In this episode of 'Pushing Forward with Alycia,' host Alycia Anderson welcomes Shane Walsh, a passionate advocate and global ambassador for Best Buddies International. Shane shares his personal story of growing up with his younger brother Lucas, who has autism. He reflects on how this relationship shaped his worldview and motivated his advocacy for the intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) community. The conversation delves into the importance of inclusion, the challenges faced by individuals with IDD, and the need for greater employment opportunities. Shane also discusses his efforts to enhance the Best Buddies program at James Madison University and his aspirations for broader societal change. Tune in for a powerful discussion on resilience, advocacy, and the impact of sibling relationships in the disability community.

Minute Markers & Must-Know Points

00:00 Introduction to Pushing Forward with Alycia

00:26 Meet Shane: A Global Ambassador for Best Buddies

02:13 Shane's Journey with His Brother Lucas

05:05 The Sibling Experience and Advocacy

09:28 Challenges and Changes During High School

17:37 Shane's College Experience and Best Buddies Involvement

22:44 Encouraging Male Participation in Special Education

24:30 Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone

28:02 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

29:31 Closing Remarks and Motivation

A Quote from Shane Walsh

 “It is my hopes and dreams that one day I can develop the courage and bravery that individuals with IDD and parents of children with IDD have.”  ~ Shane Walsh

Deep Dives from This Episode

👬 A Journey of Brotherhood

💡 Recognizing the Sibling Experience

🎓 Campus Dreams and Beyond

🌟 Finding Inspiration in the Courage of Others

💖 Empathy as a Catalyst for Change

🤔 Sympathy vs. Empathy: A Brother's Perspective

🏡 The Emotional Reward of Family: A Heartfelt Connection

🔍 The Unseen Impact of IDD on Our Lives

🧭 The Power of Following Your Intuition

🤝 Get Involved: How Volunteering Can Change Your Perspective

👶 Unexpected Lessons: The Greatest Teacher Might Be Your Little Brother

Connect with Shane Walsh

Instagram Profile

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