Hey there, listeners! Welcome back to episode twenty of our podcast 'True Tales by Disability Advocates'. Ready for a deep dive into the theme of 'Smashing Ableism: Tales of Resilience'? Well, we've got two fantastic disability advocates with us - the brilliant Alina Arredondo and the charming Peter Richter. In this episode, they open up about their own life journeys filled with challenges, advocating for disability rights, supportive grandparents, and above all, demonstrating immense resilience. Alina pours her heart out about standing up for her rights and Peter shares golden nuggets on how gratitude supports his resilience. So, tie your seatbelts, folks! Tune in, and get ready for these genuinely enlightening narratives. Trust us; it's not just an episode, it's a vibe that will spark transformations!Guest 1Alina G.  Arredondo is a native El Pasoan who was diagnosed with Phocomelia. She does not allow her disability to be an excuse for why she cannot do certain things. Alina has a license Master in social work and currently works at the local independent living center where she empowers adults with disabilities to live as independently as possible. During her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, dogs, and friends, panting, and singing. However, what she enjoys the most is helping out her community by volunteering with multiple agencies around the El Paso area.https://www.gograd.org/resources/students-with-disabilities/Guest 2 Peter Richter grew up in San Antonio and attended school and graduated from the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. He has two brothers and one sister and a dog he loves named Winnie. He lives with two roommates and enjoys working at his job at Whataburger. Peter has been involved with Art Spark and was an original actor with TILT Performance Group where he was in productions for 10 years.Hosts: Jennifer Howell and Joey GidsegClick here to listen with the full transcript.For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

This episode features storytellers sharing their experiences of overcoming challenges while thriving with disabilities. Cindy Massey, a photographer and artist, tells her story titled "Finding Family." She recounts her journey to Africa, facing various unexpected hurdles during a safari. Despite the obstacles, she finds strength through the support of fellow alcoholics in Africa, emphasizing the importance of resilience and overcoming challenges. In part two, Kamand Alaghehband, a Special Olympics athlete with Autism, shares her story of perseverance after a morning crisis before a track competition thanks to the support of her teammates, highlighting determination and teamwork. The episode explores the power of resilience, adaptability, and finding strength within a community.Guest: Cynthia (Cindy) Massey is a photographer and artist. For more than 10 years, she built a successful career in weddings, sports, and animal photography. In 1992, her life changed forever, when she was in a near-fatal automobile accident that left her with a traumatic brain injury. The experience was a wake-up call and the road to recovery meant re-learning simple tasks like walking, talking, eating, reading, and even photography. It gave her the chance to take a long, hard look at who she was, and it led to a new direction in the way she approaches life. She believes she has been given a second chance to begin a new life with a greater appreciation of the beauty of our earth and its creatures. You can see and purchase her work on her website https://www.creativeimagesbycynthia.com/ and Fine Art AmericaHost Kaye Love - Kaye has over eight years of experience working with individuals with developmental and learning disabilities, including Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder, in Special Education and Vocational Rehabilitation. She has experience providing spiritually sensitive counseling to clients who identify with diverse belief systems. LinkedIn: J. Kaye Love, MSSW/MBA, LPC, Counseling on Thrive: Thriveworks Counseling - Janet Kaye Love Guest Kamand Alaghehband: Kamand Alaghehband was born in Austin, TX, and has autism. Kamand has spent her life supporting all generations with disabilities. Kamand loves the Special Olympics; her favorite sports are swimming, basketball, and track. She is a member of the Executive Committee of Special Olympics Athletes Leadership in Texas. She creates podcasts, TikTok videos, video games, and health activities. Kamand’s mission within her population is to bring peace today and create a vision for tomorrow’s disabled population. Watch Kamand’s videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mespecial8588. Host Jennifer McKinney was born legally blind. She has always enjoyed reading and writing. Some of her work has been published in Soupstone Literary Anthology. Despite the challenge of being visually impaired, Jennifer graduated from American Broadcasting School. She went on to work for KOOP 91.7 FM, a community radio station in Austin. An active member of her community for the past nineteen years, Jennifer joined Art Spark Texas in the Spring of 2014. In Click here to listen with the full transcript.For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

Step into the life of Albert 'Sparky' Metz, a relentless disability rights activist and country music fan who's been championing the rights of the disabled since his formative years. From his institutionalized childhood to his fiercely independent adulthood, Sparky's journey is as captivating as it is inspiring. Through it all, Sparky's spirit remained undeterred, fueling his passion for advocacy and his love for music.Join host  Joey Gidseg, who chats with Sparky and his attendant Pansy as they shed light on Sparky's experiences and challenges in his quest for independence and true love. Get familiar with the Speaking Advocates program, a virtual training initiative designed to teach people with Disabilities to use storytelling as a form of advocacy.  As we listen to Sparky's 2015 performance at the Vortex Theatre in Austin and hear his story through his personal AAC device, we realize the transformative power of stories in advocating for change, inclusivity, and disability rights. So, buckle up, lend us your ears, and support our mission of amplifying the voices of people with disabilities. Rate us on iTunes, share this episode, and join our movement towards a more inclusive world.Sparky is an actor and disability activist. He is a member of ADAPT of Texas and a big country music fan. He leads an active life and depending on the day you can find him at Morgan’s Wonderland, going shopping, or attending Christian concerts. Sparky lives in Austin, Texas with his attendant and two cats, Smoke and Phoenix.Keep up with Sparky on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/albert.metz3To learn more about Adapt click this link.Joey Gidseg is an enthusiast of podcasts and disability policy who works to close the Justice Gap for disabled Texans through their organization Justice in Reach. A former multimedia producer, Joey is thrilled to collaborate with other disabled creators on the second season of Art Spark Texas’ podcast,True Tales by Disability Advocates.You can connect or keep up with Joey on their Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin:https://www.facebook.com/joeygidsegfortexas/https://twitter.com/joeyinatxhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joeygidseg/Learn more about closing the justice gap at https://www.justiceinreach.org/Click here to listen with the full transcript.For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

Storyteller Renée Lopez has lived a life of activism, challenging disability stereotypes, and deep friendships. She returns to True Tales with a new story "Me, Myself, and Sandra" about her experience as a Freshman at UT Austin. Host Kristen Gooch and Renée chat about Renée’s passion for social justice and her 40 years of Activism, fighting for Liberty and Justice for all.  Their discussion covers what Renée’s learned about self-advocacy, to her understanding of government oppression, her fight for accessible housing to her support of Black Lives Matter, as well as the importance of self-care and the power of friendships over 60 and becoming your own version of the Red Hat Ladies.Guest Renee LopezI am a 61-year-old woman with a physical disability (I use a wheelchair). I was born and raised in Austin, Texas. I have lived here my entire life.  I graduated from the University of Texas in 1984 and 1986 with a BA and an M.Ed. respectively. I worked for the State of Texas for 30 years and am now retired. I have a long history of advocating for the rights of people with disabilities since 1982 as a student at The University of Texas. As a student with a life-long physical disability, I joined other students with disabilities for campus accessibility. I continue to advocate to this day.   I have been on the Advisory Board for SAFE Disability Services since 2010. I have attended conferences on behalf of SAFE as a workshop presenter teaching and informing conference attendees on issues of violence and abuse against persons with Disabilities. I am also a member of a core group of a coalition put together by the VERA Institute of Justice on ending violence against people with disabilities.  Social media: https://www.facebook.com/renee.lopez.31945Renee’s Accessible Housing video - AHA  Renee Lopez Accessibility Home Tour"How Lucky" by Will LeitchHost Kristen GoochKristen Gooch is an Actress, Poet, and Advocate from Austin, Tx with Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair for mobility.  She hopes to broaden her horizons and branch out into film and television someday.  She currently facilitates a peer support group called Adapting Sheros for women with mobility disabilities through Imagineart.  She is a company member of TILT Performance Group and the Paradox Players.Music CreditsMusic by Scandinavianz from Pixabaychikumbumtima-16488 pixabay.comintro-effect-music-112907 pixabay.comIsn't Life Amazing -BBMusic Pixabay.comshort-ukulele-jingle-cheerful-happy-and-bright-148415 Music by ShidenBeatsMusic from PixabayClick here to listen with the full transcript.For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

"The Next Generation Showcase," is a special bonus episode of True Tales by Disability Advocates,  the podcast where Advocates harness the power of storytelling to bring community to their peers and hope to develop empathy and others.The stories featured in this episode are written by fledgling storytellers from the Austin Independent School District Go-Project. The GO Project is a community-based transition program for students with disabilities who are 18-22 years of age. If you are a regular listener, you'll notice a change from our regular story slash interview format. For the first time, this episode includes more than two stories, just stories, no interviews. You'll get to hear seven short stories with topics ranging from Self-acceptance to Crunchy Barbecue Crickets, as well as Family Belonging, Speaking up, and Passions for Zombie Movies and Exercise.Stories and Storytellers"Speaking Up" by Adrian"The Start of Finding My Truth." By Maddison  "Travel With Family" by Miranda"Zombie Movies and Me." By Julio         "Belonging" by Chloe  "Musical Baking" by Abigair "To Eat, Jump Rope and Family Time." By Dezi We had so much fun working with these young folks and we are honored to share with you the work of these talented storytellers. Special thanks to the Go-Project staff - Laney, Sam, Mike, and Lori and our volunteers, Emily and Sulith, we couldn’t have done this without y’all.Welcome you to the Next Generation Showcase. Music CreditsScandinavianz Sunbathers – 7385Feel the Sunshine - https://pixabay.com/users/oystudio-24430395/Feeling Good – Pixabay.comStages of Grief – Kevin MacLeod-funny-Jolly Boat – Pixabay.comHalloween-spooky-horror-scary-creepy - https://pixabay.com/users/soundgallerybydmitrytaras-11640913/Zombie - 315844__gneube__zombie-snarlComedy - https://pixabay.com/users/soundgallerybydmitrytaras-11640913/Cumbia Mexican Banda - https://pixabay.com/users/juliush-3921568/Summer Walkways - Pixabay.comClick here to listen with the full transcript.For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

"Awkward Moments" is being launched in March 2023, featuring two female storytellers with international stories in recognition of International Women's Day. For the first time, we feature a member of our multi-talented working group as storyteller and host. Host Kamand Alaghehband opens the episode with "London Calling", by storyteller Jennifer McKinney, about an awkward moment with her cane when riding the tube during her first trip to London, that in retrospect, reveals her ability to be independent. Jennifer becomes the host for our second story “Matu Bird” by storyteller Alisha Momen. Alisha shares her ongoing battle with her beloved African Grey Parrot “Matu.” Alisha’s favorite religious and cultural events include her favorite Indian dishes. Since Matu loves the same dishes, Alisha has to figure out a way to avoid the awkward moment of Matu stealing her food at these family celebrations. Can she and Matu find a way to coexist peacefully, that honors them both?Did you know March 19th is Awkward Moments Day. Awkward Moments Day is our chance to embrace those embarrassing or awkward moments from our past and learn from them, and hopefully laugh about them too. The great thing about us humans is that we are all a beautiful tapestry of individuality and commonality. The great thing about awkward moments is that they are a bridge between our individual and shared experiences, they connect us, everyone has them, and they are part of being human. Awkward moments can be embarrassing but when we recognize everyone has them we can turn them into playful stories that build connections. We hope this episode highlights the gifts and resilience an awkward moment can offer us all.Storyteller and Host Jennifer McKinney was born legally blind. She has always enjoyed reading and writing. Some of her work has been published in Soupstone Literary Anthology. Despite the challenge of being visually impaired, Jennifer graduated from American Broadcasting School. She went on to work for KOOP 91.7 FM, a community radio station in Austin. An active member of her community for the past nineteen years, Jennifer joined Art Spark Texas in the Spring of 2014. She was introduced to OMOD by a friend. In her spare time, Jennifer loves traveling abroad and singing along with the radio poorly. Storyteller Alisha Momin is from a Muslim, Ismaili Hindi family living in Houston, Tx. She is a writer, artist, musician, singer, and dancer. She studies theatre arts at The River inclusive arts program.Host Kamand Alaghehband - My name is Kamand Alaghehband. I was born in Austin Texas and I have autism. In 2020 the CDC reported approximately 1 in 54 children in the U.S. diagnosed with autism ratio is more than all cancer patients combined. But what about us? what happens to our future? What kind of jobs and lifestyle is available to support us? I am me, I am Kamand. I  love Special Olympics. My favorite sports are swimming, basketball, and Track. I am a member of the executive committee of Special Olympics athletes leadership in Texas. I created podcasts and videos of various health activities during the pandemic to keep the athletes' minds occupied in a healthy way.  My mission with my population is to bring peace for today and create a vision for tomorrow.  I feel grateful for what I have. I choose to be thankful. I choose to be happy.  Click here to listen with the full transcript.For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

In this episode, we highlight storytellers who are practitioners of this “Magical Advocacy.” The tools these practitioners use are, being clear about what you are asking for, knowing why you’re asking and connecting with people by using personal stories to put a human face on the issue.  In her story “Wand Quest”, Jessica Guerrero invokes her advocacy skills to manifest a long held dream. Our second story “First Impressions” by Nissi Salazar shows the strength of her magical power to break down barriers comes from her passion for adventure, her commitment to Universal Love and her faith.“Wand Quest” - Jessica Guerrero, has lived independently in Austin for around 10 years and has been with the Speaking Advocates program from its very first class. She told us, “I have a mild case of  cerebral palsy but my wheelchair has opened the door to cosplay, martial arts, travelling, adaptive sports and so many other adventures.” She also really enjoys helping out in the community. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimotion159/. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jessica.guerrero.1441Host: Brittany Sessum is a Houston native and Army veteran that loves making connections with others. She has a passion to serve her family, the community, and her country by giving back in any capacity. She believes that her passions and actions live beyond herself. Brittany loves writing poetry, reading, traveling, and working as an entrepreneur. “First Impressions” - Nissi Salazar: Nissi Salazar has lived her life in a wheelchair. Nevertheless cerebral palsy and the confinement of her chair cannot keep her from living! Her sassy and adventurous spirit gives her the drive to go beyond what is the norm for someone with her limitations. In fact, Nissi has made a career in proving that with a little help you can achieve anything. She comes from a loud and loving family. One of four children to two hard-working Colombian immigrants. She’s lived in the front porch of the Texas Hill country most of her life. Both of her parents are big dreamers and have encouraged their children to dream big as well! https://www.nissisalazar.com/, Buy Nissi’s book A Paradox Of Victory, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nissis1/Host Kamand Alaghehband: Kamand Alaghehband was born in Austin, TX and has autism. In 2020,  The CDC reported approximately 1 in 54 children in the U.S. diagnosed with autism. This ratio is more than all cancer patients combined. Kamand has spent her life supporting all generations with disabilities. Kamand loves the Special Olympics and her favorite sports are swimming, basketball, and track. Kamand is a member of the executive committee of Special Olympics Athletes Leadership in Texas.She has created podcasts, Tik Tok videos, video games, and a variety of health activities during the pandemic to keep the athlete’s mind occupied in a healthy way. Kamand’s mission within her population is to bring peace today and create a vision for tomorrow’s disable population. Kamand hopes that she’ll be able to teach others to turn denial into acceptance. Watch Kamand’s Special Olympics  healthy lifestyle videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mespecial8588 Click this link to listen to our previous episodes.Click here to listen with the full transcript.For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

Note: This episode is slightly longer than usual to honor the natural speech patterns of our guests.Welcome to the Mid-Winter Episode of True Tales by Disability Advocates, season two. Winter is the time of stillness and darkness when nature encourages us to look within and access what’s ready to grow in the coming year. In this episode, “Practice Peace not Pity”, hosts Toby Al-Tarabulsi and Kristen Gooch talk to storytellers Kaye Love and Darla Murphy about the practices they use to find peace in their lives. We invite you to join them and take time to look within and discover new ways to find peace for yourself in the coming year.Part 1 “Pity Fatigue”Host Toby Al-Trabulsi and guest Kaye Love discuss her journey in life and the strategies she developed to protect herself from the toxic impact of ableism in her story “Pity Fatigue.”Bio Kaye Love - Kaye has over eight years of experience working with individuals with developmental and learning disabilities, including Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder, in Special Education and Vocational Rehabilitation. She has experience providing spiritually sensitive counseling to clients who identify with diverse belief systems, including Buddhism, Christianity, Ethical Humanism, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Wicca.Click this link to listen to “Community Faith and Inclusion”ID:  Caucasian woman with light brown hair smiling. She is wearing a stole and a blue shirt and dark-rimmed glasses.Website: kayelove.comLinkedIn: J. Kaye Love, MSSW/MBA, LPC, Counseling on Thrive: Thriveworks Counseling - Janet Kaye Love  Acting: http://tiltperformance.org/Bio Toby Al-Trabulsi - Toby Al-Trabulsi is an actor, writer and creative access advocate for performers with disabilities based out of Austin, TX. Toby is a member of TILT Performance Group and ScriptWorks and is currently pursuing podcasting through the podcasting working group for Art Spark Texas, True Tales by Disability Advocates podcast. He is eager to see where this journey takes him. ID:  Toby Al-Trabulsi, a white male with brown hair. Toby is seated and holding a plate of food. He is wearing a red shirt with text “ZOO YORK”.Follow Toby on Twitter or InstagramTwitter: @Tobias_ZaneInstagram: @Tobias_Zanetext “ZOO YORK”. Part 2 “Peace Fountain”After Darla Murphy presents her story, “Peace Fountain,” host Kristen Gooch learns more about Darla’s love of creative writing, storytelling, and the other things that bring her peace. Bio Kristen Gooch - Kristen Gooch is an Actress, Poet and Advocate from Austin, Tx with Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair for mobility.  She hopes to broaden her horizons and branch out into film and television someday.  She currently facilitates a peer support group called Adapting Shero's for women with mobility disabilities through Imagineart.  She is a company member of TILT Performance Group and Paradox Player.ID: A caucasian young woman with shoulder-length auburn hair and pink lipstick smiling. She wears a pink short-sleeved dress with gray triangles, a black zig-zag patterClick here to listen with the full transcript.For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

Hosts Brittany Sessum and Kaye Love introduce storytellers Gene Rodgers and Cade Insall, who share stories about the ways they have used Kindness and Connections to transform their lives.As we enter the holiday season, listening to “Kindness and Connections” brings you the courage you need to find hope and peace in your life, no matter the circumstances right now.Guest - Gene RodgersAs a wheelchair user, Gene Rodgers traveled in 44 countries, on 6 continents. Rodgers sailed on many types of ships on several oceans. He has enjoyed diverse recreational activities including skydiving, snow skiing, sailing, scuba diving, paragliding, and trekking in the Himalayas on an expedition to Mt. Everest Base Camp.Rodgers worked in several states and earned a merit award for computer programming. Working full-time, and later as an entrepreneur provided funding for his adventures.Rodgers earned several college degrees and a Switzer Fellowship. He did all this after becoming almost totally paralyzed at age 17, in a hiking accident.Rodgers learned to thrive on all sorts of adventures. Put him in a country ten thousand miles from home, where he doesn’t know the language or culture, and he’ll feel quite comfortable.  My Memoir - AwesomeByAccidentBook.comMy web page - https://genosplace.orgMy TV/Web Show -  https://thegeneanddaveshow.comFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/gene.rodgers.982/Guest- Cade Insall:Cade Insall is a Texan that loves to be around family and friends. Cade loves animation and making 3D modeling projects through Blender. Cade likes interacting with others and learning new things in his expression through art. HostBrittany Sessum is a Houston native and Army veteran who loves connecting with others. She has a passion to serve her family, the community, and her country by giving back in any capacity. She believes that her passions and actions live beyond herself. Brittany loves writing poetry, reading, traveling, and working as an entrepreneur.Host: Kaye is passionate about assisting individuals to explore and enhance their sense of meaning and purpose in life in a way that is sensitive to and respectful of their religious or non-religious understanding. She understands the challenges of developing an appreciation of a personal skill set that is unique, positive self-esteem, and creative work-arounds for functional limitations, as well as the difficulties involved in navigating education, employment, healthcare, and community organizations designed for those with typicality. Kaye has over eight years of experience working with individuals with developmental and learning disabilities, including Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder, in Special Education and Vocational Rehabilitation. She is experienced with providing spiritually sensitive counseling to clients who identify with diverse belief systems “Faith and Inclusion” Website: kayelove.comLinkedIn: J. Kaye Love, MSSW/MBA, LPC, - Austin, Texas, United States | Professional Profile | LinkedInSchedule Counseling onThrive:Click here to listen with the full transcript.For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

Host Kristen Gooch, and storyteller PiPa McCollister, talk honestly about life in a world not designed for folks with CP, Dyslexia, or ADHD. After PiPa presents her story, “The Gift of Not Paying Attention,” host Kristen learns more about PiPa’s lived experience with ADHD. They discuss the impact of ADHD in adulthood, struggles finding a job, getting accommodations and PiPa's experience as a mother of a child with ADHD and Dyslexia and the strategies they use to celebrate their lives as a neurodivergent family.  Host Bio: Kristen Gooch is an Actress, Poet and Advocate from Austin, Tx with Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair for mobility.  She hopes to broaden her horizons and branch out into film and television some day.  She currently facilitates a peer support group called Adapting Sheros for women with mobility disabilities.  She is a company member of TILT performance group and Paradox Players.Guest Bio:   PiPa McCollister first came to Art Spark of Texas in 2015. She and her daughter have lived in many areas of the state including East Texas, Austin, and most recently, North Texas. She was born and raised in Cleburne, Texas. PiPa graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies in 2012. She has worked in Special Education for children and adults for over 8 years. She continues to advocate for dyslexic students, children with autism, homeschool rights, and individuals with learning disabilities. PiPa now resides in Cleburne, Texas with her fiance, daughter, and three pets.Contact Information: Facebook: www.facebook.com/pipa.mccollisterTikTok: tiktok.com/pipamac48Resourceshttps://www.additudemag.com/webinar/adhd-awareness-month-2021-hallowell-solden-podcast-375/https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/empowering-women-adhd/https://www.additudemag.com/webinar/adhd-in-girls-women-risks-stigma/https://adhdgirlsandwomen.org/https://dyslexiaida.org/Click here to listen with the full transcript.For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

We end the first season of True Tales by Disability Advocates with "Positively Shining Bright". The stories in this episode highlight the power of choosing a positive mindset. Host Brittany Sessum introduces us to storytellers, Carlos Orellana, and Anne Marie Buckle. In their stories, "Listen to My World" and "Advocate Me," they share how in their own ways they practice having a positive mindset and how remembering to be grateful can help when they have a difficult day or have uncomfortable feelings.They remind us that focusing on positivity doesn't mean we won't have problems, but it will determine how we dance with them when they show up in our lives.When Brittany chats with Carlos and Anne Marie about their stories, their conversations offer us a sweet, sensitive insight into their lives living with Cerebral Palsy and Autism respectively. We titled this episode "Positively Shinning Bright" because [chuckles] that was our experience of both Carlos and Anne Marie during our recording sessions.We chose to launch this episode during August in the spirit of "Happiness Happens Month." I mean, we all wanna be happy, right? But happiness is an emotion and all emotions are fleeting, that is that they come and they go, they're not fixed, that's the nature of them. Every day we experience a range of feelings and emotions, no matter what's going on in our lives.  We can learn to practice choosing a positive outlook and focusing on the good in every situation, no matter what we are feeling. Guest Anne Marie BuckleMeet Anne Marie (Rie) Buckle. She is a vibrant young adult working every day to overcome autism, IDD and PANS. For Rie, adulthood brings new adventures like getting jobs in various sectors, exploring her passions, and becoming more independent. These things don’t just happen overnight, however. With the ongoing support of her family, therapists, and mentors, Anne Marie has been able to accomplish many ofShe was crowned Texas Miss Amazing 2017.You can find her store at https://www.facebook.com/RiesMarketplace/And on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/riesmarketplace Guest Carlos OrellanaA guy that’s passionate about writing, U.S. History, Theater, and wrestling. Carlos is also a kid at heart even if he’s 28 years old, that enjoys to laugh as well. He is extremely proud to be from Guatemala and loves his family too. He makes his friends happy and laughs when they have a hard day in their life. But, the most important thing to know about Carlos is that he has Cerebral Palsy. Even if his life is hard with Cerebral Palsy, it’s also a happy one too.You can follow Carlos on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/carlosrafael.orellana.7Photo ID: Carlos is an Hispanic male with black short and spiky hair wearing glasses. Carlos is smiling in the picture with an eagle pendant necklace, black long-sleeved shirt, and white sweats. Carlos is sitting in a black wheelchair with a grayish-blue door behind him. Host Brittany SessumBrittany Sessum is a Houston native and Army veteran that loves making connections with others. She has a passion to serve her family, the community, and her country by giving back in any capacity. She believes that her passions and actions live beyond herself. Brittany loves writing poetry, reading, traveling, and working as an entrepreneur.For more information about the Speaking Advocates Program, trainings and sign up for our newsletter go Click here to listen with the full transcript.For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

For Disability Pride Month, Kaye Love chats to Tanya Winters and Kamand Alaghehband about their stories “Pediacrisis” and “Kamand’s View: No More Prejudice”. Stories about how they navigate the predictable and unexpected barriers they meet daily. We hope your day is enriched by listening to “Independence”. Full transcript available. World Health Organization on DisabilityGuest: Tanya Winters - A Chicago native, Tanya fell in love with Austin after a weekend trip. She loves creating and enjoys pushing the boundaries of arts and disability! Tanya's career as an artist began in theatre in 2005 and shifted to dance in 2007 thanks to a wooden chair and the desire to tell her story. As a student of Austin Community College, she gained an extensive background in improvisation and choreography. She has learned from some of the dance world’s top artists like Alito Alessi Nina Martin, Heidi Latsky, Sandra Paola Lopez, and Stephan Koplowitz.  Tanya started making work of her own and became a certified DanceAbility instructor in 2011. Currently, she is a member of the Body Shift Collective, where she loves dancing, teaching, creating and collaborating with other dancers with and without disabilities. Tanya is the co-choreographer of Together and Apart an ongoing duet that explores the relationship between movement, environment, and the art of human interaction. She hopes that her work will motivate other dancers to think outside the box and erase the line between ability and disability.  Tanya also has a solid background in Social Work, grant reporting, and case management. She possesses excellent communication and organizational skills which help her deal with the complex regulations governing social services. Walk & Roll: https://youtu.be/1IQ6W2NybfAConstable Pct. 5's Disabled Parking Awareness Video: https://youtu.be/LR0XoXb_w-gTogether & Apart: https://vimeo.com/183923919 And You See Me: https://youtu.be/RSB_WFRbEEI Guest: Kamand Alaghehband - My name is Kamand Alaghehband. I was born in Austin Texas, and I have autism. In 2020 the CDC reported approximately 1 in 54 children in U.S. diagnosed with autism is more than all cancer patients combined. But what about us? what happens to our future? What kind of jobs and lifestyle is available to support us. All my life I tried to support not only me but all generations with disabilities.  I am me, I am Kamand. I love Special Olympics. My favorite sports are swimming, basketball, and Track. I am a member of the executive committee of special Olympics athletes leadership in Texas. I created podcasts, TikTok, video games and a variety of health activities during a pandemic to keep the athlete's minds occupied in a healthy way.  Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to maintain some of those activities cause was costing me money.  My mission with my population is to bring peace for today and create a vision for tomorrow for disabled population.  I feel grateful for what I have. I choose to be thankful. I choose to be happy. Gratitude turns what I have into enough and more. My Instagram info is ka.special . My TikTok account is KAspecialglobal.Host: Kaye Love - Kaye has over eight years of experience working with individuals with developmental and learning disabilities, including Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder, in Special EducationClick here to listen with the full transcript.For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

Full transcripts of all episodes available at https://truetalesbydisabilityadvocates.buzzsprout.comIn this episode, guests Laura Odom and Sheena Walter tell host John Beer about the “Awakenings” in their lives. Laura pushed through doubts brought on by years of narcolepsy to try her hand at a new adventure (“Finally Waking Up”), while Sheena flipped self-consciousness about her PICC line into a new and very public role of “Advocacy, Courage and Self-Compassion.” Both women took a stroke of boldness that ignited newfound lives of advocacy and pride in themselves! Listen in to learn about their victories. Toby Al-Trabulsi produces, Kristen Gooch and Ms. Boye mixing and editing, and Jennifer Howell and Joey Gidseg provide script and production.HOSTNo moss gathers on a rolling wheelchair, and throughout the state of Texas are sightings of John Beer and his travel trailer. With his wife's help, John spotlights the disability side of skydiving, fire evacuations and other topics for New Mobility magazine. You’ll also find him on MS Connections at TheMighty.com – and he's wheelie excited being on the team creating Art Spark Texas' new podcast, True Tales by Disability Advocates. John was a member of our first Virtual Speaking Advocates Training and is one of the storytellers in Episode 2, “Life on Wheels”. Keep up with John Beer on his blog: Wheelieoutthere.blogspot.com Follow John on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wheelieoutthere/ GUESTLaura Odom is a Tyler, Texas-based advocate primarily for disability and rural causes. She is also the office manager for a locally owned textbook publisher. When she isn’t working, she takes her Australian Shepherd/Border Collie-mix dog for car rides and loves to snuggle with her two black cats. She enjoys writing, playing guitar and cross-stitching. Laura was diagnosed with Narcolepsy Type 1 in January 2021 after pursuing a diagnosis for almost 20 years. She continues to raise awareness about Narcolepsy in hopes that more people won’t have to wait that long to receive treatment.On social media, you can find her at: Instagram: @ordinarileighTikTok: ordinarileighTwitter: @lauradoestweetFacebook: Laura Ashleigh OdomGUESTSheena Walter is an artist at Imagine Art in Austin and also works for Art Spark Texas as a social media influencer. She wants to advocate for a change in how people with disabilities are viewed in our society and make sure we have not just a seat at the table, but a voice as well. Her sources of strength and inspiration are her faith, her friends, her family, her pets and walks in the outdoors.  Find Sheena and her art on Instagram @sheenawalter1 Click here to listen with the full transcript.For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

To listen with full transcript, go to https://truetalesbydisabilityadvocates.buzzsprout.com/In this episode, host Joey Gidseg talks to Jennifer Howell about her story, “From Ally to Self-Advocate.” Jennifer describes going from being the daughter of parents with disabilities to becoming someone with disabilities of her own, and the surprising things she learns along the way. Even for someone long familiar with disabilities, actually becoming a person with a disability of her own was for Jennifer a through-the-looking-glass kind of experience. Her story sparks an impassioned discussion between Jennifer and Joey, edited by Toby Al-Trabulsi and Ms. Boye, with script and production work by Kristen Gooch and John Beer.Jennifer HowellJennifer Howell's lifetime of personal experience with disability – as a caregiver, teacher and person with disabilities herself – has led to her work as an accessibility and creative placemaking consultant. She is a special education teacher, published author, award-winning artist and online instructor to students around the globe, ages 4 to 94. As an Accessible Yoga Ambassador, she has led classes for over a decade for seniors and persons with disabilities. Her other curricula include hand-lettering and cursive handwriting, and sustainable fashion. Jennifer is a member of IAMPETH (International Assoc. of Master Penmen, Engrossers & Teachers of Handwriting) and the Climate Reality Leadership Corps.Jennifer can be reached at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-howell-3179248/HostJoey Gidseg Joey Gidseg is an enthusiast of podcasts and disability policy who works to close the gaps in Access to Justice for disabled Texans. As chair of a statewide disability caucus and former multimedia producer, Joey is thrilled to collaborate with other disabled creators on Art Spark Texas’ podcast, True Tales by Disability Advocates.You can connect or keep up with Joey on their Facebook, Twitter or Linkedin: https://www.facebook.com/joeygidsegfortexas/https://twitter.com/joeyinatxhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joeygidseg/Learn more about closing the justice gap at https://www.justiceinreach.org/Click here to listen with the full transcript.For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

To listen with full transcript, go to https://truetalesbydisabilityadvocates.buzzsprout.com/In this episode, our storytellers share two very different experiences of dressing up and playing different characters, while using a wheelchair. Host Kamand Alaghehband talks to Jessica Guerrero and Renee Lopez. They talk about their journey with Cosplay and Halloween in their stories Cosplay and Witchy Woman. Renee LopezRenee Lopez a 60-year-old woman with a physical disability and uses a wheelchair. Renee was born and raised in Austin, Texas where she has lived her entire life. Renee graduated from the University of Texas in 1984 and 1986 with a BA and an M.Ed. respectively. Renee worked for the State of Texas for 30 years and is now retired. Renee has a long history of advocating for the rights of people with disabilities since 1982 when she was a student at The University of Texas.  As a student with a life-long physical disability, Renee joined other students with disabilities for campus accessibility. She continues to advocate to this day. Renee is on the Advisory Board for SAFE Disability Services since 2010.  She has attended conferences on behalf of SAFE as a workshop presenter teaching and informing conference attendees on issues of violence and abuse against persons with Disabilities. Renee is also a member of a core group of a coalition put together by the VERA Institute of Justice on ending violence against people with disabilities. Jessica GuerreroShe has lived independently in Austin for around 10 years and has been with the Speaking Advocates program from its very first class. She told us, “I have a mild case of Cerebral Palsy but my wheelchair has opened the door to cosplay, martial arts, traveling, adaptive sports and so many other adventures.”She also really enjoys helping out in the community.HOSTKamand Alaghehband was born in Austin, TX and has Autism. In 2020,  The CDC reported approximately 1 in 54 children in the U.S. were diagnosed with autism. This ratio is more than all cancer patients combined. Kamand has spent her life supporting all generations with disabilities. Kamand loves the Special Olympics and her favorite sports are swimming, basketball, and track. Kamand is a member of the executive committee of Special Olympics Athletes Leadership in Texas. I have created podcasts, Tik Tok videos, video games, and a variety of health activities during the pandemic to keep the athlete’s mind occupied in a healthy way. Kammand’s mission within her population is to bring peace today and create a vision for tomorrow’s disabled population. Kamand hopes that she’ll be able to teach others to turn denial into acceptance. Instagram: Ka.specialTik Tok: KAspecialglobalMUSIC CREDITS1.      scandinavianz-sunbathers-7385/ - Music by Scandinavianz - Pixabay2.      spookymagic-7050 – from Pixabay3.      old-church-bell-6298 – from Pixabay4.      Mexican Plaza by Click here to listen with the full transcript.For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

A team of disability advocates creates True Tales to give voice to the personal stories and lived experiences of disabled storytellers. We offer our unique, often underrepresented perspective, to the growing community of podcast listeners worldwide.This episode is being released in March, in honor of Women’s History Month. We welcome back Kristen Gooch, the storyteller from episode 2, as host. She is joined by our two storytellers, producer, and sound engineer who are all powerful women with disabilities. According to the CDC, one in four Americans lives with some kind of disability. That’s about 61 million adults with 61 million experiences and points of view about what it means to live with a disability.  Recognizing that everyone's life is enriched by the inclusion of multiple voices, Art Spark Texas, has been training Disability Advocates as storytellers for over 20 years.Click here to listen with a full transcript Host - Kristen GoochKristen Gooch is an actress, poet, and advocate from Austin, Texas with cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair for mobility.  She hopes to broaden her horizons and branch out into film and television someday. She currently facilitates a peer support group through Imagineart called Adapting Sheros for women with mobility disabilities.  She is a company member of TILT Performance Group and Paradox Players.Jourdan HuertaJourdan is a performer who loves singing, dancing, and making unique greeting cards. Jourdan is also a huge advocate for mental health. She advocates for people with disabilities and for people that have non-epileptic seizures due to her personal experience with psychogenic non-epileptic seizures. Jourdan has such determination! She recently joined the TILT Performance Group and can’t wait to start her next project and theater journey. Keep it up, Miss Huerta! Social media links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greetingsbyj/?hl=en, https://www.instagram.com/jourdanthetheatregeek,Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/greetingsbyJ/, https://www.facebook.com/jourdansyeiraSharizod AboiiSharizod Aboii is a native Austinite who grew up in Pflugerville, Texas. She was born with arthrogryposis, a non-congenital condition that affects 1 in 3,000 live births. She is a graduate of Texas A&M University and is currently working on her MSW at Texas State University. Sharizod hopes to encourage and empower others through their journey in life with her shared experiences.Social Media Links:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharizod-aboii-0a0b7894/Email: sharizod@gmail.comWebsite: www.sharizods.com Click here to listen with the full transcript.For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

Persons with disabilities often face the challenge of others’ misconceptions of their viewpoint and day-to-day life. In this episode, host Jennifer Howell visits with married couple Dave and Kate Chapple about their experience with such situations and the joyful message that love has no limits. In their stories, “My Journey with Religion” and "My Life in a Nursing Home,” Kate discusses her thoughts about fellow church members who prayed for her healing, and Dave shares what it’s like to be one of the youngest – by decades – residents at a nursing home. Click here to listen with transcriptDave ChappleI am David Chapple and I am an employee at Imagine Art doing Peer Support for their Training 4 Transformation (T4T) program. T4T’s objective is to equip individuals who have a passion for supporting peers with disabilities to help them to transform and to become empowered so you can receive services that are person-centered. Also, I serve as Vice President on the board of Accessible Housing Austin an organization that is committed to providing affordable, accessible, integrated housing for low-income people with disabilities.As Co-Project Leader of the AAC Training and Dissemination at RERC on Augmentative and Alternative Communication, I research how individuals who rely on AAC can be more independent. I write a blog named Speaking with Professionals Alternatively where I write about how people who rely on AAC interact with people from various professions. In my spare time, I like to travel with my wife and enjoy painting.  Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/dgchapple/https://speakingwithprofessionalsalternatively.wordpress.com/Kate ChappleAfter high school graduation and with guidance from an independent living program, Kate Chapple moved from Houston to San Antonio, lived in a wheelchair-accessible apartment, and earned a BA in Special Education from UTSA.Kate’s advocacy skills are highly recognized, and her 20-year career includes working with people with disabilities and assistive technology, as well as with or for public school systems, non-profits, and waiver programs.Currently, a member of the hosting team’s Training 4 Transformation program for Imagine Art, Kate provides peer support to individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.“Throughout my life, I have learned the importance of being my own self-advocate. No one knows what I need or want better than myself. The same goes for each person in the group,” she said.Kate and Dave live in Austin with their four dogs and enjoy going to concerts, swimming, playing with their fur babies, and traveling.Host Jennifer HowellJennifer Howell has a lifetime of personal experience with disability – as a caregiver, a teacher, and a person with disabilities herself. Those experiences now ignite her passion and inform her work as an Accessibility and Creative Placemaking consultant.She is also a special education teacher, published author, and award-winning artist who works as an online instructor to learners around the globe, ages 4 to 94. She is an Accessible Yoga Ambassador who has been leading classes for seniors and persons with disabilities for over a decade. Other curricula she’s created include hand-lettering, cursive handwriting, and sustainable fashion. Jennifer is a member of IAMPETH (International Assoc. of Master Penmen, Engrossers, & Teachers of Handwriting) and tClick here to listen with the full transcript.For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

Click Here To Listen With Full TranscriptIn this episode, host Kamand Alaghehband talks to Kaye Love and Marielle Abrams, who talk about their journey with faith and inclusion and share their stories “Faith and Inclusion” and “Prom Night.”Storyteller BioKaye LoveKaye is passionate about assisting individuals to explore and enhance their sense of meaning and purpose in life in a way that is sensitive to and respectful of their religious or non-religious understanding. She understands the challenges of developing an appreciation of a personal skill set that is unique, positive self-esteem, and creative workarounds for functional limitations, as well as the difficulties involved in navigating education, employment, healthcare, and community organizations designed for those with typicality. She is experienced with providing spiritually sensitive counseling to clients who identify with diverse belief systems.Social Media:  Website: kayelove.com, LinkedIn: J. Kaye Love, MSSW/MBA, LPC, - Austin, Texas, United States | Professional Profile | LinkedIn, Schedule Counseling onThrive: Thriveworks Counseling - Janet Kaye Love, Acting: tiltperformance.orgMarielle AbramsMy name is Marielle. I am an artist and I’m a beginner blogger. I like to write and read mysteries and adult books. I love music, fashion, and Pickachu.    Social Media: Mari Waters WorldHostKamand Alaghehband was born and raised in Austin, TX, and has autism. In 2020,  The CDC reported approximately 1 in 54 children in the U.S. diagnosed with autism ratio is more than all cancer patients combined. Kamand has spent her life supporting all generations with disabilities. Kamand loves the Special Olympics and her favorite sports are swimming, basketball, and track. Kamand is a member of the executive committee of Special Olympics Athletes Leadership in Texas. I have created podcasts, Tik Tok videos, video games, and a variety of health activities during the pandemic to keep her mind occupied in a healthy way. Kammand’s mission within her population is to bring peace today and create a vision for tomorrow’s disabled population. Kamand hopes that she’ll be able to teach others to turn denial into acceptance. Music CreditsMusic by Scandinavianz from PixabayTropical by TimTaj from Pixabay.Stomp - Music by Muzaproduction from PixabaySummer Walkaways by Muzaproduction from PixabayMexican Plaza by John BartmannClassic piano link - Music by JuliusH from PixabayClick here to listen with the full transcript.For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

In this episode, host Toby Al-Trabulsi talks to John Beer and Kristen Gooch, who talk about ways they have developed resilience while pursuing their passions in life as wheelchair users and share their stories, “Is There a Doctor in The House?” and “I Was Meant to Shine.” John Beer takes us along his adventurous experience of trying to stay stocked up on staples during the covid era, and Kristen Gooch gives listeners insight into her experience as a disabled actress, following her dreams. The guests in this episode share their creativity, adaptability, and wisdom in their responses to the barriers that they encounter throughout their lives.   You can find this episode, and many more, by subscribing to the True Tales by Disability Advocates Podcast on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Podcasts or your favorite platform.Click here to listen with a full transcript. Host: Toby Al-TrabulsiToby Al-Trabulsi is an actor, writer and creative access advocate for performers with disabilities based out of Austin, TX. Toby is a member of TILT performance group and ScriptWorks and is currently pursuing podcasting through the Art Spark podcasting workshop. True Tales by Disability Advocates. He is eager to see where this journey takes him. Follow Toby on Twitter or InstagramTwitter: @Tobias_ZaneInstagram: @Tobias_ZaneStorytellersJohn BeerJohn Beer profiles the people with disabilities and volunteers who enforce accessible parking for all in the upcoming issue of New Mobility magazine. You can also find him on TheMighty.com – and he's wheelie excited about being on the team creating Art Spark Texas' new podcast, True Tales by Disability Advocates.Keep up with John Beer on his blog:Wheelieoutthere.blogspot.com Follow John on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/wheelieoutthere/ Kristen GoochKristen Gooch is an Actress, Poet, and Advocate from Austin, Tx with Cerebral Palsy and uses a wheelchair for mobility.  She hopes to broaden her horizons and branch out into film and television someday.  She currently facilitates a peer support group called Adapting Sheros for women with mobility disabilities through Imagineart.  She is a company member of the TILT performance group and Paradox Players.#Acting #Theatre #Auditions #Ableism #Discrimination #Job #Career #CP #CerebralPalsy #Wheelie #Wheelchair #Covid #Pacman #Barriers #Podcast #Disability #Disabilities #StructuralAbleism #Courage #Gutsy #Humor #Comedy #Adventure #Imagination #Actress #Texas #DisabilityAdvocate #DisabilityAdvocates #DisabilityTwitter #Disabled #Unstoppable #Creative #Artistic #RepresentationMatters #RoleModel #WindowIntoMyWorld #SliceOfLife #Pandemic #Shopping #NothingAboutUsWithoutUs #MobilityAide #AmbulatoryDisabilities Click here to listen with the full transcript.For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

In this episode, host Brittany Sessum talks to storyteller Eric Clow, who talks about his journey with pride and bravery to live an authentic life and share his stories called "Coachella" and "Letter to My 10-Year-Old Self." You can find this episode, and many more, by subscribing to the True Tales by Disability Advocates on iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon Podcasts. If you don’t use a podcast platform, you can listen to every episode with a full transcript by clicking here https://truetalesbydisabilityadvocates.buzzsprout.com/.Storyteller Eric ClowEric Clow is an Austin-based writer and musician. His dogs and birding hobby feature prominently in his poetry, as do his experiences living with a disability. His original music reflects his sincerity and twisted sense of humor. He works at Art Spark Texas, offering creative opportunities for artists with disabilities.Bandcamp: https://ericclow.bandcamp.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disabsurdity/ Host Brittany Sessum Brittany Sessum is a Houston native and Army veteran that loves making connections with others. She has a passion to serve her family, the community, and her country by giving back in any capacity. She believes that her passions and actions live beyond herself. Brittany loves writing poetry, reading, traveling, and working as an entrepreneur.  #prideandbravery  #musculardystrophy  #liveitupFor more information about Art Spark Tx and the Speaking Advocates Program click this link: https://www.artsparktx.org/speaking-advocates/Intro and outro music - Sunbathers by Scandinavianz  Music by Scandinavianz https://soundcloud.com/scandinavianz Click here to listen with the full transcript.For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.