In this extended episode of This Ability Podcast, we sit down with Justina Plowden, Miss Wheelchair Louisiana and founder of We Matter, a support and advocacy group for individuals with disabilities across the Acadiana region. Justina shares her journey as a powerful advocate for accessibility, inclusion, and representation. From her experience competing in the Miss Wheelchair America pageant to leading regional conversations around disability rights, Justina speaks candidly about the challen...
Extended Episode: Empowerment in Action – Donielle Watkins & Coach Damon Vincent In this extended edition of This Ability Podcast, we revisit our conversation with Donielle Watkins, Executive Director of the DREAMS Foundation of Acadiana, and expand the story by weaving in insights from Coach Damon Vincent, founder of Train Unique. Donielle shares the heartfelt journey behind DREAMS—an organization dedicated to creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities throug...
In this extended episode, we discuss the topic of autism with Season One guest Paul Ganucheau and interview the 2024 Acadiana Teen Spirit Award Winners who are making a difference in the community. 🏆 Aubrey David – 9th-grade student at Teurlings Catholic High School 🏆 Chloe Songne – 9th-grade student at New Iberia Senior High School Aubrey David is an inspiring teenager with a heart for service and a drive to make a meaningful impact in her community. Through her initiative, Aubrey’s Amazin...
In this extended interview, our host Mary Baudoin provides listeners with some background information about the ULL LIFE Program and a little background about our guest Mary Frances Avera. In this inspiring interview, Mary Frances Avera opens up about her rare ZMIZ1 diagnosis, the profound role faith plays in her life, her deep love for animals, and her journey to graduating from the ULL LIFE (Learning Is for Everyone) Program. At end of the episode, our host wraps up the highlights of ...
In this extended interview, our host Mary Baudoin provides listeners with some background information about the teens featured in this podcast episode. These autistic teens from Red Oaks Coping Cottage School in Lafayette, LA, join us for an engaging and eye-opening conversation. Hear them share what they love about attending Red Oaks School, their experiences with fitting in, their favorite video games, and their unique perspectives on life as autistic individuals. Tune in for an authe...
In this extended interview, our host Mary Baudoin recaps Part One of Ashley Benoit Olivier's episode from Season with an introduction before starting the part two content. Ashley gives us an update about her son Drew and the positive impacts of the Early Intervention program. She also talks about Mercy Medical Angels and Miracle Flights (the team that provided airplane trip free of charge for medical appointments), her family's incredible experience while staying at the Ronald McDonald ...
Kim Lanclos Smith shares her experience as the mother and full-time caregiver of her son BJ, a traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivor and artist. They discuss how art has become a tool for healing and expression in their lives. Support the show Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure to like us on Facebook at This Ability Podcast page and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Rachel, a licensed clinical social worker and dedicated mental health advocate, shares her personal journey navigating her son’s pediatric bipolar disorder diagnosis at just five years old. Support the show Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure to like us on Facebook at This Ability Podcast page and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Sam Primeaux shares how a life-changing motorcycle accident left him paralyzed at 17 — and how he's faced every day since with grit, faith, and determination. From intensive therapy to strength training and stem cell treatments, Sam opens up about reclaiming independence and redefining possibility. Support the show Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure to like us on Facebook at This Ability Podcast page and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
In this episode, Laynie Stevens shares her journey as a college student with cerebral palsy, her leadership as past president of Alpha Delta Pi for students with disabilities & her advocacy work on the Lafayette Mayor-President’s Awareness Committee. As she prepares to graduate with a degree in Accounting, Laynie reflects on accessibility, inclusion & student representation. Support the show Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure t...
In this powerful episode of This Ability Podcast, host Mary Baudoin sits down with Jayce Romero, a young DeafBlind advocate from Lafayette, Louisiana, who lives with Usher Syndrome Type 1B. Jayce shares his deeply personal story—from his early diagnosis, educational journey, and family discoveries to his commitment to raising awareness about DeafBlindness. With the help of his interpreter Shirley Delahousie, Jayce offers insight into what life is like navigating the world with both hearing an...
In this episode of This Ability Podcast, we sit down with Justina Plowden, Miss Wheelchair Louisiana and founder of We Matter, a support and advocacy group for individuals with disabilities across the Acadiana region. Justina shares her journey as a powerful advocate for accessibility, inclusion, and representation. From her experience competing in the Miss Wheelchair America pageant to leading regional conversations around disability rights, Justina speaks candidly about the challenges she’s...
In this episode, we sit down with Kristie Curtis — a fierce advocate for disability rights, a passionate community leader, and a devoted mom to three amazing sons, each with unique abilities. Kristie shares her powerful journey into advocacy, her work with LaCAN (Louisiana Council’s Advocacy Network), and the role her unshakable faith has played in helping her overcome life's biggest challenges. Her story is a reminder of the strength found in perseverance, community, and believing in somethi...
In this episode of This Ability Podcast, we sit down with Cheryl Laws Tessier, a nurse practitioner, mother, and powerful advocate for the disability community. Cheryl shares her personal journey navigating her son Howard’s autism diagnosis—from early signs and initial dismissals by healthcare providers to securing vital therapies and support services. Her story highlights the importance of trusting your instincts as a parent, understanding your rights, and pushing for early intervention. Che...
In this episode of This Ability Podcast, we welcome Sylnita Livas-Bougere, an educator, advocate, and devoted mother from Thibodaux, Louisiana. After relocating to Lafayette following Hurricane Ida, Sylnita has dedicated her life to autism awareness and special needs advocacy, inspired by her 13-year-old son, Rain, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. She shares her journey of navigating autism, her passion for educating children about neurodiversity, and her work as an author. ...
🎶 Have you ever wondered how music can heal and bring people together? In this heartfelt episode, I sit down with Vanessa Lomas, founder of TheraCare Music Therapy of Lafayette and president of the Autism Society of Acadiana, to explore the transformative power of music. 🎶 Here’s what we dive into: 🎶 The deep connection between music and life events, like birthdays and celebrations 💊 How music therapy can reduce anxiety and teach calming skills—sometimes even reducing the...
In this episode, Donielle Watkins shares the inspiring story behind the creation of the DREAMS Foundation of Acadiana and its mission to provide inclusive opportunities for people with disabilities in the Acadiana area. From sports, art, and theater to galas, camps, and more, Donielle highlights the diverse activities that foster connection and empowerment. She also talks about the foundation's innovative meat pie manufacturing food truck, which employs individuals with disabilities, t...
In this episode, we interview the 2024 Acadiana Teen Spirit Award Winners who are making a difference in the community: 🏆 Aubrey David – 9th-grade student at Teurlings Catholic High School 🏆 Chloe Songne – 9th-grade student at New Iberia Senior High School Aubrey David is an inspiring teenager with a heart for service and a drive to make a meaningful impact in her community. Through her initiative, Aubrey’s Amazing Grace, she has raised thousands of dollars to support families facing hardship...
In this inspiring interview, Mary Frances opens up about her rare ZMIZ1 diagnosis, the profound role faith plays in her life, her deep love for animals, and her journey to graduating from the ULL LIFE (Learning Is for Everyone) Program. Support the show Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you are enjoying our podcast, be sure to like us on Facebook at This Ability Podcast page and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
In this episode, we sit down with autistic teens from Red Oaks Coping in Lafayette, LA, for an engaging and eye-opening conversation. Hear them share what they love about attending Red Oaks School, their experiences with fitting in, their favorite video games, and their unique perspectives on life as autistic individuals. Tune in for an authentic and uplifting discussion that celebrates individuality and community. Support the show Thanks for listening to This Ability Podcast. If you ar...