Dear friends,<\/p>\n
I hope all is well. As I mentioned in my previous email, I recently had the honor of sharing some of my lived experience and my best strength-based kvetching with the team at the Georgetown University National Center for Cultural Competence. I sat on several panels, including sessions with state systems, OPWDD staff and leadership, and provider agencies.<\/p>\n
It was a real privilege to be part of those conversations. I pulled together some of the themes and reflections that emerged and summarized them in the article below.<\/p>\n
This piece is an honest look at the space between self-advocates, families, and the \u201cicky in-between\u201d where many of us are trying to rebuild trust with systems and providers. It is a vulnerable topic, but an important one, and I am grateful for the chance to write about it.<\/p>\n
Read the article here:<\/strong> I recently had the chance to speak at Colorado State University to more than 500 students about superheroes, mental health, and finding your own origin story. The conversations were real, meaningful, and a reminder of how much young people are searching for connection and authenticity.<\/p>\n I also spoke at the Albany Public Library about inclusion, advocacy, and the value of lived experience. I am grateful to everyone who came out and shared openly.<\/p>\n The Art of Advocacy: Inclusive Casting in the Entertainment Industry<\/strong><\/p>\n I sat down with casting director Robin Carus to talk about what true inclusion looks like in entertainment.<\/p>\n \nListen on Spotify<\/a> We discussed lived experience, representation, the new NYC Accessibility Fund, and she shared a memorable Sacha Baron Cohen story.<\/p>\n Monday, November 24<\/strong><\/p>\n Topic:<\/strong> The Dangers of Passive Screen Time and how parents, peers, and providers can support healthier digital habits.<\/p>\n Our last statewide training had wonderful energy. This one is open to parents, caregivers, and peer professionals and will offer practical, evidence-based tools you can use right away.<\/p>\n REGISTER HERE<\/a><\/p>\n Topic:<\/strong> Sunday, November 16<\/strong><\/p>\n 12:30 PM Pacific | 3:30 PM Eastern | 8:30 PM London<\/p>\n This is a relaxed, peer-led Zoom space for reflection, connection, and shared lived experience.<\/p>\n
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\nFamilies, Systems, and Shared Solutions \u2014 Rebuilding Trust in Disability Services
\n<\/a><\/p>\nRecent Speaking: Superheroes, Mental Health, and 500 Rams<\/h2>\n
New Dadvocating<\/em> Podcast Episode<\/h2>\n
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\nListen on Apple Podcasts<\/a>\n<\/p>\nUpcoming Statewide Peer Support Training
(FTNYS \/ OMH-Certified)<\/h2>\nAutistic Jewish Discussion Circle (with Matti)<\/h2>\n
\nNervous System Responses to Tradition, Practice, and Mitzvot<\/p>\n