Stepping Stones to Unified Work with Bella and Christine Kurash | Ep.569

Mar 11 2024 • 45 mins

On this episode of the Special Chronicles Podcast's Unified at Work Series S5:Pt4: Special Olympics Illinois Athlete Leader Bella Kurash and her mom Christine sit down with Sargent Shriver Global Messenger Alum and Award-winning Podcast Host Daniel Smrokowski for a cheerful conversation about the Stepping Stones to Inclusive Employment, Inspired by United Airlines' SOSA Program, Social Story Prepares Travelers of All Abilities, and how attending Special Olympics USA Games leads to Becoming a Special Olympics Athlete!

Bella and Christine Kurash had so much fun chatting with us! Appreciate Daniel Smrokowski encouraging Bella to get involved with Special Olympics and being a role model that you can achieve whatever you put your mind to do. WARNING: this podcast includes lots of late-night giggles and cake… cheesecake! 🤣

Topics Heard On This Episode:

"Podcasting is a Piece of [Cheese] Cake" | In a "slap-happy" opening sequence, Christine asks Bella how she feels about being on a podcast, Daniel replies as it's a piece of cake, and we wrap up this pre-show with Bella and Daniel eating a slice of cheese cake!
"Emotional Intro to Special Olympics" | Christine on her introduction to Special Olympics Movement, Global Partnership with Special Olympics, and Connecting with Daniel through United's Bridge Business Resource Group.
"Just Like Me" | Bella on her introduction to Special Olympics, 2022 USA Games in Orlando, and why she wanted to become an athlete.
"SOSA's As Mentors" | Christine talks about Impact of United's SOSA Program and How to be more Inclusive and Accessible from the start as Bella bonds with United's Original Service Ambassadors and recounts being featured subject in United's Social Story.
"Introduction to Athlete Leadership" | Bella talks about why she wanted get involved in Athlete Leadership as Christine talks about how the Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Program is a stepping stone for inclusive employment.
"Disability Inclusion is the Story of an Airline when Good Leads The Way" | Bella and Christine talk about how the message of disability inclusion and United's SOSA's fit into United's Good Leads The Way campaign.

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Episode 569 ShowNotes & Links:

Check out United Airlines’ Social Story to help prepare you for travel
Book your travel today on United.com or on the award-winning United mobile app.
Learn more about United’s commitment to disability inclusion for employment and travel HERE
Follow and Listen to our Unified at Work Series to hear more conversations about the meaning of inclusive employment.
Tune in to this Playlist and hear a collection of conversations with United’s SOSA's from Chicago, Denver and Houston.
Connect with your local Special Olympics Program