The Landscape

Netta Ganor is an extremely gifted artist, who speaks about being diagnosed with Transverse Myelitis at C4-C5 at the age of 15, which left most of her body paralyzed from the shoulders down. She also speaks about being a mother, wife, IT professional and much more. It's an interview you do not want to miss! Netta's Links:Main Website with links to her books: HereLink to Netta's IG page: HereThe Mouth and Foot Painting Artists Association (MFPA): HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a leading hospital for marine life; a passionate educator; and has been extremely impactful to the disability community. Kelsy Long, the Director of Media Relations, speaks about the history of the aquarium, the dedicated staff and volunteers, and how their most famous resident, Winter, had a movie made about her. (Dolphin's Tale). After this episode was recorded, Winter passed away at the age of 16, but you will hear in the episode the legacy she left behind, and lives she continues to touch around the world. Links:Clearwater Marine Aquarium homepage: HERE   Information on Winter's Get: HERELinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

For National Disability Employment Awareness Month, there is no better organization to have on than APSE. This episode covers what Supported Employment is, the meaning and progress of Employment 1st, how APSE supports states, details about their national conference and more.National APSE Representatives: Erica Belois-Pacer - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORKari Tietjen - CERTIFICATION DIRECTORAPSE Links:Main Website HERESubscribe to APSE Podcast HERELinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

The Paralympics aren't just "games", or even only a movement. It's people, it's business, it's health, it's raising expectations, it's education and more. This episode features some of my favorite moments from five episodes I've conducted over the past year and a half. Each segment gives a different perspective of the Paralympics and hopefully you'll walk away entertained, educated and contemplative. You can find the full episode of each segment in the links below!Oz Sanchez - 6 time Paralympic Medalist and the winner of multiple gold medals speaks about mental health and the man behind the medals. Full Episode HERE.Gabriel Mayr - Speaks about some differences he learned between the Brazilian and American Paralympic Movements while he spent time with a mentor in Colorado Springs. Full Episode HERE. Gary Pate teaches us all we need to know about Wheelchair Rugby, also known as murderball. As you know, this is one of my favorite sports!! Full Episode HERE.Amy Truesdale speaks about her success in Para Taekwondo, as well as her preparations leading up to her bronze medal in the very first games to feature the sport. Full Episode HERE. Lakeshore Foundation was the very first certified Paralympic training facility in the country. Their former President Jeff Underwood speaks about their youth programs. You can hear Full Episode HERE. See everyone in a few months! 

Yasmina McGlone is a motivation speaker, blogger and disability advocate who has lived her entire life with a body that works a little bit differently than her peers. In early life, she never thought about it, or even realized it, but by the time she hit high school, Myoclonus Dystonia was impacting her self-esteem and mental health. Listen to this wonderfully self-aware individual talk about her life and how she went from shame to full acceptance and celebration of herself. And also hear how she went from being born in France, to being raised in Scotland to currently living in Australia!  Links for YasminaInstagramLinkTreeLinks for The Landscape PagesThe Landscape FB PageThe Landscape Instagram PageNews LetterThe Landscape LinkedIn

It was a great honor to close the Project SEARCH international Conference by interviewing these two thriving and charming graduates of the program.  The interview was recorded at West Tennessee Healthcare, which is a hospital in Jackson, TN. As you'll hear in the interview, David currently works at Starbucks at the hospital, and David is a surgical sterilization technician. There were a handful of people watching us record live and almost 600 others virtually from different countries, although over 1000 attended some part of the conference. We recorded via Zoom and therefore I will also be posting the video recording on all social media outlets, as well as on YouTube; and my favorite part of the recording is we have American Sign Language translators throughout. Of course I will add a link to the video below.Susie Rutkowski is the co-founder of Project SEARCH and gave an outstanding interview early in season one of my podcast, which covers the history of the program, her motivation, and some stories into her early life, which molded her into the force she's become. It is my 2nd most downloaded episode and I'll add the link to that below as well. Links:Zoom Recording of This InterviewInterview with Project SEARCH Co-Founder Susie RutkowskiProject SEARCH HomepageLinks for The Landscape PagesThe Landscape FB Page The Landscape Instagram Page News Letter The Landscape LinkedIn

World champion at the age of 14. First athlete to qualify for the Tokyo Paralympic games in the debut of Taekwondo. Disability Advocate. Diversity and Inclusion Champion. Amy Truesdale is one of the biggest names and pioneer of Para Taekwondo, and though her name has already been etched in history, she is far from done. In this episode, Amy speaks about why she got into the sport, her success, why she donated most of her trophies (LOL) and why she's a disability advocate. I've been a fan for over a year, and it was such an honor to interview this trailblazer and one of the greatest to ever do it! Amy's Links:Instagram: HereGB Taekwondo Page: HereInternational Paralympic Committee Page: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Very few people are aware of the history and cultural background of conservatorships, also known as guardianships. In this episode we discuss that history, as well as alternatives to the legal practice, which are seldom known or talked about.Guests:Jonathan Martinis, Esq., J.D. is the Director for Law and Policy with the Burton Blatt Institute at Syracuse University, and was part of a ground breaking case around guardianships for individuals with disabilities. Penny Johnson of the Arc of Tennessee is the Program Coordinator for the Tennessee Center for  Decision-Making Support, which is the first of its kind in the country. Links:Jenny Hatch Justice Project: HereSupported Decision Making: From Justice for Jenny to Justice for All (paperback): HereTennessee Center for Decision-Making Support: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Actor and fellow podcaster, Maddi Albregts speaks about IIH, internal ableism, and living with an invisible disability. Please check out her wonderful podcast BrainFart and add it to your playlist! Links for MaddiEpisode where Maddi is interviewed by her friend who took her to the hospital her sophomore year. One of my favorite episodes: HereLink to BrainFart homepage: HereLink to BrainFart IG Page: Here Links for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Doug Crandell is a national subject matter expert in Supported Employment, with expertise working with individuals with severe mental illness; and developmental disabilities. Doug is also and award winning author with both fiction and non-fiction books published. In this episode he speaks about his work helping states shape and improve their supports of individuals with disabilities, his writing and more. Doug is passionate, creative, informed and a great story teller. It's an important episode for disability advocates across the board, but especially individuals in the supported employment field, from state leadership, to DSP's and employment specialists. Link to Griffin-Hammis Associates: HereLink to UGA Institute on Human Development and Disability: HereDoug's Literary Page: HereTell the Valued Story: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

June 6th is National Cancer Survivors Day, and there is no better way to celebrate than to feature St. Jude Hospital, which leads the world in improving the survival rate from childhood cancer. This episode dives into the rich history of St. Jude, their mission and some keys to their success. Like any organization, it is the people that make it go; that carry out the mission and goals. Justin Baker, MD gives an interview that shows you the passion and dedication of the staff, and you will finish listening and want to support this great hospital in any way possible! It was an interview full of hope, compassion, purpose and inspiration. Guest:Justin N. Baker, MDMember, St. Jude FacultyChief, Division of Quality of Life and Palliative CareAttending Physician, Quality of Life ServiceDirector, Hematology/Oncology Fellowship ProgramLinks for St. Jude:St. Jude Children's Research Hospital homepage: HereSt. Jude - Ways to Get Involved: HereSt. Jude Instagram Page: HereSt. Jude LinkedIn Page: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Lisa A Mills, Ph.D. is a national subject matter expert on supported employment who has helped over 20 states create or improve Medicaid and Department of Vocational Rehabilitation services. Lisa is also the parent of a son who has a disability and utilized supported employment to obtain competitive, integrated employment. I've had the pleasure of working with Lisa, and she has such an amazing and unique skillset, that both pushes and humbles me as I move forward in my career.   We are all lucky that Lisa found her way to this work. Links for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Tyler Samuel is a gifted and passionate opera singer who happens to be a woman of color; happens to be from a predominantly black high school; happens to be blind; and happens to be hard of hearing. She comes from a family that has never accepted being limited, going back to even before the civil rights movement. This episode is a celebration of art, and diversity and the bonds that can pull us together. It was one of the most enjoyable interviews I've conducted to date.Link to Tyler Samuels website: HereLink to Tyler's Facebook Page: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Andre Carter is an intern from Vanderbilt University's Next Steps Program. Andre conducted the interview, as well as did all sound mastering and editing in this episode. Guest:Big 12 Women's Soccer Coach of the Year, Eric Bell of TCU. Coach Bell led the TCU Horned Frogs to their first ever Big 12 championship, and they made further history by being named the overall #4 seed in the upcoming NCAA Championship. The Landscape Podcast would like to wish the Coach Bell and the women of TCU the best of luck in the tournament and into the future. Link to Episode on Inclusive Higher Education: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

April is Child Abuse and Child Sexual Abuse Awareness Month. Nichole Moehring and her family have weathered the storm of child sexual abuse three times. Her son who is diagnosed with autism and Fragile X Syndrome had a very different level of support and resources than when her neurotypical daughter as they sought justice against the perpetrator. In this episode, Nicole shares their story, and tells us about the agency they created, Voices of Change 2018, which has the mission to build access to safety, healing and justice for sexually abused children with disabilities through advocacy, education and collaboration.  It's an interview that will make you want to take action.Links:Voices of Change 2018: Here Child Abuse Prevention Resource Guide: HereVoices of Change 2018 IG Page: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Jermaine Greaves is the organizing founder of Black Disabled Lives Matter. He is a force to be reckon with, as he has a dance video that went viral to the tune of 20M downloads, has started a brand "Not Like The Other Kids" and is an amazing activist. Listen to Jermaine's story from immigrating to the United States, to clubbing, to being a college student, to organizing BDLM events. Oh, and he's been in a few commercials, too. Listen with an open mind and open heart. Jermaine's IG Account: Here BDLM IG Account: HereNot Like The Other Kids Homepage: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

She's one of my favorite contestants, on one of my favorite shows. I got to be a bit of a fanboy while interviewing Briony, who was a semi-finalist on The Great British Bake Off, and is now a presenter on Britain's Channel 4 show - Food Unwrapped. Briony speaks about how she got into baking; what it was like auditioning for the show; how and why she became a disability advocate; her close-knit family; and more. At the end I got to have additional selfish joy by speaking with her about Bridgerton. I will not be judged! LOL Briony's Links:Instagram Page: Here YouTube Channel: HereTwitter: HereBaking Blog: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Hannah Setzer (known on social media as @feedingtube.fitness) speaks about working full-time; helping to run a family business with her husband; tending to their small farm; being an exercise influencer, fostering four boys, writing a memoir and more. She also speaks about Cystic Hygroma, using a feeding tube and trach, and gives tips such as why she started blending her own food instead of using a formula. Hannah's "why" is to show individuals that they don't have to settle, and can live a full and happy life. Hannah's Link Tree: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Gabriel Mayr of Brazil, has worked with the Paralympics, United Nations, and was a co-founder of Brazil's Urece Sports and Culture for the Blind, which has been recognized by the likes of FIFA.  Gabriel has studied and worked all over the world, with civil rights being at the root of what he does. He has impacted Brazil and the world through his work, yet is one of most humble people I've met. His story is one that shows the power of sharing knowledge and experience across borders and cultures. Video of 5-a-side soccer (Blind Soccer): Here Urece Sports and Culture for the Blind Website: Here Mundo Para Esporte Podcast: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn

Roughly 70% of individuals with a disability are unemployed. One of the main barriers is the fear of employment causing them to lose their disability benefits. Todays guest, Raymond Cebula, has spend his professional career educating people that going to work is possible, and almost the only means to get out of poverty.  Raymond Cebula, who is a program director at Cornell University's Yang tan Institute for unemployment and disability. Raymond has dedicated his professional career educating on how employment impacts benefits, and advocating for individuals with a disability, both in court and in Washington DC. You won't want to miss any part of this interview. After listening to the episode, find more information at any of the links below. And please make sure to share this episode with individual with a disability, families and professionals that support individuals with a disability who are interested in going to work! Disability Work Incentives General Information: HereThe Red Book -  A 60 page summary guide to employment supports for people with a disability on SSI/SSDI: Here Information on Ticket to Work: HereInformation on 1619(B) and the threshold for each state: HereLinks for The Landscape PagesLink to The Landscape FB PageLink to The Landscape Instagram PageLink to sign up News LetterLink to The Landscape LinkedIn