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THINK+change Podcasts
THINK+change Podcasts
Author: THINK+change
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THINK+change offers TALKS, TRAININGS, and TOOLS designed to support training and education about people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) for them, their families, and the professionals in their lives.
THINK+change TALKS are provocative, in-person or video shorts on topics of interest to, or emerging issues for, people with I/DD and those who care for and work with them.
THINK+change TRAININGS are in-person or online targeted educational opportunities on issues that directly impact people with I/DD and those who care for and work with them.
THINK+change TOOLS are tangible educational products.
For more information, check us out at www.thinkchange.training
THINK+change TALKS are provocative, in-person or video shorts on topics of interest to, or emerging issues for, people with I/DD and those who care for and work with them.
THINK+change TRAININGS are in-person or online targeted educational opportunities on issues that directly impact people with I/DD and those who care for and work with them.
THINK+change TOOLS are tangible educational products.
For more information, check us out at www.thinkchange.training
114 Episodes
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People with disabilities deserve to live in the most integrated setting in the community possible. And, they deserve to be protected and safe while doing so. From host homes to independent living options, safety and regulations look different but still have significant challenges to protecting this vulnerable population. Jack Johnson, Public Policy Liaison at Disability Law Colorado is on the front lines of fighting for legislation to improve regulation and safety of paid caregiving in the state of Colorado. Tune in for his informed perspective on these nuanced conversations!
This is the inspiring and emotional story of what can happen when a disability community comes together to use their voice for change. Through following the Colorado state legislation, HB25-1017 (Community Integration Plan for Individuals with Disabilities), this documentary features the voices of local changemakers with disabilities and allies in leadership. With lived experiences at the front-and-center, this community will motivate you to be the change you want to see!
Students in Special Education deserve to be considered and planned for in school safety operations. In this conversation, THINK+change learns about how schools can and do adapt their planning to make sure that all their students will be accounted for in an emergency. Join us in learning from Brad Stiles, M.A., Emergency Response Outreach Consultant at Colorado Office of School Safety (OSS). He offers his take on where we are at now and what families and school staff should consider when advocating for their Special Education students.
There is a lot to consider when a child receives a new diagnosis for an intellectual/developmental disability (IDD). For caregivers, families, and even providers, the conversations and planning can be overwhelming! If you have received a new diagnosis, or maybe you are interested in beginning the process, use this podcast episode featuring Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Lauren Mowrey, to understand the diagnosis process, next steps, and most importantly, take a deep breath!
When someone becomes a victim of a crime, a long and often overwhelming process towards justice begins. It can be extremely difficult and taxing for anyone but when people with disabilities, especially those with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD), enter this process, barriers and systemic failures might mean that they never get to see the justice they deserve. This documentary exposes these failures through the lens of advocacy and victim support providers.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) is an often-overlooked diagnosis for many people, but it’s important to spread awareness to help those who need it get the correct supports. Hear from Marilyn Fausset, who is the Chair of the FASD Awareness Work Group at Illuminate Colorado, as she discusses her family’s journey to the diagnosis and all that she’s learned since!
When it comes to supporting people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, particularly with autism, it’s important to work hard to find the right path. A common therapy that many families and individuals utilize, ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) can be a very helpful tool in ensuring safety and success in community spaces. However, is it the best choice (or only choice) to help someone with IDD use their voice and be their authentic selves in the world? In this episode, Sarah Grazier, Executive Director of the Colorado Developmental Disabilities Council, joins THINK+change to discuss the importance of community integration and how we can support individuals with IDD in a variety of ways!
What does it really take for a medical facility to be truly accessible? Not just in design, but in attitude, system, and practice. Through the lived experiences of patients like Chris Layne, who saw her access to care shift dramatically after becoming a wheelchair user, and Dawn Russell, with a lifetime of experience with a developmental disability, who finally experienced equitable care at Tepeyac Community Health Center, we see the consequences of inaccessibility and the impact of doing better. This storytelling documentary shows a reimagining of what is possible for healthcare facilities and how they can truly become the “gold standard” of accessibility.
Service animals improve the quality of life for people with disabilities every day! And, as rights and protections have expanded over the years, they have become more common in public. Yet, there is a lot of misinformation and questions around service animals. Barbara Henry, Executive Director and Lead Trainer of Domino Service Dogs, knows that education is the first step to creating a better society for service animals and their handlers. What does it take to have a service dog? How should you act around service dogs in public? What rights to businesses have? Tune into this exciting episode to learn all of this and more!
Leidy Medrano es una defensora apasionada de su hijo, hace poco diagnosticado de trastorno del espectro autista. En este episodio del pódcast, Leidy comparte su viaje de convertirse en la voz de su hijo y descubrir su propia defensa. Los padres y las familias son a veces los defensores más fuertes en la vida de un niño. Desde sus ideas sobre cómo ser persistente y eficaz en el mundo de la discapacidad hasta cómo utiliza la comunidad que la rodea, la historia de Leidy es una inspiración de la que aprender.
Self-advocacy is about knowing yourself and standing up for yourself! Not many people can speak to the importance of self-advocacy more than people with disabilities. This episode of the THINK+change 2025 podcasts features Romi Shannon, a person with a disability who grew into being her most powerful advocate. Hear directly from Romi about how she took control of her life and stood up for herself in some very difficult situations. And now, Romi wants to see others speak up for themselves, develop resilience, and become empowered!
Don’t be ashamed to ask for help! Many people with disabilities, caregivers, and families rely on disability programs due to the added challenges in their lives that others do not face. These programs can include financial assistance, daily living supports, healthcare, and much more. These programs go beyond being a safety net; they are often a lifeline! Without this support, many people could not live healthy, independent lives in their communities. Dive into Disability Programs that Transform Lives to learn about the programs that could change your life of the life of a loved one! This 4-part documentary series presents the lived experiences and professional advice to motivate and help you get started.
Listen in for a heartfelt conversation about resilience, advocacy, and the power of love in parenting. Kevin’s story reminds us that, with the right supports, and when you put your mind to something, you can accomplish more than you ever thought possible.
Julian Wang, a dedicated self-advocate, has achieved significant milestones in his career and emphasizes that employers should view people with disabilities for their talents and contributions—not just the accommodations they may require. In this month’s THINK+change podcast, we spoke with Julian to hear about his personal experiences in the workforce as a person with a disability. He shares powerful insights and valuable advice for others navigating employment, as well as lessons he’s learned about self-advocacy throughout his career.
Hillary Jorgensen, Co-Executive Director of Colorado Cross-Disability Coalition, joins THINK+change this month for a fascinating conversation about disability policy advocacy. As a person with a disability, she has had an eye for social justice earlier than most. Hear directly from Hillary about her work in the disability policy space, how those efforts affect the everyday lives of the disability community, and how you can join in the fight!
People with disabilities are a powerful force in our democratic system! And when government policies and systems impact daily living across the disability community, it is vital to exercise the right to vote. This storytelling TALKS series, The Power of the Disability Vote is a call to action from advocates with legal, government, and lived experiences.
As the world becomes more digital by the day, access to communities and resources expands—but only for those with the technology to reach them. Without internet access, many find themselves isolated from essential services. Digital equity ensures that everyone, including people with disabilities, can fully engage with digital content.
Elizabeth Moran, JD, from The Arc of Colorado, joins us in this episode of the THINK+change podcast/vodcast to discuss why accessible travel should really matter to everyone. With barriers to accessible transportation being a key focus in disability advocacy today, Elizabeth shares her valuable expertise on outstanding needs and paths towards progress in transportation!
“We haven’t been hearing a lot of disabled folks’ stories, and those are some of the most important, most interesting stories in the world,” says Ben Raanan, Artistic Director of Phamaly Theatre, a local Denver theatre for artists with disabilities, who joins THINK+change for this month’s podcast. The stories we consume shape so much of our perception and narrative of the world around us, which makes representation so important. Ben Raanan knows this better than most, since he has been fostering stories of disability to the stage for years. For Ben, it’s about creating the best art possible, redefining artistic conventions, and in this episode, he shares the how and why of disability storytelling!
When law enforcement is called out to a crisis involving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), the situation is complicated. Communication challenges, a lack of training, and a misunderstanding of someone’s disability, can all lead to unfortunate challenging outcomes. From THINK+change, Building Bridges: People with Disabilities and Law Enforcement is series of mini-documentaries diving into the IDD community’s experience with police. Each story highlights progress and the continued need for conversation and steps towards solutions. Solutions that prioritize both justice and compassion.




