Rotolo ** 59:38 So I would say be yourself and just don't be afraid to leave your friends. **Michael Hingson ** 59:47 Yeah, yeah. And it's all about, as you said, being yourself and having the courage to be yourself and don't let people talk you into something that isn't true. Yeah, yeah, it is. and **Jessica Rotolo ** 1:00:00 don't let anyone tell you different. **Michael Hingson ** 1:00:03 Oh, yeah. That's the real key, isn't it? **Dorlean Rotolo ** 1:00:06 Yes. You know? Yeah. **Michael Hingson ** 1:00:10 And if you don't know what you want, figure it out and use your best buddies and your friends but figure it out. Because you can certainly want things just like anyone else. Yes. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 1:00:22 And you know, people don't have to be alone. And if you are alone, contact Best Buddies. **Dorlean Rotolo ** 1:00:27 They will help you. You don't have to be alone. It really is an amazing organization. Yeah, right. **Michael Hingson ** 1:00:33 And Lauren, and Lauren, you what kind of thoughts do you want to leave everyone with? **Lauren Abela ** 1:00:37 Yeah. If you can choose to be anything, be kind. That's it and everything that you do. And if you are unsure how to be kind, research, ask questions, you know, and if you're thinking that you want to learn more about Best Buddies, then go to the website, reach out to us on Instagram, we are very happy to share more and and consider things that you can do in your everyday life that are simple, simple things that to spread that kindness and to make that best buddies impact of friendship and inclusion and whatever workplace you're in. Yeah, **Michael Hingson ** 1:01:15 speaking of Instagram, do you guys still do the live Instagram? Yes. **Lauren Abela ** 1:01:20 It's been a few months, maybe a year, but we will do more we promise **Dorlean Rotolo ** 1:01:25 crazier with you guys put on the love means event, World Down Syndrome Day event. Now the documentary him really has been advocating in different areas. Yes, very, very busy. Which is wonderful. So wonderful life. **Michael Hingson ** 1:01:39 Yeah, I want to just go do it. Yeah, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 1:01:45 exactly. Just make that phone call. Well, I **Michael Hingson ** 1:01:48 want to thank all of you for being with us today. On unstoppable mindset. Clearly, you're unstoppable. All three of you, especially as a team, but individually as well. And I want to thank you all for being here. And if you know other people who we ought to bring on as a guest on unstoppable mindset, please let us know. And for all of you listening out there and watching, we would love to hear your thoughts about any other guests that you'd like to have as well as we'd like your thoughts. And I know Jessica, Lauren. And Dorlean would like your thoughts also about this podcast? And actually, let me ask that question. If people want to reach out to you all directly, can they do that? And how would they do that? **Dorlean Rotolo ** 1:02:28 By email, or your Instagram or so **Jessica Rotolo ** 1:02:31 then what **Michael Hingson ** 1:02:32 what is your Instagram address or handle or how do people find you? Mine **Jessica Rotolo ** 1:02:39 is Jessica dot Rotolo 20 and rotala **Michael Hingson ** 1:02:43 was R O T O L O yes. So Jessica dot Rotolo 20. **Lauren Abela ** 1:02:48 Yes. And mine is L A U R E N A B E L A Three. **Michael Hingson ** 1:02:58 So you're the third Loren Abela. Jessica is the 20th Rotolo so **Dorlean Rotolo ** 1:03:10 on Instagram, so everybody have to reach me through Jessica. Yes. **Jessica Rotolo ** 1:03:15 Well, sorry, my email. No, **Dorlean Rotolo ** 1:03:21 I just like it too many emails. No, yeah, they can reach out to Jessica's Instagram. Do **Michael Hingson ** 1:03:26 it on Instagram. That's fine. Well, I hope people will reach out to you guys. We really appreciate it. And I want to thank everyone again for listening. We really appreciate you being here and listening with us. It's been a fun hour. And that's one of the main goals on a stoppable mindset. It's not just for us to have fun, but I hope that all of you listening had fun as well. I'd love to hear your thoughts, please email me at Michael m i c h a e l h i at accessibe A C C E S S I B E.com. Or go to our podcast page www dot Michael hingson H i n g s o n.com/podcast. And wherever you're listening, please give us a five star rating. We value greatly your reviews and we love those five star ratings and really appreciate you giving those to us. So please do so and reach out. We'd love to

This week we had the joy of speaking with Lindsay, the Director of Communication and Stewardship of Best Buddies International!Best Buddies International is an amazing organization that works to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their mission is to enrich lives through their four pillars; One-to-One friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living.We chatted about all four of these pillars and how YOU can get involved with this amazing organization!Feeling inspired by this conversation? Get involved with Best Buddies International by visiting their website HERE!Follow Best Buddies International on Instagram, and  Facebook to stay up-to-date with all of their incredible events!  For more, follow us on Instagram. Questions? Comments? Concerns? Check out our website here, or send us an email at courageouslykindpodcast@gmail.com Be kind to yourself and others today :)

Go to https://helixsleep.com/unhinged for up to $200 off your Helix Sleep mattress plus two free pillows (free shipping within the US) Go to https://amzn.to/3h98dD6 to get your LUPii bars and pasta. Make sure to use code Chris20 to get 20% off. Just back from Milan Fashion Week, Chris shares a storytime on all things Italian, dishes on decadent designs, delights about delicious culinary masterpieces, tells secret adventures, spills the tea on two terrible clubbing experiences, salutes sweet passengers on the plane, hears salacious how I lost my virginity stories, and then goes on an airplane rant that would make TSA blush. DONATE to support Best Buddies International: https://www.bestbuddies.org/donate/ Follow Unhinged with Chris Klemens on Instagram:  http://instagram.com/unhingedwithchrisklemens https://www.tiktok.com/@unhingedclips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we were joined by Katelyn Quintero from Best Buddies International, which is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Website: www.bestbuddies.org Champion of the Year: www.bestbuddieschampion.org The Walk: www.bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org Episode Transcript: https://ifweknewthen701833686.wordpress.com/2023/09/24/158-best-buddies-with-katelyn-quintero/2/ Please follow us on Twitter @ifweknewthenPOD you can drop us a line on our Facebook page @ifweknewthenPOD or visit our website https://www.IfWeKnewThen.com to send us an email with questions and comments. You can join our mailing list there and get alerts of future podcast episodes. Thank you again and we look forward to you joining us on the next episode of IF WE KNEW THEN.

Our guest this episode is Garett Tomasek. Garett describes himself as an “advocate for the disability community, specifically working directly with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities”. In our time together we discussed his involvement and commitment to an international program called Best Buddies. This program promotes especially inclusion for the community of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Even so, what Garett and the Best Buddies family does, of course, directly effects so many outside the community served by Best Buddies.   Garett will spend much of our time together discussing his experiences with raising awareness of disabilities through Best Buddies. Today he chairs the Young Leaders Council for Best Buddies. Clearly as you will see Garett is a leader young or not. He is definitely a fierce and unstoppable advocate and I hope you will enjoy and appreciate what he has to say.   There is more to Garett than his involvement in Best Buddies. I will let him tell you all about his lifestyle and how he lives his absolutely positive life.     About the Guest:   Garett Tomasek advocates for the disability community, specifically working directly with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). He studied Economics at Texas A&M University and works for an insurance company as a Business Analyst. Born and raised in Texas, he lived a traditional life, with one sibling and two loving parents. Living in the South, he had to learn about self-acceptance quickly as he struggled to accept being gay. The social isolation of not knowing who to trust he felt ostracized at times. Feeling different at times allowed him to connect to his peers who have an IDD, as they often shared the idea of just wanting to be accepted.  As a Board of Directors and Chair of the Young Leaders Council (YLC) at Best Buddies International, accessibility has become his driving passion. Best Buddies International “is the world's largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).” The YLC is an international council of participants working collaboratively on special interest initiatives to further the organization's impact. He is a champion for online and event accessibility, educating organizations on the missed economic opportunities when they choose not to have inclusive universal accessible practices.   Ways to connect with Milam:   LinkedIn: Garett Tomasek, link to LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gtomasek/  Instagram: _garett_tomasek, link to Instagram profile: https://www.instagram.com/_garett_tomasek/   About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog.   Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards.   https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/   accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/       Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!   Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app.   Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.     Transcription Notes      Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i  capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.   Michael Hingson ** 01:20 Hi, once again, and welcome to unstoppable mindset where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. I love that anyway, today we get to talk with Garrett Tomasek, who deals a lot with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He's got a degree from Texas a&m University. And I'm not going to give you all the details because it's kind of more fun to hear it from him. So Garrett, welcome to unstoppable mindset. We're really glad you're here.   Garrett Tomasek ** 01:48 Well, thank you so much for having me. And it's a pleasure to be here.   Michael Hingson ** 01:52 Well, why don't we start by you telling us maybe just a little bit about you kind of as a younger Garrett going through school, or any of that kind of stuff that you think is relevant and how you got kind of a little bit, at least where you are today.   Garrett Tomasek ** 02:07 Yeah. So I like had mentioned I am a recent graduate of Texas a&m university, I got a BS in economics. I was born and raised in North Houston, Texas, and I have two amazing parents and wonderful sister about four years younger than me. But growing up, I kind of found best buddies in high school. But sophomore year, and a friend had mentioned it to me, and I should kind of come to an event and it was an unbelievable, surreal experience. But growing up, I struggle a lot with my self identity and acceptance of being gay. And that's I think, where I kind of gravitated towards Best Buddies and a sense of wanting this sense of self acceptance. And I really struggled a lot with that. So having society I guess, wanting to accept me, I think gravitated me to best buddies and a sense of relating to other individuals with an ID of just wanting to be accepted. And finding Best Buddies is a fantastic organization just dedicated to inclusion and opportunity. And it's just been a fantastic experience since and I'm currently now a chair of the Young Leaders Council, which is a council of 24 different people across the country and two people from Canada as well. And I'm a board of director for the organization as well.   Michael Hingson ** 03:47 Tell me a little bit more about Best Buddies what it is, and we'd love to know more about how you got how you gravitated to it. But I'd love to learn more about the whole nature of Best Buddies, if you would, please.   Garrett Tomasek ** 03:58 Oh, yeah, it is a really, really cool organization. We are the world's largest organization dedicated to ending that social, physical and economic isolation individuals with an intellectual and developmental disability face or an IDD. We're all across the United States. We're in 43 different countries and we have our four main pillars, friendship, leadership, integrated employment and inclusive living. We started off in our friendship program. That's how we got founded back in 1989. And ever since we've grown to this global mission and just spreading inclusion all over the world and all over the country and it is a fantastic experience. And the three different four different pillars. It's the friendship pillar. So that's basically one to one friendships between a person with and without an IDD. And that can be from college. Each to elementary and we even have citizens and a buddy. So we try to make inclusion on all platforms in all arenas. And we have a leadership development, which is basically our ambassador program, training individuals with an add on how to self advocate, which is very important and honestly a really hard skill to learn of public speaking. And we have integrated employment in forming employers the importance of hiring people with a disability, and honestly the cost savings that they can achieve when hiring a person with an IDD. And our newest program, which is kind of my favorite now, which is inclusive living and it's kind of really conceptualizes all aspects of life. And it allows an individual with an IDD to live independently. So they can have an inclusive life of friends and have a job and now live independently. I'm all aspects that are very important and really, really cool and very impactful.   Michael Hingson ** 06:08 So how does it work? What kinds of things do you do to not only promote a lot more inclusion, and equality? But But how does? How do the programs work? Or what kinds of things do you specifically do?   Garrett Tomasek ** 06:22 So our friendship pillar is mainly in schools. So an example can be like a chapter. So my school that I just graduated from, from Texas a&m, we had a chapter and the way the chapters usually are set up is, at the beginning of the year, the chapter will pair individuals with an add in individuals without an add into a friendship. And they hang out several times a month, the chapter hosts different events. For everyone that is a member to hang out and have fun, they'll do like different dances and stuff. But mainly as a promotion aspect. It's just social media, word of mouth, and everyone just kind of talking about the impact that they have on themselves. Best Buddies has really helped me self discover myself, and really pushed me to be a better person and a better leader. And it's just a fantastic opportunity.   Michael Hingson ** 07:28 What kinds of things do you do in terms of helping, like with employment and so on? I'd love to hear some stories about that.   Garrett Tomasek ** 07:38 Oh, yeah, it's very impactful. So for example, there, I used to work at a grocery store in Texas called HEB. Wonderful grocery store, absolutely love it. And the way the program works with Best Buddies is that we partnered with organizations or companies like HNB. And we kind of go in and we tell them like, Hey, this is our program. These are the opportunities that are there for you. So I'm a person with when you hire a person with an IDD there, have significantly less turnover rate than a person without a disability without an IDD. And we show them other amazing things that the individuals in our program have and the skills that they're able to bring to the job and the individuals in our programs are paired up with a job coach, and the job coach goes to the job site, make sure that they have everything that they need advocates for any resources or support that they may need to be successful in their jobs. But Best Buddies is basically in that aspect, a support system to the person with an IDD so that they can be successful in that job. And over time, they kind of wean off and they kind of add in that support as needed. So that they can be successful and in their hopes and dreams. And we sit down with them and we set out Okay, so here are your goals are what are your goals, and then they go through and they make a path so that they can achieve those goals and set in achievable steps so that they can aspire to whatever they want to do in life.   Michael Hingson ** 09:27 What kind of reactions have you had from employers, not only at the beginning, when you're approaching them and saying, Hey, let's talk about this. But then later when they actually start having employees with intellectual and developmental disabilities, what what changes because I'm assuming things sort of change in their attitudes. Oh,   Garrett Tomasek ** 09:50 significantly. I think it's almost like a company wide cultural shifts, honestly, because, at first I think it's just a stereotype that individual with a disability are not effective, or they can't do the job as successfully as a person without a disability, and showing them that this person can be successful, but not just successful can honestly do the job better than their peers at times and showing that there is a path forward. And it kind of spreads throughout the company. And a lot of times, individuals from those companies will come and volunteer with the organization and other events as well. But it really changes perspective on not just the individuals working directly with our participants at that company, but it spreads throughout the company, and it really makes a cultural change. And it really pushes the importance of diversity and inclusion at the at the workforce.   Michael Hingson ** 10:57 Do you find that people with disabilities, once they get a job and start to work somewhere, tend to stay longer, and don't just go search for the next job?   Garrett Tomasek ** 11:10 Oh, for sure. I have had conversations with many of my friends who have an IDD and may start in a job and they talk about how they don't like it and I tell them that you can leave that is that is an option for you, you don't have to stick there that you can go search for another job that you can go do something else. But a lot of the times they feel so grateful and they enjoy the employer, they may not always enjoy the the hard work and the the mundane tasks at times, but who doesn't. And but they feel very loyal to that employer because that the employer gave them that opportunity, an opportunity that many people don't do and or many employers don't jump out to do that. And so they feel very grateful. And so they don't usually jump around. So they that's why that that really low turnover rate. But it's also very difficult for a person with a disability to get another job, specifically person with an IBD.   Michael Hingson ** 12:14 Well, not just especially it goes across all all lines of disabilities, it certainly has been true for persons with physical disabilities, we do recognize that if a company decides to be willing to hire us, and makes appropriate accommodations, which don't necessarily have to be at all expensive or complicated. But the companies that decide to really include us, we'll discover and do discover that not only can we do the job, but we will stay and oftentimes we can do it better. And that opens up the doors. And so I really liked the way you put that because it has been something that a number of studies have been conducted around. And it's always been the case that people with disabilities who get jobs, recognize how hard it was to get the job in the first place. So we love it. And we're going to be very loyal to the companies who are willing to hire us and bring us on board.   Garrett Tomasek ** 13:16 Oh, for sure. And it's it's really heartwarming, warming to hear and talk to my friends, when they get a job and the level of impact and just the overwhelming of emotions and feelings that they have when they are able to secure that employment so that they can be independent, and they can live the life that they are have just dreamed of. And not the dream that they've not just the life that they dreamed up but a life that they've been told that they can't achieve. And they are proving everyone wrong. And it is it is a really cool thing to hear when my friends are experiencing that.   Michael Hingson ** 14:06 This may not be a really magical question, but it still is worth asking. Do you find that the employers who catch on to this really become some of the strongest advocates on behalf of these employees and others?   Garrett Tomasek ** 14:20 Oh, for sure. Oh, for sure. And it spreads because they talk to their friends, they talk to their clients and they talk to people in their inner circles and it spreads it starts off with one employer and it starts and it spreads from there. i Yes.   Michael Hingson ** 14:38 Yeah. I mean, it's in that's the way it really ought to be that they catch on and then it gets to be a snowball rolling downhill and getting a lot more snow in other words that you get more people who become involved and it's a it's an increasing sort of thing, which is great. What kinds of jobs do you generally find that people are getting or does it go across As the board,   Garrett Tomasek ** 15:01 it honestly kind of really goes across the board. That's what he does a really great job and sitting down one on one with our participants in our jobs program to highlight their excitement, their goals and what they want to do. And we've really tried to align them to that career so that they can be successful and that they enjoy the job that they're doing. So it really kind of goes across the board and that aspect. So for example, I know, a couple of people in the chapter that I was in at a&m That worked at the grocery store, they were a bagger. I have a another friend that was at the information desk on campus, another friend that worked at the George HW Bush Museum and Library. So there's a lot of different opportunities that are available. And it's not just kind of like one job kind of thing.   Michael Hingson ** 16:07 Do you see that some of the people who go to work at a particular place like the George HW Bush Library, or the Information Center, and so on, that there is advancement, do they get promoted?   Garrett Tomasek ** 16:21 You know, that is an area that I think still has a barrier. And I think that is that next step and next arena for organizations, like Best Buddies, or advocates to continue to advocate and to show, hey, this person has been very successful, not just successful, but they are doing their job even more efficiently than the person that they just replaced, that they deserve to be promoted, and they should not be overlooked. It's not always the case that they're overlooked. But I do think that there is some seeing multiple instances in that way. Yeah.   Michael Hingson ** 16:59 Yeah. And that's, of course, the next major step. And it makes perfect sense. I've seen that happen a lot that Oh, you do really well on this job. And yeah, there are other jobs, and there's a promotion, but we really like you being where you are. And that's, that's an attitude that we really need to be able to break down as well. And, of course, the the reality is that a person has to be able to prove that they can take an advancement. But more often than not, I think people would be surprised if they just if they really gave people the chance that they could go up and do higher level kinds of jobs. It doesn't have to be just one job fits all.   Garrett Tomasek ** 17:44 I completely agree.   Michael Hingson ** 17:47 Well, tell us more about you. Well, before we do that, well, let's do that. Tell us more about you. So you got involved in Best Buddies in high school, you said right. How did you actually first discover them?   Garrett Tomasek ** 18:00 So I had a friend back in, I think it was my sophomore year of high school. And she had mentioned, hey, you should come check out best buddies. She didn't do a great job on selling it, honestly, she just kind of said, Come on. It's basically just a group of friends hanging out. And I was like, Well, I really involved in all these other organizations. And I don't know if I really have time right now. And so I kind of pushed it off the can down the road. And eventually, I went to my first event and it was a Valentine's Day dance. And it was like I stepped into a portal into another world, and you stepped into the room. And you just felt this overwhelming feeling of joy, as it was a party celebrating acceptance, inclusion. And it's still something today that I struggle with, to put into words how impactful that that moment was on me. And after that event, I was hooked. And I joined the club and became heavily involved and just ran up the leadership pole as high as I can and got involved as much as I could and just trying to spread that mission and showing the possibilities that are within Best Buddies. And it was still, like I said, such an impactful event that really just changed my life.   Michael Hingson ** 19:36 So it's all volunteer program for you. Yes, yeah. So you and you said you're part of the Young Leaders Council now.   Garrett Tomasek ** 19:48 Yes. So after I got involved after that one event, I ended up being the the vice president of the chapter by that next year. At the beginning that night. next year and the year after that I became chapter president. That was during my senior year of high school, I started, Amr founded about nine different chapters in my area, a couple of different elementary, middle school and high school chapters, and won a couple of awards for my chapter, I want a couple of when won an award for chapter president and I was encouraged by the staff in Texas to apply for the Young Leaders Council. And that's where I currently preside over and the Young Leaders Council is basically a council of different participants in the organization. And our job is basically to advocate the participant perspective to the staff, who run best buddies on a daily basis and show them hey, this is what's rockin and rolling. And this is some areas that we could look further into. And we work a lot on special interests, so building different resources, doing little mini studies, and really kind of further developing the skills of the individuals on the council so that they can be more effective leaders in their communities. And when they go on past Best Buddies, or past the council, that they can make a stronger impact, whether that's at their job or other organizations as well.   Michael Hingson ** 21:30 What are some of the major disabilities that you encounter and Best Buddies?   Garrett Tomasek ** 21:34 Um, it's a wide range, zero palsy, Down syndrome. It's, it's a good wide range   Michael Hingson ** 21:44 of autism. Oh, yeah. So do you ever find or get involved with or advocate for any of the people with disabilities getting service animals to assist them? Do you ever have any involvement in that, um,   Garrett Tomasek ** 22:00 I don't have any involvement in that I don't actually know too many people that have a service animal that's in Best Buddies, I think I've met maybe one or two, and they had a vision or hearing disability. But those were the only two people that I knew. And that was mainly I believe, I met them at our annual leadership conference. And that's a really cool experience that one is, once a year, it's at Indiana University. It's basically representative from just about every chapter across the globe coming together for a long weekend. And those are the only two people that I've kind of met, I asked   Michael Hingson ** 22:40 the question only because I've been to places like Canine Companions for Independence, which is a school started up in Santa Rosa, California, but they have several campuses now. And among other things, they have trained service dogs to deal with people with autism and other kinds of disabilities. So it was just more of a curiosity as to whether you had encountered a lot of that. And of course, the reality is that most people, no matter what the so called disability is, don't use a service animal, even with with guide dogs. Um, I think it's probably well, it's less than 10%. I think there are about 10,000 guide dog users in the United States. And there are a whole lot more blind people than that, but it was a question I was just kind of curious about. But it is a, it is an issue that, that sometimes people find animals can really help them a lot, which, which is a good thing. But again, it takes a fair amount to want to have that responsibility. And oftentimes, the person with a disability can't necessarily handle the service animal on their own. So oftentimes, I think, with a number of the intellectual disabilities or developmental disabilities that that people have, when they train with an animal, somebody else who is going to be the person who will be with them, will also be involved in learning to use the dog and may actually do some of the actual dog handling with him for the person. So it's, it's, it's a process all the way around. That is really cool.   Garrett Tomasek ** 24:19 Yeah, um, I know, at least at the my university, we had a pretty big program where students would train guide dogs, and that was really cool. We soon raised the puppies. Yeah. But they were they were already pretty fully grown, or at least they look fully grown. And they were mainly training them on campus who go on and off buses and it was always really cool. Seeing them go around campus and stuff, but, um, but I know that was a really big program at my university.   Michael Hingson ** 24:54 Yeah, I call them puppies because the until they actually go back to the school do the training. They're considered in the hands of puppy raisers. And oh, technically, you could have a 15 month old puppy. Well, I have a seven year old guy dog who thinks he's a puppy. But it is. But yeah, I've seen some colleges do that several years ago, I had the opportunity to go speak at Hartwick College in New York. And they have a, what they call it a puppy club on campus, from one of the guide dog schools, and they had several dogs on campus. And the school really accepted them, then the the job of the students who were involved was to raise the dogs to teach them basic skills. But what it also meant was when it came time for finals, anyone who needed a dog fix to calm down and be a little bit more ready for finals could have a dog visit their room and spend some time with them. So the dogs earn their own keep. Now, nothing like having a dog to help out when you're getting ready for final I guess, I had my own dog. So I was spoiled in that regard. Well, you we found you or I found you through Sheldon Lewis. And I guess that's is it best buddies that uses AccessiBe   26:12 we are in the process of furthering our partner with you guys. And one of the steps was to really kind of further our conversations and learn more about the impact with accessiBE. In fact, I actually had an internship with the insurance company over the summer, and actually pitch so at the in the summer, we had a pitch a product. And I wanted to do something with accessibility. And our team focused a lot with the digital aspects of our company. And so I discovered you guys, and I was like, look at this amazing company. And so I pitched to them, and they absolutely loved it. I don't know where that how that process ended up going. But as for specifically with Best Buddies, we are in the process of further strengthening our relationship with accessiBe.   Michael Hingson ** 27:06 Well, that's, that's cool. So what do you do now so that you have an income to be able to support your best buddies habit?   Garrett Tomasek ** 27:13 There you go. So currently, I will. So the this past semester, I actually had three jobs. I was at the information desk on campus, it was like a student center. And I helped train different student workers was a job coach for a program for specifically for individuals with an IUD so they can get a higher education and a job at the end of four years. And I was also an undergrad teaching assistant. But post graduation, I'll be working for that same insurance company that I internship over the summer. But as a business analyst, I believe my specific title is going to be associate product specialists. So I kind of like the title product specialists is kind of kind of cool.   Michael Hingson ** 28:01 Uh huh. So you work for an insurance company now? Yes. And what do you do? Um,   Garrett Tomasek ** 28:10 so we basically, um, I guess the best way to explain it is like we're a project management team. So we kind of work with engineers to make our websites legal to make sure our websites are up to code up to standards, and we work with advisors to make sure the resources or the documents on there are accessible to them, how we can improve that for them. And are they honestly being used? We look at the data analytics as well into that,   Michael Hingson ** 28:46 not to try to cause any grief or anything but how does the insurance industry deal with or view persons with developmental or intellectual disabilities years ago, we had major problems with insurance companies when it came to insuring say blind people or other persons with physical disabilities. And it turns out that the insurance companies were erroneously assuming that we were a higher risk. And I suspect that probably intellectual and developmental disabilities fall under the the legislation that has passed but just curious, is that ever been an issue in the insurance world to your knowledge?   Garrett Tomasek ** 29:25 I'm not to my knowledge. I can't speak on that. There is a lot of work to be done, just like in any area, but the specifically what I did over the summer, when I was working on my specific project, I worked a lot with advisors and I worked with a couple of specific advisors that have a vision disability, and how they told me the multiple loops and things means that they had to do just so that they can effectively read a document that they needed to do, so that they can be successful. And it was, when I had, I had multiple meetings with with them. And after I spoke with them, they were really high performers for the company. And they were still having to jump through all these hoops. So if we were able to make the process of, Hey, these are documents easier to them, for them to read and to understand, then they can spend more time on growing their business and growing the overall company. So that was a a unique and really cool experience for myself to learn more about the their life and the struggles that they go through, and so that I could be an advocate at corporate for them and advocate for better and more accessible tools and things for them.   Michael Hingson ** 31:04 I think the big challenge that we all tend to face is that companies in general haven't recognized that it's reasonable to say that part of the cost of doing business is providing full inclusion. You're right, there are documents that oftentimes are not prepared in a way that make them accessible. Oftentimes, there are meetings and documents aren't provided in advance so that people can research them. And the reality is, if companies would never do handouts at meetings, but provide them even a few hours in advance, it would be much better because if you hand out a document at a meeting, people have to read the document in order to talk about it, rather than giving people the documents and then saying your we'll talk about this at the meeting and then really being able to deal with it. So there's an advantage of doing that. But it goes even deeper, you know, people have coffee machines and other things at job sites that aren't accessible, because they're touchscreens, and things like that. And so the result is that some of us don't have access to it. Yet, we provide lights so that all of you sighted people can get around in the dark or we provide other kinds of things. We provide computer monitors, but people have had problems even getting access to screen reading software. The reality is that inclusion should be part of the cost of doing business. And it's so hard to get people to break down that barrier in their own mind. Oh for short,   Garrett Tomasek ** 32:44 and that's basically the curb cut effect. That's the idea that literally the cut in the curb for that ramp when you are out in public and different shopping centers and you have the concrete ramp up to the store. Not just individuals with a physical disability utilize that the a mom pushing their child in a stroller or dad pushing their child in a stroller or the the mailman with all these packages rolling up on that ramp that it makes society more efficient that these things that are, quote unquote accommodating for individuals with a disability really make everyone's life easier. And it's a beneficial to everyone, just like how you were saying.   Michael Hingson ** 33:35 Yeah, and one of the ones that amazes me the most. And I'm actually about to start on an adventure. So my attitude may upgrade. But one of the things that amazes me is that we have Android phones and iPhones very smart phones that to one degree or another and mostly talk. But I don't see Apple for example, really promoting voiceover, the whole screen reader process as a powerful tool for drivers in vehicles to make a lot more of what a driver normally would look at a screen to see rather than using a phone that talks and letting things come through verbally so that they can keep their eyes more on the road. Now having said that, my adventure is my wife passed away this past November and we and she was in a wheelchair she's been in chair her whole life and we had a 2017 van that was modified for her and we just sold that vehicle to to someone to actually to the company who originally provided it to us. But for me not being a driver which is okay because I think most people don't do a very good job of driving from my observations are but be that as it may be I need to get a car so that if I need to get around, I don't have to use somebody else's vehicle, they can drive my vehicle and we don't do wear and tear on their car. And I'm looking at getting new cars, a new vehicle, and it will be a whole lot less expensive than the wheelchair van was. And I'll be interested to see if in like 2023 vehicles, voices have been and voice technology has been integrated more into the driver experience. And I don't know the answer to that. But I was looking at a couple of vehicles this morning. And they say they've got voice recognition and other things. But I'd be curious to see if the voice output process has become a little bit more sophisticated. But my impression is, at least I don't hear anybody talking about it, that not a lot has been done. To eliminate a drivers need to look at screens rather than using voice.   Garrett Tomasek ** 35:53 That is a really interesting observation. But first, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, I can't imagine.   Michael Hingson ** 36:02 But she's still around. And if I don't behave, she's gonna beat me up. So I'm.   Garrett Tomasek ** 36:08 But that is a really cool observation. I haven't ever really thought about that. But I've really thought about the self automated self driving vehicles and how that's really going to transform the landscape, they have a long way to go to make sure that the safety aspects are all there. But that's really going to really transform so many lives. And it's really going to level out a lot of the playing field when it comes to opportunities.   Michael Hingson ** 36:37 Well, in so many ways, right? Because if you truly have good operating safe, autonomous vehicles, the accident rates going to go way down. And yes, it's going to help for people like me, if I want to just go out and get in the car and go somewhere, assuming again, the interfaces and the technology is there that allows me to do it, to be able to say, I want to go to the Costco and Victorville or be able to do that in some way. And that the technology is there to really let be input that. And that's of course, part of the whole issue. If you get a Tesla vehicle, everything is touchscreen. And of course, they would say, well, we can do that, because there's so much of the vehicle keeping in its own lane and monitoring itself that it that you can have the time to do that. And my response is balderdash. Because the reality is, you're still looking at the screen, rather than keeping your eye on the road part of the time. And as a passenger, I can't ever operate even a radio in a Tesla, because it's all touchscreen. And it shouldn't be that way because that clearly isn't very inclusive. No, it's   Garrett Tomasek ** 37:45 not. No, it's not. But I'm, I'm optimistic. I'm very hopeful that as the technology advances for those automated vehicles that the car industries or Apple or phone industries really see that there's a lot of opportunity for them that they are missing out on to make that technology more inclusive and available to all individuals no matter their ability. And I'm, I'm optimistic I think that if Apple or Android or Tesla or Ford, whoever it may be doesn't make that I'm sure some engineer or entrepreneur will come along and see that opportunity and make that.   Michael Hingson ** 38:38 Well, the issue is that the technology is available to do all of that today. The problem is, the problem is selling both the manufacturers and to some degree the public on it. But I think that if people really start to look at it, they're going to recognize how much greater a good experience a good driver experience it will create. And a much safer driver experience. I'm all in favor of autonomous vehicles, I really liked what Tesla's doing in a lot of different ways. And I think that overall, they they do start to make driving safer, but they're still missing out on a lot of stuff. And it isn't just the driver experience that we have to take into account. It's the passenger experience as well. But I agree with you, and I'm very hopeful that over time, we will find that people will, in reality, do the things that will truly make a driving experience and a passenger experience not only more enjoyable but safer. And the way to do that is to make sure that everybody has access. So it's a it's a process and it is a mindset shift all the way around. And that's really what it comes down to. So it's something that we'll have to hopefully see happen and I have faith that people overall have common sense. So you know, I think We'll, we'll see how that goes. I think that's the best thing. So, as an advocate, what's, what are some of the challenges? Or what's the biggest challenge that you face? And dealing with being an advocate? And how do you deal with it?   Garrett Tomasek ** 40:17 I'm educating others, and showing them the importance of inclusivity of accessibility. And it's very easy to discuss these conversations with groups of individuals who are exposed or have direct relationships with individuals with a disability, it comes very difficult to individuals who don't have those relationships or and it's often very difficult to get through to educate them on that importance, and why it's important, and a lot of people are very knee driven. And it's kind of like, well, I don't need that. So why do I need to focus on it, and it's, you got to find and change your argument, depending on who you're discussing with and what their individualize, I guess, priorities or view on life. So I guess the biggest difficulty is changing your argument, so that you're able to get the advocacy or the goal accomplished, it may not be the perfect packaged message that you would have liked it to be packaged up as, but the goal is to get the move that needle to further improve access, improve accessibility, because if there's not access inclusion can't exist. And that's, that's the goal is to have universal access as much as we can. So that's really the difficulty is knowing your audience and really knowing how to best package that message.   Michael Hingson ** 42:14 What is a typical roadblock that you find and face when you're talking with someone about say hiring a person with an intellectual or developmental disability? What's What's the barrier that comes up,   Garrett Tomasek ** 42:27 um, I think just predispose ideas, that person with a disability can't be successful in that role. And it's not just the individuals who aren't exposed or have relationships with other people with a disability or person with an IDD. But even parents, at times, have very similar parents with a child with an IDD have very similar ideas and thoughts because they were told one thing, they were told that their child can't do certain things. But organizations such as excessive FBI or Best Buddies is changing that narrative and changing the landscape and literally pulling opportunities out of thin air. And it's, it's, um, yeah, it's just it's   Michael Hingson ** 43:23 how do you break down the barrier? What do you say that causes an aha moment and gets the person to realize, maybe I had it wrong.   Garrett Tomasek ** 43:31 I think just having that genuine conversation, making sure you're not accusing anyone and making sure you are being as direct but open as possible and letting them know that they can ask any questions that they that they would like to ask that and letting them know that you may not message your question, the most appropriate way. But this is a safe space, and I'm here to help educate you on how to best talk about different identities or different groups. What is the most appropriate way of talking about a person with a disability or a person with an IDD and how to best package that I think a lot of people aren't aware of that. And so they are nervous in that area. And so they just kind of avoid it at times at all costs, so that they don't have to approach those things. But I think in forming individuals with who are able bodied, that the conversation that I'm having with them is a safe space that I'm here to educate them and I'm here to support them so that they can be more inclusive and have more accessible practices, and that they can be an advocate for others that them also understand Anything that this is not inclusion and accessibility is not a one man's fight. This is a collective group that we need everyone and as many people as possible because we have to work together to make that change to change the world to change our countries to change our communities. And we need numbers, and we have to, we need everyone on board or as many people as we can on board.   Michael Hingson ** 45:26 Have you faced discrimination in your own life for any reasons?   Garrett Tomasek ** 45:30 Um, I don't think I have personally but I have seen others who have, and it's very difficult to, to witness that. And it's hard as a friend to, to be there for that person. Because I don't know what that's like, I don't know how they're feeling. But I am here, I'm here to support them. And I'm here to help them in, get them through that situation. And it's, unfortunately, there aren't a lot of resources or support in our societies to defend against that, or the ones that are that are there, it's very difficult to do that. Or to penalize the people who are discriminating. But I personally, I don't believe I have, but I do know, I do have friends who have?   Michael Hingson ** 46:26 Well, I asked the question in, in part, because you said earlier that you were gay, and I didn't know whether you had ever faced any discrimination or whether that's ever come up for you? And I'm glad it hasn't. It shouldn't. But people are people, right. And so we always have challenges.   Garrett Tomasek ** 46:44 Oh, yeah. And that is part of who I am. And that is something that I have struggled with. But I have the opportunity and the ability to camouflage and society, I can dress a certain way. And I can act a certain way. And it makes it more difficult for people to I guess I label me and I guess discriminate against me. But that also is not truly authentic to who I am. And so I have that struggle on a daily basis. And that's something that I, I have to Yeah, I have to face daily at times. Yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 47:31 it's too bad that you even have to think about it, right? Because you are who you are. And there shouldn't be a problem with that. And unfortunately, all too often, all too many people do think it's a problem. And it's it's so unfortunate that we tend to be so judgmental at times.   Garrett Tomasek ** 47:51 Oh, for sure. And it was a growing up in the south and south of us that we have a very strong relation to religion, and I'm a big promoter of religion, I think it really helps people make meaning of things that don't really make sense. So I really, I think, I promote religion. I've really liked it. But I think it at times has hindered people from being who they truly are. And it's prevented me like you had said that I have to kind of second guess, the environments. I go into how I'm dressing how I act, how I talk. And it's it's frustrating at times, but I'm, I'm so fortunate to be in this situation I am because I do have that option. I do have that way that I guess that backdoor exit at times and not everyone has that, unfortunately. So.   Michael Hingson ** 49:05 Yeah. Well, I too, have a very deep belief in God and so on. And I believe in Christianity, but I also know that it's amazing how many people decide to be judgmental, which goes absolutely against the teachings of Jesus and it it doesn't matter what the Bible says about being gay or whatever word you want to use or not. The issue is it's still a relationship between you and God and it's not up to us to judge that and that's where the problem comes in.   Garrett Tomasek ** 49:42 Oh, for sure. And that's, um, I grew up a Lutheran all my life I went through confirmation and it because of certain groups and certain people at times and certain judge judgmental people. but it's really affected my faith, it's it's affected my belief and religion and and it's affected my relationship with the church or with God. And I'm and it's just because of a couple of collective people unfortunately.   Michael Hingson ** 50:17 Well, the reality, of course is to really look at it, there are two different things, there's a relationship with the church, and then it's a relationship with God. And the church is really composed of people. They can say what they want, but there are so many times that the relationship with God becomes affected by the judgmental pneus of people, which is, which is too bad? Yeah. Well, if you were to give some advice to somebody starting out in the whole world of nonprofits, and so what kind of advice would you give to somebody starting out? And what would you suggest that they do? How would you help them move along in the process?   Garrett Tomasek ** 51:00 You know, I always hear this, and it's maybe a cliche at this point, but write your y down and hold on to it revisit to it as much as you can. advocacy work is not easy. It's not designed to be easy. That's why you're here. There's a reason why you're here. There's a reason why you're advocating for a specific reason or specific mission. But your y will be your anchor at times. And it's oftentimes your last barrier, keeping you in the fight, you will get exhausted. Like I said, it's not easy, but we need you the mission that you were fighting for, or that you were advocating for, needs you. And without you. We can't make a difference. It's a collective change. It can no one individual can can make that that change. So it's a collective group and knowing your why and staying true to your why helps fuel your abilities of making that change and advocating for others and creating more inclusive, accessible environments.   Michael Hingson ** 52:18 I have been in the position of being a strong advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities for many years, I joined the National Federation of the Blind in 1972. And my story, in a sense is really similar to yours. When I was first approached, I had absolutely no interest in doing it. And finally, they kept calling and calling and I went to a meeting. And it took several meetings before I decided, well, maybe there's something to be said for this. And I became involved with I've been doing it ever since. But you know, there are a lot of people who say, Well, I'm not really a fighter I support but I'm not really a fighter. What do you say to people like that?   Garrett Tomasek ** 52:59 Well, I think I'm I agree, I don't I think fighting at times can come off very aggressive. Yeah.   Michael Hingson ** 53:06 And I don't mean fighting in this. Yeah.   Garrett Tomasek ** 53:09 Yeah, I, I know what you mean. But I also know what and other people's context. And I think it's can come off as like, it's too much work, or it's too hard. But and people are busy, people are exhausted, they are going to work, they come home, and they repeat day in and day out. And at times, you feel like you don't have time to go volunteer for a nonprofit, or you don't have time to go advocate for others. But doing something small makes a huge difference. So whether that's you devoting five minutes, to sending an email to your friends and family about an organization that you have found really passionate about, you're making a difference because you're spreading that mission, you're spreading that that organization's word, and you're making that difference, it's theirs doesn't have to be you devoting hundreds of 1000s of hours for helping set up an event to fundraise a bunch of money. You don't have to always donate a bunch of money. It's whatever you can do is perfect. And there's it's your you're part of moving that needle, you're part of making that change. And whatever you can of that organization, whoever you devote that time and that effort to is and should be internally grateful for your, your support.   Michael Hingson ** 54:48 We're all role models or can be and the reality is if you can live your life in a very positive way and don't let people beat you down whether you're doing all sorts of volunteer hours or not. The fact that you live your life, and we all can live our lives to a large degree on our own terms. And yes, sometimes things come along. But if we persevere and go through it, by definition, we're helping move the needle, as you would say. What do organizations lose? Do you think when they don't have accessibility or accessible priorities in their existence?   Garrett Tomasek ** 55:30 They're losing opportunities. They're, they're taking on extra costs that they don't need to be taking on. They're not running their firm or organization as efficiently as they could. They are essentially discriminating against certain individuals, and they're missing out on opportunities.   Michael Hingson ** 55:50 Yeah, no doubt about it. And they're, they're missing out on a whole segment of the population that they've never perhaps come in contact with, that could truly enrich their lives.   Garrett Tomasek ** 56:05 Oh, yeah. I mean, I believe I saw the number a couple of days ago, it puts the disability community at a purchase purchasing power globally, about $8 trillion. Just from a consumer, if I was a company, and I wanted as many people as possible to purchase my product, that's a big purchasing power, that's a big population that could be purchasing my product or packaging, packaging, my surfaces. Or that's a big population that I should be hiring and be bringing into my workforce, so that I can make sure that I'm having an accessible or inclusive work and product and services.   Michael Hingson ** 56:49 The Center for Disease Control, says that 25%, roughly, of all people in the United States have some sort of disability, if you carry that across to places that don't include accessibility, or make a welcoming environment for persons with disabilities, they're losing out on 25% of their potential business. And the other side of that is or the other part of that is, and this is something that comes from a survey that was done by the Nielsen Company, the people who do all the ratings in 2016, where they said that people who have disabilities are extremely much more brand loyal to organizations that do provide inclusion and do welcome them in. So Oh, yeah, companies, some companies get it.   Garrett Tomasek ** 57:47 Oh, yeah, I mean, um, Pottery Barn, just recently released a, an accessible line of furniture and their furniture isn't cheap. It's really nice furniture. And it's pretty pricey. But that is a role model of that industry of it starts with one company, and it moves on from there, and other companies start noticing that there is opportunity within this community that they are missing out on, and they adapt, and they change because if they don't adapt and change, then they're gonna, they're not gonna be able to run efficiently and they're losing out on opportunities to to be successful.   Michael Hingson ** 58:33 How do you involve inclusion and accessibility and these ideas you're talking about in your daily just personal life,   Garrett Tomasek ** 58:43 advocacy at your work or in the day to day life? I mean, it can be as simple as, for example, at work, my previous job, when I was an undergrad, we had some renovations in our we had like, piano practice rooms that students could check out, and they were being renovated and usually or before they were being renovated. They were accessible to individuals with a physical disability, meaning that they there was a elevator, or a ramp that individuals with a disability could access to gain access to those practice rooms. But during the construction when they were remodeling, and they moved the piano rooms to an area that word was inaccessible. So work, I advocated and I told my employers, I said, Hey, this is no longer accessible. What are we going to do to change this or where what other opportunities can we create so that if a person that comes up to the dust that asked for a practice room, we are able to provide that to them and we're not turning them away just because they have a disability and we ended up creating alternative opportunities. And we made a couple of rooms accessible so that they could practice if they, if a person with a disability came to the desk and wanted to use the practice room.   Michael Hingson ** 1:00:15 There you go. You're, you're putting in practice what you preach.   Garrett Tomasek ** 1:00:19 There you go. Yeah. And it's it's simple stuff like that. It's, it's just saying something. It's, it's advocating, because the the person that came up to the desk and asked for the practice room, use a mobility device, a wheelchair, and they I said, Give me one second, I have to ask my supervisor to unlock the other room. And they were ready just to walk away, because they thought it was going to be too difficult. But I was I informed them that like, no, no, it's okay. It's a super easy process will actually start showing you where the room is right away. And just saying something makes a huge difference.   Michael Hingson ** 1:01:05 Yeah. That makes perfect sense. Yeah. Well, tell me if people want to contact you or learn more about Best Buddies, or remember more about you and just learn more about accessibility in general, how can they do that?   1:01:19 Well, you can find me on LinkedIn, or Instagram, most social media, you can search my name, it's G A R E T T  T O M A S E K, , on LinkedIn, and Instagram. But for Best Buddies, we are in all social media platforms. So you just type in Best Buddies. B E S T  B U D D I E S.org. That's our website. Or you just type in our name into any social media platform. And you can follow us we have a bunch of different newsletters that we send out monthly, the national or international headquarters office sends out information all the time on ways to get involved and learn more on the different things that we're making, the impact that we're making on the IDD community. But if you want to get involved in your local community or your local area, go to that same website, best buddies.org. You can search for the state or city that you're in, and you can contact your office, you can sign up for their local newsletter, and they will tell you all the different ways for you to get involved. If you want to get involved in a Chapter, a citizen program, however you want to be involved, we would love to have you there. We want you to be a part of the mission of making the universal accessible worlds and make inclusion a reality for everyone.   Michael Hingson ** 1:02:49 And, you know, that's as good as it gets. And you talked earlier about your challenge of as people become involved becoming good speakers, you certainly have demonstrated that you can be a good speaker at this.   Garrett Tomasek ** 1:03:00 Well, thank you so much. Well, I   1:03:02 want to thank you for being with us today. And I want to thank you for listening. hope that you've enjoyed this and you've learned a lot. Reach out to Garrett reach out to Best Buddies learn a little bit more about the whole idea of inclusion and accessibility. Of course, you can listen to other episodes of unstoppable mindset and learn that as well. I'd love to hear from you. Please reach out to Michaelhi M i c h e l h i accessibe A C C E S S I  B E.com. Love to hear from you. You can also go to our podcast web page www dot Michael hingson M I C H A E L H I N G S O N .com/podcast. And we'd love to hear your thoughts and we'd love it. If you listen to more of the podcasts. If you haven't, we do want to hear your thoughts. We do want to hear your opinions, we value them very highly. And I would ask that if you would please do so please give us a five star rating wherever you're listening to the podcast. We really appreciate your ratings. And of course, we would like to have those great five star ratings whenever possible. So thank you again for being here with us today on unstoppable mindset. And Garrett especially you thank you very much for being here. And we'll have to do this and talk some more in the future.   Garrett Tomasek ** 1:04:16 I would love it. Thank you so much for having me.   **Michael Hingson ** 1:04:23 You have been listening to the Unstoppable Mindset podcast. Thanks for dropping by. I hope that you'll join us again next week, and in future weeks for upcoming episodes. To subscribe to our podcast and to learn about upcoming episodes, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com slash podcast. Michael Hingson is spelled m i c h a e l h i n g s o n. While you're on the site., please use the form there to recommend people who we ought to interview in upcoming editions of the show. And also, we ask you and urge you to invite your friends to join us in the future. If you know of any one or any organization needing a speaker for an event, please email me at speaker at Michael hingson.com. I appreciate it very much. To learn more about the concept of blinded by fear, please visit www dot Michael hingson.com forward slash blinded by fear and while you're there, feel free to pick up a copy of my free eBook entitled blinded by fear. The unstoppable mindset podcast is provided by access cast an initiative of accessiBe and is sponsored by accessiBe. Please visit www.accessibe.com. accessiBe is spelled a c c e s s i b e. There you can learn all about how you can make your website inclusive for all persons with disabilities and how you can help make the internet fully inclusive by 2025. Thanks again for listening. Please come back and visit us again next week.

This episode offers us the opportunity to meet a fascinating and thought-provoking person, Jessey Manison. Jessey has been an accomplished rider from the time she was five. Along the way she worked as an assistant therapeutic instructor and still, as she begins a new part of her career, has as much love of horses as ever. We talk this week a lot about horses, people, and all in between. It is quite interesting to hear Jessey discuss horse behavior and how we can best interact with horses. She owns her own horse, Mustard, and will be taking him with her when, later this year, she relocates from Fort Collins Colorado to Joplin Missouri where she will be entering medical school this fall. Jessey comes by her interest in and advocacy for persons with disabilities naturally since, as a teenager, her older brother became paralyzed from the waist down. This episode, like so many, is truly inspirational. I hope you enjoy listening to it. I think we all will learn from Jessey and I believe her stories and lessons will stick with us for quite sometime. About the Guest: Jessey grew up in a small grape farming town in Northwestern Pennsylvania where she discovered a love of horses at an early age. Her passion for working with individuals with disabilities started when she became a therapeutic riding assistant instructor, where she could share her love of horses with everyone. Jessey attended Colorado State University where she studied equine science and biomedical sciences before pursuing a master's degree in medical science at the University of Kentucky. Through her college years she became the Vice President of Best Buddies International, CSU chapter, where she was responsible for planning events and creating connections between students and individuals living with IDD in the community. Both as an undergraduate and postgraduate, Jessey has worked as a study group leader, and development manager designing tutoring programs and helping tutors become the best educators they can be. Transitioning from tutoring, Jessey worked as an Allergy Technician until putting her advocacy passion to work as a youth advocate for The Arc of Larimer County. Jessey's journey in advocacy started at a young age when her brother suffered a spinal cord injury. In her free time, Jessey enjoys, swimming, fishing, skiing, spending time with her horse, exploring new places, and dreaming about Disney World. Ways to connect with Jessey: The Arc of Larimer County www.arclc.org About the Host: Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog. Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards. https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/ accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/ Thanks for listening! Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below! Subscribe to the podcast If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can also subscribe in your favorite podcast app. Leave us an Apple Podcasts review Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts. Transcription Notes Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i  capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.   Michael Hingson ** 01:20 Well, Greetings once again. I am Mike Hingson, your host for unstoppable mindset. Today, Jessey is our guest. And I want to tell you that she's a very interesting person, I'm going to really let her introduce herself. But she's a very interesting person in a lot of ways. She loves horses, she became a therapeutic riding instructor and all sorts of things. And it all eventually led to doing more to understand and work with the whole concept of diversity and especially inclusion. So Jessey, welcome to unstoppable mindset. How are you?   Jessey Manison ** 01:59 Thank you. Thank you for having me. I am doing great. I really appreciate the opportunity to come on in and chat with you. And I love that you mentioned that I'm a horse person, because that's the hallmark of my personality. But yeah, I'm really excited to be here. So thanks for having me.   Michael Hingson ** 02:15 Well, thank you for definitely being here. And let's start a little bit by you maybe telling us a little bit about you growing up and just sort of the beginnings of Jesse.   Jessey Manison ** 02:27 Yes, absolutely. So I was born in a tiny town called Northeast Pennsylvania. It's in the northwestern part of the state. So that makes a lot of sense. Yes.   Michael Hingson ** 02:39 And you mentioned it's a great farming town.   Jessey Manison ** 02:42 It is it is a great farming town. So I grew up on a great farm. If any of your listeners are you are familiar with Welch's. So our region is one of the number one producers for Welch's grape. So the Welch's plant in my hometown, and a lot of my family friends great farming is their life. I started working on the great farm at about five to build that real life work ethic. Thank you, Mom and Dad. But yeah, so I grew up with graves. That's always been a big part of of my upbringing, and then decided to move to Colorado for undergrad, a little bit of a change, and kind of have been Colorado, Kentucky back to Colorado. And I actually have another move coming up soon. So that's sort of the the beginnings of where Jesse came from.   Michael Hingson ** 03:29 So you're in Colorado today.   Jessey Manison ** 03:32 Yes, yes. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado as of right now. Ah, and moving. Yes. So I actually just got accepted to medical school. So I'm going to be moving to Joplin, Missouri this summer.   Michael Hingson ** 03:46 Wow. That's a big change.   Jessey Manison ** 03:49 It is a big change. I don't actually know anyone there. I have no family there. It'll be a very big adjustment. But I'm excited to kind of try a new place because I, I like to explore. Yeah.   Michael Hingson ** 04:00 Well, tell us tell our listeners and I'm curious about this whole idea now of going to medical school. So you grew up. You were in Colorado, what did you get your degree in?   Jessey Manison ** 04:11 So my undergrad was in equine science. So study of horses and biomedical sciences. So when I it's a long story, Michael, but when I when I started college, I knew that I always had loved horses. Like you said, I've been involved in horses for my whole life. And I loved animals. And I didn't really know what I wanted to do beyond that. So I started at CSU Colorado State University, they've got a really awesome equine program, and thought I was going to do a double major with wildlife biology and I was going to save the animals and all that. Turned out I was not as interested in that as I thought and kind of along the way I discovered physiology and neuroscience and I really love that so I started to think more along the lines of like Research and I think the brain is super cool. And I'll just kind of casually throw in, though. So my brother had a spinal cord injury when he was a teenager. So that kind of medicine had always been sort of, you know, close to home, but I hadn't really given much thought to pursuing anything related to that as a career. And so I got to my senior year of college and thought, I'm going to do research, I want to do neuroscience research. I want to solve all the world's mysteries and have the answers and so I went to University of Kentucky to do a PhD in neuroscience. And about four months in as I'm like sitting in the lab, crying sectioning rat spinal cords, I was like, this is not I can't do this. This is not what I want to do. This is not the play out. So had a nice little, you know, quarter life crisis and ended up doing a master's instead in medical science. And one thing led to another and I realized that I kind of wanted to be more on the healthcare side of things. And along the way, I, I now I'm just giving you my whole life story. I hope that's okay. It is. Along the way, I discovered that I really like working with people. And I'm really passionate about advocacy and working with individuals that have disabilities. And so I started working at the arc of Larimer County, which is an organization that promotes the civil rights of people that have IDD intellectual and developmental disabilities. And then realized I love the advocacy. I love teaching. I love working with people, but I think I want to be a doctor. So I'm going to now be starting that transition and hopefully be able to use some of the advocacy skills I learned along the way to help people in medicine.   Michael Hingson ** 06:39 What are you going to do if they ask you to go off and dissect a rat again, because I'm sure you're gonna have to do some biology. They're   Jessey Manison ** 06:45 gonna be like, Oh, my gosh, I thought I got away from this. I really did. One or two is okay. I just can't do it for a lifetime.   Michael Hingson ** 06:53 Yeah. So you want to go back to people? Well, even so you have a great level of horses? How did that really start? And how has that impacted you? And what do you intend to do with all of that?   Jessey Manison ** 07:06 Great question. Horses is like the start of my life, I would say, and it's also the end goal of my life. So I started writing at the age of five, I went to a friend's birthday party, and she had a barn and we got to do horse rides. And I came home and I was like, Mom, Dad, I want to ride horses. And they're like, why should you want to do what they say it's the best and worst thing they ever did was getting me involved kept me out of trouble. But man, it comes with a price tag for sure. So I started writing. And then the barn where I rode, also did therapeutic riding lessons. And so I got to start out as just a side Walker and helping at the barn cleaning, you know, doing doing barn chores, and really, really loved it, and ended up just kind of working my way up to be an insist unassisted therapeutic riding instructor there. And I started to realize the power the animals have on everyone, not only people that have disabilities, but all of us. And I really felt very passionate about that. And so I kind of set this long, long term goal, I want to open up a horse rescue. And eventually I want to do work with people that have different neurological disorders and do therapeutic writing long term. And so I think it'd be awesome to kind of use some of the horses from the horse rescue, retrain, and maybe have a program for at risk youth and people that have gone through trauma, because they can be a really amazing healing entity. So long term, I hope to open up a nonprofit that that will be able to do that and serve people through horses, because that's, that's my love.   Michael Hingson ** 08:42 How will that impact going off and being a doctor?   Jessey Manison ** 08:46 Great question. As you can tell, I like to do a lot of different things. So one or eight one of the big reasons I want to do medicine and do neurology is because of I just like super crazy stoked about the brain and the spinal cord. I think it's amazing. And therapeutic riding is really amazing for a lot of people that have traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and then runs the gamut for people have IDD. So no, I really liked the idea of practicing medicine, but then kind of on the side running the nonprofit so I can work from more of the medicine physician angle, but then also get people connected to equine therapy, and help them to understand you know, biologically how that works and the benefits associated with that. So hopefully, I'll be able to, at some point be able to do to do both at the same time. We'll see how that that plan pans out.   Michael Hingson ** 09:37 Well, horses are pretty bright creatures as I understand it.   Jessey Manison ** 09:40 Yes, absolutely. People they get a bad rap. People think they're dumb and they're not there. They're very smart and they're very patient. And I mean, I just amazing. I am totally enamored with with horses.   Michael Hingson ** 09:52 So how do they react or do they sense when you're they're dealing with someone who wants to ride them, and you're helping a person ride them who has a neurodivergent or an IDD kind of a situation? Do they sense that? Do   Jessey Manison ** 10:11 you think? Absolutely. And I, and I will, I will die on that hill, I think that they certainly have a sense about that. And I, just from personal experience, I mean, I've seen horses where you get on a new ride, and they're a little bit more rambunctious and you know, a little high strung and aren't always listening. And then you put someone on that has those neurodivergent, or has an add, and all of a sudden, it's like a totally different horse, like, they can definitely sense that they're careful their understanding. And one of the really cool things is they kind of mirror and mimic people's emotions and body language, which is what makes them also a really amazing tool for healing and for trauma. And just for like a, from a psycho, psychological perspective, because they're just going to react to whatever you're kind of putting out into the environment, right. And so it's a really awesome way to kind of see what you're putting out there and how you're feeling and watching the model. And then watching connecting with the horse and giving you something to connect to, is incredible. So I am a huge believer that they sense people, they understand the motions, and even just me in general, I have a horse and I love him to death. He's almost 29. And I've had him since I was 10. And 100%. Like if I go to the barn, and I'm having a bad day, and I'm feeling super emotional. He is right there. Like he's comforting me, he's guarding me, if I sit in his stall, he's standing over me. And then normal day is not the most lovey dovey course, you know, he's like, I don't really touch me. I don't want anything to do with them. So I definitely think that they they can sense kind of the presence and who they're dealing with.   Michael Hingson ** 11:48 I know that there has been a lot of discussion, and I've seen some reports about people who went through some sort of traumatic situation. And horses were used to try to help bring them out of whatever they were in and to teach them once again, that they can have power and that they can do better than they think. And one of the things I heard which really fascinated me was about someone who was taught that they could really control a horse mostly with their eyes, or just looking at the horse. Tell me about that kind of thing.   Jessey Manison ** 12:24 Yeah, so I mean, if you think about horses, horses or flight animals, right, so they're used to running, they're used to assessing their surroundings for danger, and then running away from danger. And so one of the really cool things is you can use them to kind of get a better understanding of, of emotion, because what happens is, let's say you're you're in a field with a horse, or you're approaching a horse. If you're approaching them in a kind of aggressive, brisk, hostile manner, they're going to pick up on that and they're going to start to move away from you, or they're going to run away, or they're going to jerk their head up, or that's uncomfortable for them, they can sense that there's something there that's not comfortable. And then the same token when they do feel comfortable, and you start to, like connect with them and manipulate the horse based on where you're standing. And like you said, eye contact body position, you start to connect, and you actually can draw horses in that way as well, which is super amazing. So you can look up all kinds of videos on YouTubes, like natural horsemanship and stuff. But basically you start to work with the horse, you manipulate where you are in their space. And that kind of manipulates where they move. And eventually they start to trust you, they start to connect with you and respect you. And you can create that bond where they actually walk to you instead of walking away from you. And same thing goes for, you know, for human emotion, if you're in a really rough spot, and you're coming at them with a lot of energy, they're gonna pick up on that and something's going to be different. And that gives you an opportunity to reflect on where you're at and say like, Okay, what did I do that made this uncomfortable for both of us, and let's try a different technique. So it's really interesting how perceptive they are of their environments and the ways that you can kind of manipulate and and connect with them on that level.   Michael Hingson ** 14:09 Do you think that they're sort of unique in the animal world? In terms of having that sense? Do you think other animals do or is there something that is really unusual about horses and doing that?   Jessey Manison ** 14:24 That's a this is like getting into a philosophical question. I like this. I think that certain animals, I do think that certain animals so I feel like a lot of the ones that we use for therapy are like that. So dogs, I really believe that dogs also have kind of that sixth sense where they can read the surrounding and read threats and read emotion. That's why we use them as therapy, therapy animals because they are so amazing. I don't think that all of your flight animals have them. You know, there's a lot of animals out there that are our prey animals that I don't particularly think that sense but they sense that so I do feel like the horse is unique in that aspect. But I don't think that they're the only ones. I think I think there are other animals out there that probably could do and maybe some that we haven't explored yet. I don't know. But I do think they're, they're more unique than most animals, I would say, Yeah, well,   Michael Hingson ** 15:16 one of the things that makes them interesting, of course, is their size. And so I don't know, whether they recognize how scary they are, to some people because of their size, or how much more empathetic they they tend to be even in spite of their size. But like dogs, you mentioned dogs, I think that dogs exhibit some of those same sorts of things. They do, understand, and consents fear. And they can understand and sense how people behave. I know, having now had a guide dogs, the dogs do sense a lot. And I think that that's important. But of course, horses a little bit different situation, partly because of their size, which means you can deal with them in a different way. But I think the sensations in the senses are still there.   Jessey Manison ** 16:10 Absolutely. And I love what you said about them not knowing their size, because it's just so funny. I mean, you see this, this animal, it's 1200 pounds, and you've got a mound of dirt somewhere, and they think it's the end of the world. And they're like, oh my gosh, it's so scary. This is terrifying. It's like, really, you weigh 1200 pounds, you have to get over it.   Michael Hingson ** 16:29 Do they know,   Jessey Manison ** 16:32 the next day, they're gonna be just a surprise that it's there?   Michael Hingson ** 16:34 Well, even so it, it certainly gives you a great, I was gonna say respect, but that's really not the right word. It gives you a great new sense and an opening to an understanding about a creature that is very different than you. And and it shows us why we really need to do a better job of understanding those who are different than us.   Jessey Manison ** 17:03 Absolutely, absolutely. I just I think it's amazing that you can speak to two completely different languages. And yet that there can be a mutual understanding and respect. And you work with this animal and you are connected with them. And there are this amazing tool that you get to use and yet completely different from yourself, like you said, and I do think that reflects a lot of like the diversity of today and someone that different from you, or has different experiences or thinks a different way. And you can still connect with them, which is amazing. And that's, that's honestly one of the reasons why I love equine therapy, and just working with horses in general, is seeing the growth too. And like the limits that we tend to put on people. And I think that when you introduce them to horses, and you see that you're blown away by what they can accomplish, and how they change and their personality, their confidence goes through the roof, which is amazing.   Michael Hingson ** 17:54 Yeah. Your brother is older or younger than you.   Jessey Manison ** 17:59 He's older. He's three years older than I am.   Michael Hingson ** 18:01 He's three years older. So you said he had an injury when he was in his teens. So you certainly remember that happening. And that had to have a big effect on you.   Jessey Manison ** 18:12 Absolutely, yes, that's kind of where sort of all of this passion for for neuroscience and medicine and everything started. So he has a autoimmune disease called transverse myelitis. And basically, his own immune system started to attack his spinal cord. And it left him paralyzed from the waist down. And I definitely remember I was in middle school, I was early middle school when it happened. And it happened just in the blink of an eye. I remember we were watching. We were watching a movie, and we got up to get ready for bed and he went to grab some water and he said, My legs feel kind of funny. And like 30 seconds later, he just collapsed. And that was it. So super, He's amazing. He's such as dad, he's super inspiring. He actually walks with a cane now. So he's made amazing progress with recovery. But it did really shape kind of everything about my life. I think that when that happens, you know, even just getting back from the hospital, you look at our house, and it's like, how are we gonna get him inside? You know, our house was not handicap accessible at all was very old house over 100 years old, did not have any of the necessary, you know, accommodations or modifications that they would hope for. So just in that moment, being like, oh, yeah, we're gonna have to kind of rearrange everything was was big for us. But I'm really, really blessed in the fact that my family is amazingly supportive. And I think that's one of the biggest things that I took away from this is just how, how much you can mean to others and what that support looks like and also had to be very adaptable, which is something that I'm not always the best at, but I have learned that through this through this process, for sure.   Michael Hingson ** 19:51 Does he or did he ever do any writing?   Jessey Manison ** 19:54 He did a little bit so he used to ride he started actually, he rode for a little bit when I started Ride at the age of five. And it wasn't really his thing you know. So he took a few lessons and learned. And then once he was in the wheelchair, he would ride every once in a while. Because it is actually really awesome on your legs and everything, but it just never really was a passion for him. He was a swimmer, he loves to swim.   Michael Hingson ** 20:18 That's okay. I personally have written in the past, but it's been a long time. So oh, maybe one of these days, I'll get to Colorado. And that's it. It's been a long time. But I I really enjoyed writing. I think my longest ride was about three hours. That was a December camp. And a whole bunch of us rode in Southern California and we had about a three hour ride. It was a lot of fun. I developed a blister on my hand and but I know better now. But it was a lot of fun. And I really appreciate horses. One of my favorite horror stories is my fifth guide, dog Roselle, who was the dog who was with me in the World Trade Center and I were, we're now up near Central Park, we were across from the entrance to Central Park. And somebody else was with me. And Roselle saw this big, huge dog across the street. least that's what she thought. And, and I got to go visit I got to come visit. So we started going over. And the closer we got, the slower she walked because the bigger this dog got, like, oh, I don't know. It's not Oh, no, this doesn't really look like a dog after all. Of course, it was one of the horses that pulls the carriages. And we go up to the guy. And and I explain what happened. And he said, Well, this is Charlie, and he's not necessarily the friendliest to animals. But actually, he and Roselle touched noses and actually had a good conversation and I got to talk to Charlie and was a lot of fun. And they got along very well.   Jessey Manison ** 22:00 That's awesome. I love that story.   Michael Hingson ** 22:03 But it was really funny to see this picture, Roselle and seeing Roselle slow. Steak, this might have been a mistake. Yeah, this might not really be what I should do. Oh, great.   Jessey Manison ** 22:18 Am I allowed to ask you a question? Oh, sure. What goes into getting a guide dog? Like, do you have to train with it? Or does it come fully trained?   Michael Hingson ** 22:28 Well, fully trained is sort of, of course a hard concept. And I would think it's true with dogs, horses or whatever, no matter how much you train, there's always more to do. So the dogs come trained in terms of knowing how to guide but yeah, you do have to work with them some. And the schools depending on how well you do or how much experience you have with guide dogs will either put you in a two week class for retrain people or a four week class for especially new folks. And the idea is to see first how well you bond with dog. And also to give the dog a chance to see how well they want to bond with you. And mostly that that goes pretty well. The trainer's do a lot of work ahead of time, a lot of homework to try to match dogs with the personality of the people who are coming in and they they meet with the people before they come or they they have people who will go out and meet with you and they learn about you. They see how you walk and so on. But even once you get to the school, they spend some time really studying you and so on. So they try to make the best match possible. Sometimes it doesn't work for one reason or another my my best story and I think I've told it here once is someone came to get a guide dog. And it looked like they were really doing well together. But the guy said I just don't think we're totally matching. I just think there's a personality conflict and the trainer said we don't see anything at all. But the trainers have worked with him for a while or her I don't remember whether they're male or female. And after about two weeks he's the guy said I just don't think that this is quite the fit. And they said Finally well if you feel uncomfortable, let's do something else with it. He ended up getting a different dog and it worked out really well and it wasn't anyone's fault. But that's one of the rare times I think that someone the potential user it just felt this absolute total disconnect somehow and no one could ever explain it but it was there when and I think that that's an interesting story. To remember that you always do have to make sure you match and and if you don't and if you feel uncomfortable then you need to deal with it because it'll come up somewhere along the line. And you don't want that to happen. But that but you do train but but you also when you're getting a guide dog, you learn to be a dog trainer or you should because You're going to constantly hone the dog's capabilities. And there are things that you need to do to make sure the dog is guiding properly. So it's a process. And so training, and that's why I said fully trained is sort of a nebulous thing, because you're always learning something new. And you're always going to be teaching the dog something new. And that's a good thing.   Jessey Manison ** 25:21 I love that. That's so interesting. I thank you for answering my question. I've always wondered about how that works. But that makes sense. And you're totally correct. Just like with horses, you know, you're always working on something you're always fine tuning. And I like that the dogs kind of model, like they model relationships, you know, like, you're gonna have two really nice people. But that doesn't mean that you're going to connect for friendship or anything else. And that's, that's very interesting. I never thought about that. Yeah, well, it   Michael Hingson ** 25:45 is it is there. And it is important to understand, I know that when I worked in the World Trade Center, I knew what I never wanted my dog to do was to get in the habit of going one way to go somewhere. And that's easy to happen, especially in even a complex of buildings, there aren't that many ways to go from point A to point B. But it was my job to know where to go and how to get there, it was the dog's job to make sure that we walk safely and get us there safely. It's not the dog's job to know where to go. Which is another way of saying a guide dog does not lead to guide dog guides, the guiding is all about keeping us safe. So I had to work hard to figure out different ways, or even just walking a long, roundabout way to get somewhere for both my fourth guy, dog Linnea and my fifth guy, dog Roselle to have them work effectively in the World Trade Center. So they wouldn't get into the habit of going just one way because that's that's a real serious problem that you don't want to do. And so that's what we did. And it worked out well, because the dogs did stay sharper because of that. And I'm sure that you deal with horses in sort of the same way.   Jessey Manison ** 27:05 Absolutely, no, it really is very similar listening to you. I'm like, Oh my gosh, this makes so much sense based on what I know about horses, because it is the same, you know, if you're not giving instructions, and you're not being in charge, they're going to do what they want to do. And like one of the biggest things, especially with safety, because you're working with a huge animal is they need to respect that you're in charge, and they are going to respect what you want them to do. And so we talked about this a lot when we're writing, you know, if you're just riding around the horses going wherever he wants to, all of a sudden he thinks he's in charge. And his job is just to respond to your cues. And listen to what you want to do. So yeah, very similar.   Michael Hingson ** 27:40 Do they naturally want you to be in charge. I know with dogs, dogs, really like a pack leader and like guide dogs really want to know what the rules are. And when they know what the rules are, then they are happier and they're sharper, and they do what they're supposed to do. And a lot of people constantly say to me, Oh, my dog could never behave like your dog. And and I always cringe when I hear that, because yes, they can. But you have to set the rules, and you have to be the one that's in charge, and they look to you to be in charge. Except that if you decide you're not going to be or you don't catch on to that, then they're gonna do what they want to do. Is that sort of the same with horses? Or are they a little bit more independent thinkers typically, then so you have to work harder at it?   Jessey Manison ** 28:26 I would say so in a in a general sense. Yes. No, of course that you have certain horses and certain personalities that maybe are, are a little bit more of the dominant personality and a little bit less dominant. But in general, yes. Now, I mean, horses, like you said, they're herd animals, right? They want to have a pecking order, they want to be protected. They want to know that there's like some comfort there. And a perfect example of this is I took I took a cult training class when in my undergrad. So we see Colorado State University has an amazing quilt training breaking program, where a lot of the different branches from all over, they give their coats that have been unstarted to the program, and the students train them for a year. And I will forever remember after weeks and weeks of working with these, these young guys and girls, there was an instance where there was one one of the Colts in a pen by himself. And then the rest of the class we had ours that we were working with. And we were working on a flag. So one of this kind of skills here is when something moves back and forth, like teaching them different abilities to to chase the flag as if it were a cow cut the flag, kind of technical stuff, but it started moving and we were introducing them to movement and getting used to that. And the horse that was in the pen was freaking out like going crazy running around really, really stressed. And all the other horses that we had in our hands were totally calm. And the trainer looked at me like so what's the difference here? Like look around? What are you noticing? And it's exactly what you were saying? I mean, the horses that were We were standing beside them, they felt completely confident right in the situation and us and our ability and the horses by itself without anyone was alone. Exactly and freaking out. So absolutely, I completely second what you're saying about about dogs?   Michael Hingson ** 30:16 Well, you have clearly worked a lot with with persons with disabilities, what's kind of maybe one overwhelming or strong experience that you had that really has affected you?   Jessey Manison ** 30:29 Yeah, oh, my gosh, that's such a good question. Um, as I said, I'll relate it back to horses, because that's who I am, I promise I do have a life outside, of course,   Michael Hingson ** 30:39 you're gonna be a doctor.   Jessey Manison ** 30:42 But when I was working as an assistant, assistant instructor, I had a young lady that came in for lessons. And one of the cool things about the barn that I worked out was they had a mixed model where like, a lot of times for therapeutic writing, you'll see where the classes are just for individuals that have disabilities. And the woman that didn't our barn, she had both neurotypical and neurodivergent students working in writing and learning together, which is really awesome. And we had this one young lady come in, and she was probably maybe early 20s. And she had Down syndrome. And her mom was very, very nervous. And she said, you know, she has a really hard time, following directions, she has a really hard time being independent, she doesn't have a lot of competence. She's very uncoordinated. You know, she was really concerned about how she was going to do on a horse. And of course, we always start out with side walkers and, and everything. And it was just amazing. Because by the third lesson, she's writing completely independently. She's steering, I give her direction, she follows it perfectly. She's a whole different woman. And it was just awesome to see that. And it really just made me think about like, I think I mentioned this earlier, just the limits that we put both on ourselves as, and other people kind of automatically assuming Oh, well, they'll probably struggle with this, or oh, I don't know, you know, if I can do that. And she was amazing. And she was walk, trot canter riding by herself doing patterns, and her mom was like, this is, this is unreal. I've never seen anything like this with her. So that's probably one of the most impactful and that's kind of the reason why I love working with this community is just to see them grow and to see what everyone is capable of. And when you don't sell people short, just in general in life, it's amazing what they can accomplish, which is awesome.   Michael Hingson ** 32:38 Why do you think that you were so successful with her?   Jessey Manison ** 32:43 Why do I say, oh, my gosh,   Michael Hingson ** 32:45 maybe that's the wrong term. But why do you think at all worked out? So well? Was it she just hadn't had no real experience? Or opportunity? Was there so much fear at home? And suddenly that went away? Or is it something different than that?   Jessey Manison ** 32:59 I would say it's, I would say, it's partially that I think that, you know, we tend to shelter and we want to protect and, and everything. So I definitely think that maybe the independence factor. This was the first place where like, Mom and Dad weren't there for the lesson, it was just us and I didn't have any preconceived notions about what she was going to be able to do. I was just going to teach like, I would teach anyone and see where we go. And I think that really gives her gave her the opportunity to flourish, as well as just having that bond with an animal itself. I mean, she came in, she wants to brush it, she's telling him about her day, you know, just having that connection with something to push you into support you and make you feel confident, like you're not doing it alone, because you're doing it with a partner, even though your partner is a horse, a horse, I think that that plays into it too.   Michael Hingson ** 33:46 Well, you know, animals, really, I think, unless there's something traumatic that happens, at least a lot of animals really do want to establish a relationship. And clearly it sounds like she sensed that. And she was looking for a way to establish a relationship with something and so they really hit it off.   Jessey Manison ** 34:06 Yeah, absolutely. And you could tell just when she she would walk in, she runs over to the horse that she always likes to ride and he's nuzzle in her face. And you know, kind of given her a little kisses. And you can tell that the connection is mutual Mutual. You know, the love is both ways.   Michael Hingson ** 34:21 Yeah. Which is, which is great. And I was going to ask you that, was there one horse that she had is kind of a favorite?   Jessey Manison ** 34:27 Yes, yeah, there was one horse that she connected with. And we try and it's, you know, it's good to get out of your comfort zone. And every horse has its own quirks and its own personality and work with different ones. But there was definitely one that she she really connected with and, and love to work with. And so they had they had a stronger bond, I would say than a lot of the others, which was really awesome to see. And I also think that I think another reason she flourished is that she got to pick something that she wanted to do and they feel like this is something with people that have IDD We're kind of their systems already set up, right? And it's like, okay, well, these are your options. We have adaptive this or adaptive that and here's the day program and, and so these are your choices, this is what you're going to do. And in this instance, she got to pick something that she wanted to do. And she was interested in. And so I think that is another great point that she just really flourished because she was interested in it.   Michael Hingson ** 35:22 Was this in Colorado? This was in Pennsylvania in Pennsylvania, so you don't see her anymore?   Jessey Manison ** 35:27 I do not. Which is really that's the hardest part about moving it that that was a big a big letdown for me, but   Michael Hingson ** 35:35 so are you moving horse to Missouri when you go?   Jessey Manison ** 35:38 Yes, I am. He goes everywhere with me. He's my partner in crime. Oh, good.   Michael Hingson ** 35:42 So he'll he'll go to class.   Jessey Manison ** 35:45 After checking it just gonna hit him up right outside? I'm sure they'll be fine with that. Sure. Why not a   Michael Hingson ** 35:53 little bit of growth in the way you do things never hurt anyone? Absolutely. Well, you mentioned being involved with the ark. Tell us about the Ark a little bit.   Jessey Manison ** 36:03 Yeah, so the Ark is a nonprofit whose main goal is to fight for and promote the civil rights of individuals that have intellectual and developmental disabilities. So within that, it's a lot of advocacy work. And then every arc chapter is a little bit different. So here in Fort Collins, we have the arc of Larimer County. That's what the organization that I work for. And our big one is advocacy and education. That's our kind of our focus. And so we work with families that have kids that are in special education, if they have questions, or if there's an issue with the special education team, we work on the adult side of things to help with criminal justice, guardianship, housing, and really just help both be an advocate on the individual level for people and their needs. And then also systemically each of the states typically have a national chapter that works to help legislators understand pertinent laws and things like that pertaining to people that have IDD. So you'll also find some arcs, they do their service organization. So sometimes they'll have different day programs, every one is a little bit different. But the advocacy and education is really our focus. And so I am a huge advocate. So I work mostly in schools and with the younger kiddos in special education, and then kind of out getting them connected to outside resources and what they need to think about planning for   Michael Hingson ** 37:24 the future. Why is it called Arc?   Jessey Manison ** 37:27 That's a great question. And I have no idea. That's a really good question. I should go I'm gonna have to Google for that. I'm not sure I'll ask the rest of my team, if anyone knows why.   Michael Hingson ** 37:38 Yeah, it would be interesting to learn learn that history and see where that goes. Yeah, so you're a youth advocate. Tell me a little bit more about how that works out and and what you do? And also, how are you going to transition that to going to Missouri? Yeah. So have you started looking into that?   Jessey Manison ** 37:59 I have a little bit. And that's kind of why I like developing these skills. Because I do think it's actually really important to be an advocate for your patients. So I guess I'll start with the second part of the questions and similar to their, I, that's something that I feel like I've experienced with my brother is, there's a lot of really amazing smart doctors, but there's not a lot of them that are great advocates for their patients, or take the time to help them understand and teach and like really connect. And so that's been really important to me is developing those skills so that I can be the best doctor and the best advocate for patients that they they need to be. So Although who knows where my journey will go, I've learned life is a little bit crazy. You never really know what's going to happen. But I'm hoping that I'll work in that capacity as both like an educator in the medical community and then also just helping some of those skills working with people that have IDD. And this is something that med schools don't really address is working with that population. Because communication can be can look very different. And a lot of times the idea that, you know, that person is still a person, although seems very obvious. When you're in medicine, it's talking to a caregiver, it's not really putting the focus on your actual patient if they have a disability, and that's something that can be very frustrating. And I just remember a time where a doctor who I absolutely adore and respect and she's amazing. Learn something that she never learned in med school. So you go through this whole med school and they never talked about how to interact with people that have disabilities and how to treat and she had a young lady come in that was that had an interpreter that was deaf, so she had you know, sign language interpreter. And when she was interacting, she would look at the interpreter and say can you ask her? This? Can you ask her this? Instead of understanding that that interpreter is just you know, a means to get information you can still use that first person and every thing. And so just skills like that you again, like if you have a kiddo in the emergency room that has autism, that's going to be a very loud overstimulating environment, like how do we provide the best care to those patients, and I hope some of the things that I've learned in this job will transfer. And then as far as my, you know, day to day, so one of the big things I do is education, education and support for parents of kids that have IDD, so a lot of them will come to us, and they've only recently got a diagnosis or they're noticing deficits, and they have no idea where to start. So we'll go through the whole IEP process, how to get special education, what that looks like, and then how to get connected with resources like Community Center boards, which are kind of the hub for, for providing funding for waivers and things, services and supports for those kids. We do different workshops, we also have a podcast. So our podcast is kind of an educational podcast. It's called Disability discussions with ark of Larimer County, and we talk about all kinds of things like SSI and different alternative therapies and resources in the community. So that's a big portion as well. And then this the other on the other side of things is really that direct advocacy where a lot of parents will come to us because something in the IEP isn't being followed, or they don't feel like their kiddo was getting the services that they need in school. And I'll kind of come in as part of that team to advocate for that kiddos needs and say, you know, these are changes that we need to make, or we need to look at this and kind of problem solve with them.   Michael Hingson ** 41:30 Yeah, it's you, you have brought up a whole lot of things that are interesting to talk about. So let me go back to the to the doctor thing a little bit, I fully understand what you're saying about the doctors are used to talking to caregivers, they won't, they won't talk to patients, and they don't understand a lot about especially disabilities. I had a doctor once I went in, to adopt gemologists. And I went in with an ice situation, just a lot of pain. And when it turned out it was glaucoma. But when I was talking to the doctor, all he would say to me is your eyes are mad at you. Now this is a this is a man he's talking to who has a master's degree in physics. And he's saying your eyes are mad at you. And, you know, I reacted to that and said, Look, fella, right, I'm not what I'm doing, I know what I'm doing. And if you're gonna continue to operate that way, then we might as well just stop right now. And the bottom line is he really didn't know how to deal with that. And he really, he didn't walk out, right immediately. But he did soon after that. But the problem is that all too often, it comes down to they're not being taught. They're, they're not being educated. I mean, my parents were told this is now 73 years ago, but my parents were told that I should be put in a home because no blind child could ever grow up to amount to anything in society. And I hear too many stories about that, even today, we haven't really progressed. And there are so many ways that we haven't progressed. And yes, we have progressed in some ways, but attitudinally, where we're still lagging far behind where we ought to be. And so I really applaud what you're doing. And I hope that you'll be able to be a good advocate and helping to teach others because of your own experiences and your own convictions.   Jessey Manison ** 43:36 Thank you. I hope so too. And I really do think that the you know, what you said is people just don't know. And I think at the beginning, I think there's a little bit of fear associated, right? Like you're trained and you have so much education, but if you've never worked with anyone that has IDD, and then you're coming in to provide care, it can be uncomfortable, right? Like you, you don't want to say the wrong thing. You don't want to do the wrong thing. You you are uncomfortable sitting in that situation. And I have to stop, like we have to get out of that mindset and relate that they're the patient first. But I do think you know, as you said, it is education and like how do I do this? Okay, well, let's talk about it. Like let's have a conversation in the medical community about what this looks like and giving physicians those skills so that they we can change that stigma and change the idea that that they can't be independent and self advocate and care for themselves. And so I like what you said about the education piece, and I really hope fingers crossed, I can make some sort of small, small impact in that way.   Michael Hingson ** 44:34 I hope we'll hear that you have and that you do. I know it's not just IDD, it is really any of us who are different in any way. The problem is some things are we referred to and read and respected as being different and others aren't. You don't hear people pitying individuals who are left handed even though most people are right handed. You there are some some things you don't tend to see But when you find a person who has a neuro divergent situation, or who has some sort of other intellectual challenge, or who has physical disability as such, we tend to be treated differently. Because people think we're different. Rather than recognizing that maybe the difference is a lot more on our own mind than really exists. Like, I hear the term and in fact, I saw this morning, in a letter an email that I received, somebody was asking about being differently abled, which is a horribly disgusting term. Because we're not differently abled, we may use different technologies, we may do things in a different way to accomplish the task. But very frankly, who does it right? And the whole idea of differently abled is horrible, you're still distinguishing, you're still creating a difference where it doesn't need to be rather than creating an understanding and going, alright, so you don't see it. You're going to use other technologies, but that doesn't make you different. Any more than anybody else?   Jessey Manison ** 46:10 Absolutely, no, I love that you bring that up. Because that is your this conversation is actually reminding me a conversation that I have with my brother. And I know that everyone's thoughts and opinions and feelings on terms and you know, how you refer to this type of community and strengths and weaknesses and disabilities is is very different and individual, but it just reminds me of a conversation that I had with him about differently abled, and that same thing, and he was kind of saying the same thing. He's like, I just don't understand why, you know, it's making it a bigger deal than what it is like, I don't need a special term, I just I have a handicap or I have a disability, I'm still a person, we don't have to focus on putting me of the person first. I already am a person that's not necessary, you know, like, and just kind of owning that, yeah, I have a disability. So what and I don't need any special term to refer to that. So I just think that's interesting, because he had a similar perspective on the differently abled.   Michael Hingson ** 47:05 So here's a question, what's your disability?   Jessey Manison ** 47:08 Oh, what's my disability, organization, focus, a lot of different things.   Michael Hingson ** 47:17 But are those disabilities in the minds of most people as opposed to, which also may not be viewed as being a disability, but it is, one of your biggest disabilities is your light dependent. And I've said this many times on the podcast before, what happens when the power goes out, and you're in a room somewhere, the first thing you do is run to try to find or reach out and try to find your phone to turn on a flashlight, or you pan in on a flashlight, or you panic. And I actually saw that a couple of weeks ago in a building where the power went out. The bottom line is that light dependency got covered up when Thomas Edison and other people created the light bulb. But it doesn't change the fact that the disability is still there. It's just that mostly, you don't have to deal with it. Because technology has come along so far. That light is all around us. There's a really interesting Isaac Asimov story that I read. And I'm cannot remember the name of it. And it's one of my favorite ones. But it's a story about this planet. And I think there's a it's, it's orbiting a binary star. And so only once every 2000 years, does it get completely dark. And when it gets completely dark, everyone goes crazy. And they and the story is around a time when it's about to happen. And there are some scientists who think they understand this a little bit more, and they're in a room. And the stars both winked out, because now the planets and the stars and everything are aligned such that there's no light coming to the planet. And suddenly, they see all the other stars in the universe, and everyone's going crazy. And usually, every 2000 years, everything and civilization is destroyed, and they start all over. And this ends with them seeing the stars, but you don't know what's going to happen when the light comes back on that is the star the two planets or the two stars come out in the morning. But it's just interesting. The reality is that light dependence is there. And it is still as much a disability, just that mostly you got to cover it up because we've done so much to make sure you have light.   Jessey Manison ** 49:40 Right? Absolutely. You've just kind of we've just adapted to this world and what that's like the new normal even though it doesn't have to be the normal. That's interesting. I like that story.   Michael Hingson ** 49:51 Yeah, I wish I could remember it. I can't remember the title. I first heard it on an old radio show called x minus one I collect old radios. goes, but I've read the story since it's a fascinating concept. However, I'm gonna have to find it. And I'll have to let you know what it is. Please do. Yeah, I would love that. And but it is a it's a it's a fascinating concept. But the reality is light dependence is just as much a disability as light independence. And you know, the problem for us is that I'm referred to as blind or visually impaired, and that's as bad of a term visually impaired as differently abled. Because visually, I'm not different simply because I happen to be blind, at least mostly, I'm not. But the other part about it is impaired. Why do I need to be equated with someone who can see, it's like people who are deaf, I hate the term hearing impaired, and they prefer hard of hearing. And same thing with blindness, blind or low vision makes a lot more sense. And it gets rid of a lot of the stigma if we would learn but just to do that.   Jessey Manison ** 51:01 Yes. All Absolutely. It's, it's all just about perspective, and like understanding. Yeah, and I think a lot of a lot of those terms come from the attempt to, to try and be more inclusive, or at least what we think inclusive is without actually talking to people that are blind, or,   Michael Hingson ** 51:24 or have any, or who have any major difference like that. Exactly, exactly. What do you want people to know about arc? For you and arc International, or arc national?   Jessey Manison ** 51:36 Oh, my gosh, um, well, this is a this is an ongoing joke that we have here at the arc of Larimer County. So the arcs in Colorado, there is something called the arc thrift stores. So the first thing that I should tell people is we're not the thrift store. Okay, we are totally different. So the thrift store funds here in Colorado, a lot of our organization, but it's funny, because people will bring things to like, drop off at the Art thrift stores to our office, and we're like, Nope, we're not them. So from a Colorado perspective, we're not the thrift stores. But I would say just in general, there's so many ways to get involved. And if you're interested in any of this, or if you're someone that has a disability, or a parent of someone that has a disability or caregiver, reach out, because we really are all over. And we provide, you know, amazing education, workshops, advocacy. So if this is something that you're passionate about, definitely, definitely reach out and check out our podcast if you're interested in learning about Colorado stuff. But yeah, I think there's just something for everyone. And I would encourage everyone to look up their local art chapter if they have any type of questions or concerns about that, that World War?   Michael Hingson ** 52:44 Well, I think it's important that we learn about dealing with those things that are different than us. And those people who are and Ark serves a lot of people and does it in very good ways. And so I'm glad that we had a chance to have this discussion. The question I would ask you is, so for you personally. You've had a lot of personal experiences, and you've learned some things, what's probably the most important thing that you think you've learned in life? And how are your personal experiences do you think going to shape you going forward more than they have already? Hmm,   Jessey Manison ** 53:20 I would say, I would say the most important lesson is just that life does not always go as planned. And that's okay. And that's, it seems like a very basic thing. But I'm a, I'm a hugely type a planner, you know, I've got the de plan, I've got the weak plan, I've got the month plan, and I've got the 10 year plan, and everything needs to go according to plan, or we're completely off the rails and life is a mess. And so starting from the age of, you know, 12, when things did not go as planned, all the way up through grad school did not go as planned. I've just really learned that some of the best things and the best opportunities come from that. And so, you know, when things aren't going according to plan, it can be very stressful and scary, but I do feel like the best things in my life have have come from the experiences that didn't go as planned and the failures and the the changes. So that would definitely be something that has has shaped me and I hope to continue to learn that you know, you have to be flexible. And then I think just going forward, all of these experiences have just taught me how important family and relationships and supporting each other, whether that's friends, family community, how important that is. And I really hope that I can give back as I as I go through my journey. I think that just treating people like people, which seems so basic, but it's not always there. And being a good day, like I said, being a good advocate for my patients and helping to helping to explain I think people always they overlook the why and that's another thing that I really I really that draws me to medicine is like just can't count how many times being in a doctor's office, the doctor will say like, Oh, we're going to do this and this and this. And none of it's person centered. None of it, you didn't explain like, Okay, well, why? Why are we doing this? Right? Like you need to this is this is his health or my health and, and I think that this is something just to be said, for everyone. You should be the person centered. And so when you have individuals that have disabilities, that, you know, a lot of times because they get overlooked, their opinions get overlooked, they should be at the center, you know, we need to empower that. And so I hope that I can take, take all of that and understanding how important and how stressful those situations can be and how to be a good physician and just a good community member.   Michael Hingson ** 55:44 Nothing wrong with being flexible. It's good to have a plan but also know when to change it.   Jessey Manison ** 55:50 I'm trying I would be lying if I said that, like yeah, I'm really good at that now. No, no terrible   Michael Hingson ** 55:57 experience. Yeah, there you go. If people want to learn more about you or learn more about Ark and and so on, how can they do that?   Jessey Manison ** 56:06 Yeah, absolutely. So there's a couple different ways you're welcome to email me directly. And so I don't know should I give my email I can give my email. So J Manison, ma n i s o n at ARC llc.org. Also a quick Google search the arc of Larimer County or if you look up, the arc national so let's say that you're not in Larimer County. I know, Michael, your podcast goes out everywhere. So if you're looking to get connected with resources, just in general, quick search for the Ark national. And it will come up with all the different chapters you put in your zip code, and it'll tell you where the closest one is. So that's also another really great way to to find us. You can also if you're looking for our chapter, Ark of Larimer County, it'll come right up.   Michael Hingson ** 56:52 Well, here's a challenge for you. Once you get to Joplin, and you're there for a while and you want to talk about it. We want to have you back on to hear about your adventures and how things are going. And, gosh,   Jessey Manison ** 57:05 I don't know that people are going to be that interested, Michael, I'm flattered, but I'm not that interesting of a person.   Michael Hingson ** 57:09 See, we'll see. We'll come up with questions because you're gonna have to come up with more questions again.   Jessey Manison ** 57:15 Okay, perfect. I'll do I will touch base once I'm in medical school, drowning and research. You'll need a break. Exactly. I'll be crying. Okay, can   Michael Hingson ** 57:23 I come on the podcast? Please? No important question. What's your horse's name? Is he was mustard. Mustard. Okay.   Jessey Manison ** 57:31 He's a yellowy kind of color. He's called a Palomino. He's a yellowy color. So it works.   Michael Hingson ** 57:36 My colleague when we wrote thunder dog Susie flora, he has a horse called Stetson.   Jessey Manison ** 57:41 Oh, cute. I love that. That's a super key day. I am my dad. He's, you know, typical Dad Dad puns. So growing up for the last, you know, 16 years. His go to is always no one can catch up to mustard. So I thought I'd let me share that out with the people   Michael Hingson ** 58:01 can catch up to mustard. Right? Well, he may or may not may or may not be able to get away with that. But we'll see. I want to thank you for joining us and being here with us and having the chance to make this happen. This has been a lot of fun. Yes.   Jessey Manison ** 58:23 Thank you so much for having me. I'll be honest, I was a little bit nervous. I'm not usually on the like the interviewee side of things. And you made it just feel like a conversation and storytelling. So I appreciate the opportunity. It's been great.   Michael Hingson ** 58:37 Well, if you ever do a podcast and need someone, let us know. It'd be fun to come and compare notes and take the other side.   Jessey Manison ** 58:43 I would love that I will definitely reach out and hit you up with that.   Michael Hingson ** 58:47 Well, I hope you've enjoyed listening. And I hope that you'll let us know what you think email Jessie, let her know. And I'd like to hear what you think about all of this horsing around overhead too. And this discussion, feel free to email me at Michael hi at accessibe A C C E S S I B E.com. Or visit our podcast page www dot Michael hingson h i n g s o n.com/podcast. And wherever you're listening, please give us a five star rating. We appreciate th

In this captivating interview, join us as we talk with the visionary founder of Best Buddies International, Anthony K. Shriver. Discover the remarkable journey of this vibrant organization, which has blossomed from its humble beginnings to establish nearly 3,000 chapters worldwide. Explore the profound impact Best Buddies has made, positively transforming the lives of over 1.3 million individuals with and without IDD across 47 countries. Get an exclusive insight into their groundbreaking partnership with Jersey Mike's, a collaboration that further amplifies their mission of fostering inclusion and friendship. Prepare to be inspired by the stories, accomplishments, and global reach of Best Buddies International. Contact Best Buddies International: Email: anthonyshriver@bestbuddies.org Phone Number: +1 305-374-2233 Tired of your job? Thinking of starting or buying a business? Take our Biz Quiz to filter through over 10,000 business opportunities today! https://www.vettedbiz.com/quiz-test/ Need help finding the right franchise? Click here: https://www.vettedbiz.com/franchise-search/ #BestBuddies #FranchiseFindings If you are looking for more information, you can connect with us through our networks: https://www.vettedbiz.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/vettedbiz/ https://www.facebook.com/vettedbiz https://www.tiktok.com/@businessandfranchiseinus

Victoria Rocha! Story-teller! Writer! Friend! Delight! More! You can find her first-ever published creative non-fiction work, "Michael is Gone" in the online journal, Untenured, listen to her perform on the storytelling show Risk!, and hear her read from her childhood diaries on episodes 102 and 204 of Mortified. Here is the op-ed she references on the show. And here is a message from Victoria that I read in the show's intro and also think it bears repeating, so I'm including it here as well: "Please remember that people with disabilities are people first with desires for love, acceptance, education, jobs, true friendships, and opportunities. They are not angels or exist on this Earth for your inspiration; instead support them in their inspirations and aspirations. A good starting point is Best Buddies International, a nonprofit focused on creating lasting one-to-one friendships between people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and neurotypical individuals, in addition to getting people with IDD into integrated employment and leadership opportunities (bestbuddies.org)." We have a really meaningful, enjoyable chat! I hope you enjoy! AND THAT'S NOT ALL! This is only part ONE. For part TWO of our chat, click here for Patreon! Thanks for being here and doing all that you're doing!

On this Bonus Episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast: Join us on a soundseeing walk in support of Best Buddies' mission of inclusion.  This April 22, 2023 from 10:00AM to 1PM, the annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk. This bonus episode originally aired on May 11, 2018. Tune in as we talk to David Quilleon, Sr. Vice President of Best Buddies International, on his involvement in BestBuddies, a Preview for their 2018 Leadership Conference. We hear live speeches from Best Buddies Ambassadors Dana, Topher, & Global Best Buddies Ambassador Jack Mayor. We give our audio commentary during the Friendship Walk and talk to buddy pairs Kayla & Annie; Peggy an elementary school teacher; Kellie & and buddy from Pace Center; Breanna & Lorenzo; Best Buddies Global Ambassador Jack Mayor; and much more fun live coverage. Inclusion Without Limits! Learn more about the Best Buddies Friendship Walk HERE: https://www.bestbuddiesfriendshipwalk.org/chicago/  Join the movement! Learn more about how to get involved in Best Buddies HERE: http://bestbuddies.org/ . . . . . Listen and Watch Full Episode Here: https://specialchronicles.com/podcast522a Like our podcast? Support our work with a small monthly donation at https://specialchronicles.com/give . . . . . Award-winning Intellectual Disability advocate, speaker, and host of the Special Chronicles Podcast, Daniel Smrokowski tells special needs stories in a unique way because he is a person with special needs: disability conversations, Special Olympics athletes not to miss, and interviews with friends. New episodes drop weekly. Follow Special Chronicles Podcast: Available on ApplePodcasts, Spotify or anywhere you listen to your favorite shows! The post Best Buddies Soundseeing Friendship Walk For Inclusion (Rebroadcast) | Ep.522a first appeared on Special Chronicles.

Chloe Fineman: The SNL Star Who Can Literally Do Anything(Recorded October 2022) Chloe Fineman's first TV appearance was doing bird calls on Letterman. Now she plays a multitude of beloved characters on SNL and a role in Noah Baumbach's  film White Noise. Mike and Chloe discuss how she got noticed with her celebrity impressions on Instagram and what happens when you talk smack about Chloe's dog. Plus, jokes and stories about anesthesia freakouts and celebrity orgasms.Please consider donating to Best Buddies International

This scenario was pulled from the headlines. A middle schooler with special needs was turned down when he asked a classmate to be his Valentine in a public performance. The resulting social media backlash both for and against the young woman gives us plenty to unpack about culture, ethics, etiquette, social media, and special needs folks in our communities. Here are the links mentioned in the show. MSNBC Story: https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/it-s-manipulative-parents-defend-girl-who-politely-turned-down-classmate-s-valentine-s-day-request/ar-AA17RCVr?ocid=msedgdhp&pc=U531&cvid=00aee0758e94402e8808159a791de48b&ei=42 TODAY show story: https://www.today.com/parents/teens/teen-publicly-rejected-gets-kind-valentines-classmates-rcna70965 Best Buddies International https://www.bestbuddies.org/ Best Buddies International is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Send us your thoughts, inbox@ethicsandetiquette.com. Ethics and Etiquette is a thought-provoking dialogue about everyday dilemmas. We hope our discussions will help you examine your choices and exercise your own ethical muscles. The podcast is presented by author and host Marna Ashburn; wife, mother, and attorney Kelly Halligan Zimmerman; and Mike Derrick, a retired Army Officer, combat vet, and father of four. New episodes are posted on the first and third Wednesday of the month. Visit our Instagram @ethicsetiquette and our website www.ethicsandetiquette.com.

Many underrepresented groups—including people of color, women, those with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ+ community—face barriers to landing great jobs, no matter how qualified they are. Outreach can help you build a team that better reflects the diversity of your organization's community. Find us at https://www.bernieportal.com/hr-party-of-one/BerniePortal: The all-in-one HRIS that makes building a business & managing its people easy. http://bit.ly/2NEQ5QbWhat is an HRIS?https://bit.ly/what-is-an-hrisBernieU: Your free one-stop shop for compelling, convenient, and comprehensive HR training and courses that will keep you up-to-date on all things human resources. Approved for SHRM & HRCI recertification credit hours. Enroll today!https://university.bernieportal.com/Join the HR Party of One LinkedIn Group!https://www.linkedin.com/groups/12527070/▬ Episode Resources & Links ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬DEI Spotlight: How to Create an Inclusive Workplacehttps://youtu.be/SM0JdH--QJQHR Hiring Guide: Recruiting Tips, Trends, and Best Practices https://university.bernieportal.com/offers/sSLfzYaV/checkout How to Establish a Meaningful Company Culture https://university.bernieportal.com/offers/xSqFkuB9/checkout How to Engage a Job Applicant in 15 Minutes or Less https://blog.bernieportal.com/how-to-engage-job-applicant-15-mins-or-less Do Employees Want Pay Transparency? https://blog.bernieportal.com/employees-compensation-transparency-surveyBig Brothers Big Sisters of America https://bigbro.com/ Best Buddies International https://www.bestbuddies.org/ ▬ Social Media ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬► LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bernieportal▬ Podcast▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬► Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hr-party-of-one/id1495233115► Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ViQkKdatT40DPLJkY2pgA► Google Podcast:

Chloe Fineman's first TV appearance was doing bird calls on Letterman. Now she plays a multitude of beloved characters on SNL and a role in Noah Baumbach's forthcoming film White Noise. Mike and Chloe discuss how she got noticed with her celebrity impressions on Instagram and what happens when you talk smack about Chloe's dog. Plus, jokes and stories about anesthesia freakouts and celebrity orgasms.Please consider donating to Best Buddies International

It can be hard trying to decide if you want children or not, and it can be doubly difficult when there are two people involved in the decision. That's why I wanted to speak to today's guest, Melanie Hunter, who went with her husband to couple's therapy, specifically to unpack the question: should they have kids? It was fascinating to hear about how they made an intentional choice to be childfree, and heeded their therapists' advice that, if you're not going to make a baby, you should create something else together: a purpose, a life.Follow Melanie on Instagram @melaniehunter888.Check out the great work of Best Buddies International.And the book Melanie referred to is Cunt: A Declaration of Independence, by Inga Muscio.

There are 200 million people in the world living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In 1989 Anthony Shriver, son of Eunice Kennedy Shriver (founder of the Special Olympics) started an organization while a student at Georgetown university that paired individuals with an IDD (buddies) and those without an IDD (peer buddies).  That organization has evolved into Best Buddies International, which today has nearly 3,000 chapters around the world, Best Buddies founder Anthony K. Shriver and MOD Pizza co-founder, Ally Svenson to discuss how Best Buddies is teaming up with MOD Pizza to help support their mission.

There are 200 million people in the world living with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In 1989 Anthony Shriver, son of Eunice Kennedy Shriver (founder of the Special Olympics) started an organization while a student at Georgetown university that paired individuals with an IDD (buddies) and those without an IDD (peer buddies).  That organization has evolved into Best Buddies International, which today has nearly 3,000 chapters around the world, Best Buddies founder Anthony K. Shriver and MOD Pizza co-founder, Ally Svenson to discuss how Best Buddies is teaming up with MOD Pizza to help support their mission.

In this episode, hear from special guest Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that strives to end the social, physical, and economic […] The post Becoming Best Buddies – with Anthony Kennedy Shriver appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from special guest Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that strives to end the social, physical, and economic isolation of the millions of people around the world with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Listen as he discusses his personal journey that led to the founding of this wonderful organization! https://www.bestbuddies.org/   The post Becoming Best Buddies – with Anthony Kennedy Shriver appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

In this episode, hear from special guest Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that strives to end the social, physical, and economic isolation of the millions of people around the world with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Listen as he discusses his personal journey that led to […] The post Becoming Best Buddies – with Anthony Kennedy Shriver appeared first on PLAN of MA and RI.

Today on The Jeff Crilley Show, Jeff sits down with Linda Kordek-Milton, State Director for Texas with Best Buddies International.

In this episode I talk with Andrew Harbaugh, Program manager for Best Buddies in DE and Lisa Thorp, Co-Advisor at Cape Henlopen Best Buddies.  If you live in DE, please join us for the Best Buddies Friendship Walk in-person May 21st at 10 am at Glasgow Park in Newark.  For more information on Best Buddies go to www.bestbuddies.org

We are ecstatic to introduce this week's guest, Lauren Potter! You might know Lauren as Becky Jackson from the TV show Glee. She was in all six seasons playing a character who, like her, has Down Syndrome! After graduating high school and attending college in California, Lauren began acting, starring in her first film at the age of 16. In 2012 she was nominated for a SAG award in the Ensemble in a Comedy Series category for her work in Glee, and she also received the SAG/AFTRA Harold Russell Award at the 2012 Media Access AwardsOn top of being a fabulous and successful actress, Lauren is also a fierce advocate. President Obama appointed her to the President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities. She has advocated with AbilityPath, Best Buddies International, the National Down Syndrome Society, The American Association of People with Disabilities, and Special Olympics. We are honored to have Lauren on the show, and the timing couldn't be more perfect with World Down Syndrome Awareness Day coming up on March 21st! This day was chosen because people with Down Syndrome have three copies of chromosome 21, so the 21st day of the 3rd month.On This Episode We Discuss:What it is like growing up with Down SyndromeLauren's experience auditioning for the role of Becky on GleeWhat Lauren wants people to know about how the R word can affect peopleLauren's advocacy work with Best Buddies and the President's Committee for people with Intellectual Disabilities“A Guest Room” a short film where Lauren was the lead actress and executive producerInspirational advice for people with Down SyndromeAdvice for parents who may have just found out their baby has Down SyndromeBe sure to follow Lauren on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to stay up to date on her advocacy work and latest acting roles!Stay tuned for the next new episode of DNA Today on March 25, 2022 where we'll be discussing whole genome sequencing with world-renowned geneticist Dr. Madhuri Hegde, Senior Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer of Global Lab Services at PerkinElmer Genomics. New episodes are released on Fridays. In the meantime, you can binge over 175 other episodes on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, streaming on the website, or any other podcast player by searching, “DNA Today”. Episodes since 2021 are also recorded with video which you can watch on our YouTube channel. DNA Today is hosted and produced by Kira Dineen. Our social media lead is Corinne Merlino. Our video lead is Amanda Andreoli. See what else we are up to on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and our website, DNApodcast.com. Questions/inquiries can be sent to info@DNApodcast.com. Every pregnancy has a chance to have a genetic abnormality or complication. Mitera empowers you to make the most informed reproductive decisions through their at-home genetic tests, without needing your doctor's order. These tests include non-invasive prenatal screening (Mitera's Peaches&Me) and carrier screening (Mitera's 23pears). Request your own kit at miteragenetics.com and use code “DNATODAY” for 10% off. Mitera. Predict. Prevent. Prepare. (SPONSORED)Vizgen is dedicated to pioneering the next generation of genomics, providing tools that demonstrate the possibilities of in situ single cell spatial genomics. These tools are enabling researchers to gain insight into the biological systems that govern human health and disease. Stay tuned for our full episode with Vizgen where we explore single-cell spatial genomics. Get a sneak peak by visiting their website at vizgen.com. Vizgen, leaders in spatially resolved, single-cell transcriptomics. (SPONSORED)PerkinElmer Genomics is a global leader in genetic testing focusing on rare diseases, inherited disorders, newborn screening, and hereditary cancer. Testing services support the full continuum of care from preconception and prenatal to neonatal, pediatric, and adult. Testing options include sequencing for targeted genes, multiple genes, the whole exome or genome, and copy number variations. Using a simple saliva or blood sample, PerkinElmer Genomics answers complex genetic questions that can proactively inform patient care and end the diagnostic odyssey for families. Learn more at PerkinElmerGenomics.com. (SPONSORED)Did you know there is a genetic counselor that specializes in offering care to those in the adoptee community? Brianne Kirkpatrick co-wrote “The DNA Guide for Adoptees” to provide a resource for those in the adoptee community who are utilizing DNA testing to find biological relatives or to seek out medical information. She also started Watershed DNA to offer personalized genetic counseling to directly support people in the aftermath of a surprise DNA discovery. You can hear Brianne share her insight from her book in Episode 103 of DNA Today! Learn more atWatershedDNA.com where you can also book your consult today with Brianne. (SPONSORED)

In episode 41, Don and I spoke to the absolutely delightful and dynamic Kennedy Loftin, Chief Development Officer at the Montrose Center, one of the nation's largest LGBTQ+ resource centers . Kennedy led the $26.5 million campaign to build The Law Harrington Senior Living Center, the nation's largest, LGBTQ affirming senior housing center that opened on June 24, 2021. In response to Hurricane Harvey, Kennedy launched the LGBTQ Hurricane Harvey Relief fund which raised $2.3 million to help the LGBTQ+ community recover from the disaster. In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, the Center launched a fund that has currently raised $2.1 million in funds focused on providing direct financial assistance to vulnerable members of the LGBTQ+ community. Kennedy is a founding member of Houston Mayor Sylvestor Turner's LGBTQ Advisory Board, has served on several boards, and is a sought-after development educator and leader in the industry, with guest teaching at Rice University, Glasscock School Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership and the University of Houston.Kennedy  was born in Houston, grew up in East Texas, and after experiencing housing insecurity following coming out to his family decided to channel his activism into nonprofit development impacting underserved communities. Kennedy began his career at Best Buddies Texas, an organization that serves people with intellectual disabilities, and became the Director of Special Events for Miami-based Best Buddies International. In 2006, Kennedy returned home to Houston to serve as executive director for Best Buddies Texas, and was the youngest executive director in the history of the organization. Kennedy became the Chief Development Officer for Interfaith Ministries in 2008. During his tenure, he led a $15 million capital campaign for the new Interfaith Conference Center and for the construction of the Meals on Wheels building which serves 4,500 seniors daily. FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterSupport the show (https://www.patreon.com/preview/3feccac8decf451cbee818066461f7c1)

Overview: Today I speak with Gustavo Soriano, Gustavo he Senior Director of International Programs at Best Buddies International. His role is to oversee the organization's programs abroad, encompassing 56 countries and territories across six continents of the world. Not familiar with Best Buddies? No problem, you'll get to learn about the history, mission, and incredible work of this fantastic organization. Connect Best Buddies International Website Bios: Gustavo Soriano is the Senior Director of International Programs at Best Buddies International. In this role, he combines his unique blend of non-profit and international management experience to oversee the organization's programs abroad, encompassing 56 countries and territories across six continents of the world. Mr. Soriano has been in charge of the organization's geographical expansion outside of the United States and the global development of their supported employment program. Previously the Director of Programs at Global Brigades, Mr. Soriano has also held leadership positions in many other non-profit organizations working on public health and sustainable development in Latin America. A Medical Doctor graduate from Universidad Evangélica de El Salvador, Mr. Soriano holds an MS Degree in International Administration and Public Health from the School of Arts and Sciences at the University of Miami. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/seniapodcast/message

This week, Steve had the opportunity to speak with Andrew Nobbay, commercial director of Oxy Low Carbon Ventures. Andrew's advice for future generations is to be kind and give the other person the benefit of the doubt. Andrew is always willing to lend a helping hand, which truly shows through his extensive volunteer experience, including “Best Buddies International” and "Habitat for Humanity International." Andrew has been apart of Oxy for 26 years, and Oxy Low Carbon Ventures for two years, which is committed to making the world a better place and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He has played many different roles in the company ranging from the director of IT planning, financial reporting, performance improvement, and now serves as the commercial director.Learn more about the Strategic Financial Leadership podcast: https://www.strategicfinancialleadership.com/podcast

In Psych Hub's interview with Anthony Shriver, we cover the importance of creating a culture of giving back, where people feel connected to a bigger purpose.  Anthony will share the work Best Buddies International is doing to build friendships between those with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Matthew Andrews is a writer, musician, entrepreneur, spiritual activist, and yoga teacher. He is co-owner of Yoga Center Amherst, which has had an average of about 1400 class attendances per month since 2016. He has completed 500+ hours of yoga teacher training, has co-taught several Embodyoga teacher trainings, and has organized and led eight yoga-oriented retreats in North and South India, with over 150 total attendees. Matthew's spiritual path has developed in the midst of a rich, full life. Before owning Yoga Center Amherst, he was Senior Director of State Operations for Best Buddies International, responsible for over 100 employees and a $12 million annual budget. And he is currently President of the Board of Directors for Auroville International, USA, which supports the International Township of Auroville in South India. In 2020 he co-founded Reparations for Amherst Massachusetts, which worked with Town Councilors to pass a resolution apologizing for slavery and is now building a fund to pay material reparations. Matthew first traveled to India in 2000, and since then he has been on a quest to understand and embody the teachings of yoga. He has studied ancient and modern texts and traveled to India ten times, but his most significant learnings have come through the embodied guidance of his guru GurujiMa. Matthew is also a singer and songwriter, and in 2020 he released an album of sacred music called Let It Open. It's available on all major streaming platforms.   Music credit: "sun of the most high" by ketsa

Tommy D interviews Sophie Dubuisson, State Director of NY, for Best Buddies International.They will discuss Best Buddies Programs that increase inclusion for the IDD - Intellectually & Developmentally Disabled community.Tune in for this sensible conversation at TalkRadio.nyc or watch the Facebook Livestream by clicking here.Show Notes‍Segment 1Tommy D Introduces himself and the show from his attic. Tommy gives a reference to what his show is about and then talks about general philanthropic organizations that are underrepresented and underfunded, he also gives reference to how these nonprofits need more attention and be more in the spotlight. Tommy then introduces Sophie Dubuisson and talks about her professional career and her connection to the organization Buddies international. Sophie takes the reins by giving her introduction about her profession in event management, and then talks about ‘Best Buddies International.' The two go into the history behind Best Buddies International, and how the organization that helps people with intellectual or developmental disabilities. They give an emphasis on inclusion and how integral it is to keep them in the conversation as well as a part of the conversationSegment 2Steve begins by sharing the story of how he learned about the program ‘Best Buddy's', and how Best Buddies International won at the ‘Imagine Awards' all in the same night. Sophie then begins by talking about the Best Buddies program – starting from Georgetown University to a program that is diverse and can be associated with or added to any school. Sophie talks about Best Buddy's presence in New York, and their intention to continue to grow. She gives the audience an idea of how involved people can get, from 20 to sometimes 200. It is very common to have students get involved in the Best Buddies program, According to Sophie.Segment 3Tommy asks Sophie about the jobs program at Best Buddies. Sophie talks about how this program is different from the one they hold at schools – it is an adult based program for people who are 18 – they work with various organizations to pair people with intellectual or developmental disabilities with jobs in a professional environment. Sophie mentions this past year has been difficult due to the pandemic, however, she is grateful that they have been able to maintain their partnerships with their organizations.‍Segment 4Tommy and Sophie talk about the various events for Best Buddies in 2021 to grow awareness and attract the audience to their cause. Sophie mentions a Covid Safe friendship walk that is hybrid. Sophie compares the event to last year and how the organization has more opportunities because last year the pandemic forced their event to be completely online. The walk has been able to raise $50,000 but their goal this year is $20,000 as the organization understands the financial difficulties that have risen this year. Sophie also spoke about how without this funding they can't grow, start more programs, and develop. Towards the end, Tommy gives the show a send off and then a shout out to the next show ‘Always Freyday.'

The programs at Best Buddies International empower those with special abilities to develop meaningful friendships with their peers, secure successful jobs, live independently, improve their public speaking, self-advocacy and communication skills, and to feel valued by society. Today’s guest is Sarah Won, the Director of State Operations for Best Buddies California, and her co-guest is Caley Versfelt, a Best Buddies Ambassador. Together, Amanda, Vickie, Sarah, and Caley explore this global volunteer movement and the many benefits experienced, from both volunteer and participant perspectives. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! Show Highlights: Sarah provides an overview of Best Buddies International, which is the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical, and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Anthony Kennedy Shriver is the Founder and CEO of Best Buddies International. Sarah details the programs that Best Buddies offer, such as the Friendship Program, and discusses some of the many employers that offer employment to participants. There are many ways for people and businesses can get involved and benefit from the programs. Best Buddies hosts a lot of diversity and inclusion Lunch & Learns. Best Buddies wants to be a lifetime organization for its participants. Caley opens up about her experiences as a Best Buddies Ambassador. Sarah shares the mission and goals of Best Buddies. Caley discusses the Job Program and how it has given her self-confidence. Links/Resources: Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to SUBSCRIBE to the show to receive every new episode delivered straight to your podcast player every Tuesday. If you enjoyed this episode and believe in our message, then please help us get the word out about this podcast. Rate and Review this show in Apple Podcasts, Stitcher Radio, or Google Play. It helps other listeners find this show. Be sure to connect with us and reach out with any questions/concerns: Facebook Instagram Twitter IEP website This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not to be construed as legal advice specific to your circumstances. If you need help with any legal matters, be sure to consult with an attorney regarding your specific needs. Connect with Sarah & Best Buddies! Best Buddies - California Best Buddies International Sarah’s Email Connect with Caley! Tides of Kindness

IntroIn this episode of Nonprofit Architect, Travis features Vallye Adams, the Head of Etavele Solutions. She is the former National Director of Expansion and Mission Advancement for Best Buddies International and is currently consulting for them in Expansion and events. Join Vallye and be inspired by her passion. Conversation Highlights [01:30] Vallye gives an introduction to Etavele Solutions, giving an overview of the projects they undertake. [04:14] Moving into a new state as a nonprofit organization [06:23] Takeaway #1: When you really focus on building relationships and sharing the mission, you can build an inclusion web. [09:00] Vallye describes the contribution of her skills of a licensed auctioneer as an added advantage in fundraising for her NPO. [10:05] Takeaway #2: Just like any business, you need to do research, understand the business model, and set out a strategic plan before moving into a new state. [18:18] Takeaway #3: Transition your mission to fit the times [20:50] Key Elements to a successful virtual event [23:12] "A bid from the heart" [25:15] Vallye's contact information. Remarkable Quotes: [09:06} "Lead with your mission first". (For NPOs moving into a new state) [18:18] "Transition the mission" Bio Vallye Adams is the founder and CEO of Etavele Solutions, LLC, a national consulting firm based in Tampa, Florida. Unique like her name, Etavele offers solutions to ‘elevate' and enhance events, engage boards, specializing in proven sustainable revenue development in the, not for profit sector. After attending the University of South Florida, Vallye's professional experience spans over twenty years, including multifamily property management, real estate sales, and over ten years in nonprofit executive management, fundraising, event development, expansion strategies, and new market growth. Her “WOO” (Winning other's Over) and collaborative style have cultivated relationships, sponsorships, and corporate partnerships, paving the way for organizations to elevate revenue and enhance event fundraising. Vallye's ability to help sail these vital “ships” has elevated revenue growth to over $5 million in 5 years. Experience in expansion initiatives and new market growth in Twenty-two states Vallye focusses on grassroots efforts, building cohesive teams, motivated volunteers, and active, structured boards. Vallye believes actions speak louder than words and offers to personally help your organization make “the ask” and show you the $$! She is a licensed Florida auctioneer and Emcee, offering to consult and coach clients on cultivating exceptional events or facilitate, manage, and lead the revenue appeal development from the frontlines. Proud to be an accomplished motivational trainer and public speaker, Vallye lives in Tampa with her husband of 22 years and three children. She enjoys tennis, traveling in their RV, spending quality time in the mountains and beachside, and always loves learning, reading, and trying new things! Contact Info vallye@etavelesolutions.com www.facebook.com/etavelesolutions Etavele.solutionswww.etavelesolutions.com        

IntroIn this episode of Nonprofit Architect, Travis features Vallye Adams, the Head of Etavele Solutions. She is the former National Director of Expansion and Mission Advancement for Best Buddies International and is currently consulting for them in Expansion and events. Join Vallye and be inspired by her passion. Conversation Highlights [01:30] Vallye gives an introduction to Etavele Solutions, giving an overview of the projects they undertake. [04:14] Moving into a new state as a nonprofit organization [06:23] Takeaway #1: When you really focus on building relationships and sharing the mission, you can build an inclusion web. [09:00] Vallye describes the contribution of her skills of a licensed auctioneer as an added advantage in fundraising for her NPO. [10:05] Takeaway #2: Just like any business, you need to do research, understand the business model, and set out a strategic plan before moving into a new state. [18:18] Takeaway #3: Transition your mission to fit the times [20:50] Key Elements to a successful virtual event [23:12] "A bid from the heart" [25:15] Vallye's contact information. Remarkable Quotes: [09:06} "Lead with your mission first". (For NPOs moving into a new state) [18:18] "Transition the mission" Bio Vallye Adams is the founder and CEO of Etavele Solutions, LLC, a national consulting firm based in Tampa, Florida. Unique like her name, Etavele offers solutions to ‘elevate’ and enhance events, engage boards, specializing in proven sustainable revenue development in the, not for profit sector. After attending the University of South Florida, Vallye’s professional experience spans over twenty years, including multifamily property management, real estate sales, and over ten years in nonprofit executive management, fundraising, event development, expansion strategies, and new market growth. Her “WOO” (Winning other’s Over) and collaborative style have cultivated relationships, sponsorships, and corporate partnerships, paving the way for organizations to elevate revenue and enhance event fundraising. Vallye’s ability to help sail these vital “ships” has elevated revenue growth to over $5 million in 5 years. Experience in expansion initiatives and new market growth in Twenty-two states Vallye focusses on grassroots efforts, building cohesive teams, motivated volunteers, and active, structured boards. Vallye believes actions speak louder than words and offers to personally help your organization make “the ask” and show you the $$! She is a licensed Florida auctioneer and Emcee, offering to consult and coach clients on cultivating exceptional events or facilitate, manage, and lead the revenue appeal development from the frontlines. Proud to be an accomplished motivational trainer and public speaker, Vallye lives in Tampa with her husband of 22 years and three children. She enjoys tennis, traveling in their RV, spending quality time in the mountains and beachside, and always loves learning, reading, and trying new things! Contact Info vallye@etavelesolutions.com www.facebook.com/etavelesolutions Etavele.solutionswww.etavelesolutions.com        

Listen to David Quilleon, the Sr. Vice President of Global Mission, State Development and Operations speak about the four pillars of Best Buddies International, which are: One-to-One Friendships; Integrated Employment; Leadership Development; and Inclusive Living. Learn how this organization went from a single chapter, to having 2,976 Chapters, and 130,678 Participants across 50 U.S. states and 56 countries. 

Katie Brydon greeting visitors at Burnt Island. Courtesy of Maine Department of Marine Resources. Katie Brydon and husband Jesse Gauthier at Burnt Island. Courtesy of Maine Department of Marine Resources. Living history performances are utilized at many museums and lighthouses, but few light stations have utilized the concept of living history to the extent that Burnt Island Light Station in Boothbay Harbor, Maine, does. The Maine Department of Marine Resources acquired the Burnt Island Light Station in 1998 as part of the Maine Lights Program. Burnt Island’s restored light station buildings and grounds have been transformed into a living history museum where interpreters in period costume portray a historic lighthouse family. Visitors arrive by tour boat from Boothbay Harbor and disembark at the island, where they learn about life on the island from Keeper Joseph Muise, his wife Annie, and their children as they recount their daily activities and share their stories of joy, sorrow, dedication, and survival. Katie Brydon,courtesy of Maine Department of Marine Resources. Katie Brydon started playing the role of one of the daughters of Keeper Joseph Muise at Burnt Island while she was a drama major at Emerson College in Boston. A few years later, she and her husband played the keeper and his wife for a while. In this interview, she talks about the experience and the value of living history programs at historic sites. Today, Katie is the national director of programs for Best Buddies International, a nonprofit organization that consists of volunteers who create opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Burnt Island Light Station Keepers of Burnt Island Light Best Buddies International

tatisantosmd@gmail.com Dr. Tatiana Santos was raised in Florida and earned her B.S. from Florida International University. She then went on to complete medical school at the University of Silesia School of Medicine, where she co-founded the 6 th Chapter of the Student Government Association. Dr. Santos recently completed her Master's Degree in Healthcare Administration from Purdue University. She has served on the Health Impact Council for the United Way Worldwide and Advisory Board for Best Buddies International. Her interest in medical ethics began in her previous career as a trial paralegal for medical malpractice cases, and from her involvement with the American Medical Association on the ongoing issue of physician-assisted suicide. She has extensive knowledge on end of life decisions from her participation in advance directive preparations at the University of Florida. Dr. Santos is fluent in Portuguese and Spanish.

Google is creating opportunities for integrated employment, leadership development, and inclusive living for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities - which includes, people with Down syndrome, autism and other undiagnosed disabilities. Discover more about their partnership with JLL and Best Buddies International.

Todd was a Regional Director for Best Buddies International, a non-profit organization that helps support developmentally challenged individuals working closely with Anthony Kennedy Shriver. Todd carries with him the lessons and experiences of these earlier years into the commitment to quality and integrity of his business today. check out Todd's podcast Untold Stories here: https://untoldstoriesbytodd.podbean.com/

Guest Jon Brideau is a social impact entrepreneur currently serving as President and CEO of World T.E.A.M Sports, an organization that brings adaptive and able-bodied athletes together through inclusive athletic programs. He joined the organization in 2017 with aims of increasing sponsorship and partner support for some of World T.E.A.M’s events, which includes an Amazing Race-style competition in western Colorado. Previous to World T.E.A.M, Brideau worked for Best Buddies International, an organization dedicated to helping people with intellectual or developmental disabilities form one-on-one friendships and leadership development. He eventually led the popular Best Buddies Challenge before shifting his mission-driven mindset over to his new role at World T.E.A.M Sports. Discover more Boston Speaks Up at Boston Business Journal's BostInno: https://www.americaninno.com/boston/boston-speaks-up/

A surprise package from a listener arrives to help Jessica tame the beast that is her hair.  Jessica wants to know why does one person take up an entire large table at a cafe leaving you and your friends with nowhere to sit?  Hear some techniques of how to deal with that through our rant of rudeness which spills into movie theaters that are half empty and the people who sit down right next to you. Dana's rant is about remembering but she appropriately couldn't remember what her rant was at first.  Jessica gets a glimpse of herself in the future when Dana imitates her mother in law telling a story with 10 side stories that make her unable to get to the original point.  Mr. Young Corner returns with some recorded voice messages from Jessica's dad.  Hear how Dana was a Highlander in high school, an all female drum corps complete with a baton twirler and Majorette.  That Sucks! Corner involves a food display mistakenly being given to a customer instead of the real food she ordered. Raves this week include Best Buddies International and Stella's Wish Foundation.   Best Buddies is a non profit 501 C organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  https://www.bestbuddies.org/

Guy Fieri is a chef, restaurateur, bestselling author, and Emmy Award-winning TV host. In 2006, he won the second season of “Food Network Star,” and has gone on to have multiple Food Network shows. He has opened over 63 restaurants around the world and at sea. He supports numerous charities including his own Cooking with Kids, as well as The Make-A-Wish Foundation and Best Buddies International. Guy resides in Northern California with his family.

On Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 290, Daniel Smrokowski and Jose  Moreno Jr. are podcasting live from the Best Buddies Illinois Friendship Walk 2018 For Inclusion.  Tune-in as we talk to David Quilleon (Sr. Vice President of Best Buddies International) on his involvement in BestBuddies, a Preview for their 2018 Leadership Conference; Hear live speeches from Best Buddies … Continue reading LIVE From BestBuddies Friendship Walk For #Inclusion [SCP290] The post LIVE From BestBuddies Friendship Walk For #Inclusion [SCP290] first appeared on Special Chronicles.

Rick Carr, Area Director of Best Buddies International joins host Byron Tyler on this episode of Mid-South View Point. Best Buddies International is a nonprofit creating opportunities and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They are the world’s largest organization dedicated to ending the social, physical and economic isolation of the 200 million people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This program originally aired live March 8, 2018 on the Bott Radio Network affiliate 640 AM and 100.7 in Memphis, TN.

Best Buddies International is an organization founded by Anthony K. Shriver which fosters one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual disabilities.Anthony K. Shriver is the Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International, which he created in 1989 to foster one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual disabilities.Shriver was inspired to found the organization in part due to his aunt's existence with her own intellectual disability. That aunt? Rosemary Kennedy (sister to John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Ted Kennedy, and Shriver's mother, Eunice).Currently, Best Buddies is comprised of eight programs that positively impact more than 1.1 million individuals worldwide. The organization is active in each of the 50 United States, and operates accredited international programs in nearly 50 countries. Listen as Shriver joins Dr. Bond to share how the history of the organization and how it has grown into an entity that has such a worldwide impact. 

Best Buddies International is an organization founded by Anthony K. Shriver which fosters one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual disabilities.Anthony K. Shriver is the Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International, which he created in 1989 to foster one-to-one friendships between people with and without intellectual disabilities.Shriver was inspired to found the organization in part due to his aunt's existence with her own intellectual disability. That aunt? Rosemary Kennedy (sister to John F. Kennedy, Robert F. Kennedy, Ted Kennedy, and Shriver's mother, Eunice).Currently, Best Buddies is comprised of eight programs that positively impact more than 1.1 million individuals worldwide. The organization is active in each of the 50 United States, and operates accredited international programs in nearly 50 countries.Listen as Shriver joins Dr. Bond to share how the history of the organization and how it has grown into an entity that has such a worldwide impact. 

MY BOOK IS OUT! To celebrate, I’m giving $10 to Best Buddies International for every Amazon review from now until January 9th. (Scroll down for instructions on how to do this). Best Buddies is a nonprofit dedicated to helping people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. If you haven’t purchased the book yet, it’s in bookstores NOW (front tables at Barnes & Noble!) or you can purchase online. Once you’ve done that, don’t forget to join us for the free book study I’m hosting starting on January 22nd (click “claim bonuses’). ***************************************************** If confidence were easy, it would have been bottled a long time ago by Big Pharma and somebody would have more money than God right now. However, gaining confidence is not that easy. Years ago when I saw women with confidence, I thought a few things that turned out to NOT be true. I thought they were born with it. I thought confidence was in their genes. And clearly, I wasn’t born with it. I thought maybe I could fake it by acting like I was the shit when I really did NOT think I was the shit. All this did was make me feel like shit and a big ol’ phony. I thought I could just wait until I was old to finally get it. Because we all know how much confidence Blanche Deveraux had. However, I didn’t want to wait until I was a Golden Girl. Confidence is not something you’re born with, or something you get just by faking it, or something you automatically gain when you turn 45. It’s something that’s built piece by piece over time. It’s something you try, mess up, try again and again until you see progress, and then keep practicing for the rest of your life. The way to gain confidence is by practicing courage. And courage can look like many different things. They don’t have to be big, sweeping events that shake you to your core with fear. Even practicing small acts of courage will likely evoke fear in you, but all of them add up to a courageous, confident YOU. I’ve broken it down into some steps for you… Step 1. Decide. And I don’t mean just decide you’re confident. You can certainly do that, but I think your brain will spike the bullshit alert and the whole “fake it til you make it” thing is tough with this one. When I say “decide” I mean decide you will start practicing courage. Decide you’re ready to step out of your comfortable ways of being and try something else, little by little. Step 2. Really dig into what practicing courage means to you. Start by thinking of the behaviors you currently do that are making you unhappy.  I’ll bet some of them are: isolating, people pleasing, perfecting, believing your inner-critic, numbing out, comparison, approval seeking, and control (Wait– did I just name your to-do list?) Then, think of the opposite. If you’re an isolator, practicing courage would be reaching out for help and support.The opposite of people pleasing would be to simply stop before you immediately say yes to everything and practice saying no. If you’re a perfectionist, practicing courage would be to lean into “good enough” or start before you’re ready. I think you get the gist here. Step 3: Keep repeating steps 1 and 2. Over and over again. This will be scary, I can assure you. But, what’s scarier is looking back on your life and realizing you stayed in a place of fear. What’s scarier is realizing you allowed fear to drive your entire life. What’s possibly scarier than that is that you’ll look back and realize you modeled fear for the people you love. I’ll tell you something I know for sure. I am immensely proud of myself that I can practice courage in my life, but what makes me even more immensely proud, is that I model courage for my children. Marian Wright Edelman said, “You can’t be what you can’t see”. If you’re a parent, I KNOW you want your children to grow up learning how to practice courage. And if they see it in you, they’ll know how. http://www.yourkickasslife.com/191  

Happy New Year Ass-Kickers! Before we jump into today’s episode, a quick announcement: From today until January 9th, I’ll be giving $10 for every Amazon review about my new book, How To Stop Feeling Like Shit, to Best Buddies International, which is a charity close to my heart. Best Buddies helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. You can hear more about it and why it’s important to me in the episode. So, if you’ve read my book, please help me help them by leaving a review. Thank you in advance!   Today is another recovery episode with guest Arlina Allen. Today she shares how her career aspirations eventually led to issues with alcohol, how everything came to a head for her at age 25 and then how she was introduced to a 12-step program paving the way for her recovery. Arlina has been clean and sober for 23 years and in her own journey, she was able to see the patterns that were holding her back. Along the way she’s discovered she wasn’t a victim and did indeed have the power to make the decisions that were best for her. Arlina now helps others as a host of her own podcast, The ODAAT Chat, and in this talk she reveals how she’s now able to pay it forward to help others battling addiction. Like the other episodes in this series, even if you’re not struggling with addiction or in recovery, you probably know someone who is. That’s what these stories are for; it’s about shining the light on addiction and recovery and telling our stories. You’ll find out why quitting drinking is just a small part of the equation though, and that sobriety and recovery are two very different things. http://yourkickasslife.com/190  

Best Buddies International is the world's largest non-profit focused on assisting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and through their Best Buddies Jobs program, helping clients find work and independence. Director of Expansion Vallye Adams talks about their new center in Bergen County, NJ. Bestbuddies.org

Best Buddies International is the world's largest non-profit focused on assisting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and through their Best Buddies Jobs program, helping clients find work and independence. Director of Expansion Vallye Adams talks about their new center in Bergen County, NJ. Bestbuddies.org

Best Buddies International is the world's largest non-profit focused on assisting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and through their Best Buddies Jobs program, helping clients find work and independence. Director of Expansion Vallye Adams talks about their new center in Bergen County, NJ. Bestbuddies.org

On Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 261, Daniel Smrokowski is podcasting live from the Best Buddies Lunch & Learn Webinar Talk.  Tune-in and hear Daniel present to the staff of Best Buddies International in teaching them about the global impact that we are making at Special Chronicles, how to use podcasting and our media platform to make a … Continue reading SCP261: LIVE From Best Buddies Lunch&Learn Webinar Talk The post SCP261: LIVE From Best Buddies Lunch&Learn Webinar Talk first appeared on Special Chronicles.

  The Kennedy family is internationally famous for their high-achieving, beautiful, and influential members. But America took a stand to help the intellectually disabled because of the daughter they hid away: Rosemary. While surpassing her siblings in beauty and personality, Rosemary was born intellectually disabled and soon lagged behind her fast-moving family. Her parents believed […]

Emily Cleveland has a passion for helping children see past disability through friendship. Cleveland is the Kentucky state director of Best Buddies International, providing direct support for the state’s school-based programs. These programs create opportunities for youth and adults, with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities and disorders, though friendship pairings. Best Buddies of Kentucky has seen significant growth since Cleveland has been with the organization. The number of school-based programs has doubled. She helped secure a $100,000 gift from the NASCAR Foundation, and revenue increased by 27% for the annual Friendship Walk. Her goal is to grow to 30 school-based chapters by June 2016 and she aims to increase private revenue and increase operational efficiency and effectiveness for the anticipated growth. Cleveland was recognized as the 2014 Best Buddies International Program Manager of the Year. She resides with her husband, Ryan, in Louisville, Ky.

In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 174, Daniel Smrokowski is joined again by Katie Brydon, director of programs at Best Buddies International.  Tune-in for part 2 of our conversation where we discuss: Impact of Best Buddies on our communities; Best Buddies Challenge; Best Buddies Friendship Walks; "Born This Way" TV Series on A&E network; How to learn more about … Continue reading SCP174: Change Lives in Best Buddies, Part 2 The post SCP174: Change Lives in Best Buddies, Part 2 first appeared on Special Chronicles.

Subscribe: iTunes | RSS Feed | Stitcher Radio  In Special Chronicles Podcast Episode 173, Daniel Smrokowski is joined by Katie Brydon, director of programs at Best Buddies International.  Tune-in for part 1 of our conversation where we discuss: How Best Buddies Got Started; How Katie started working at Beset Buddies; Programs Best Buddies offers; the Best Buddies mission of One-To-One Friendships, Integrated … Continue reading SCP173: Change Lives in Best Buddies, Part 1 The post SCP173: Change Lives in Best Buddies, Part 1 first appeared on Special Chronicles.

This week: Shame on us, we are still posting audio from Miami 2013! This week we talk to Tatiana Hernandez of the Knight Foundation. Tatiana Hernandez joined Knight Foundation in 2011. She leads the Knight Arts Challenge, Knight’s open contest for discovering the best arts ideas in Miami, Detroit, Philadelphia and St. Paul. Through her work, she manages a portfolio of over 350 grantees, totaling nearly $100 million in investments. Hernandez serves on the boards of the National Association of Latino Arts and Cultures and Machine Project, an experimental artist space in Los Angeles. She was named a 2014 Marshall Memorial Fellow, a program of the German Marshall Fund. Before coming to Knight Foundation, Hernandez worked on issues in public education, most recently as the development director at Green Dot Public Schools where she oversaw $15 million per year in funding and was responsible for over $2 million in new support. Prior to her work in education, she served as the deputy director of programs for Best Buddies International, a Miami-based nonprofit that builds one-to-one friendship opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Hernandez has written and spoken on the importance of new organizational models, equity in grantmaking and innovation in the arts.