Finding Common Ground

By: ROC Vox Podcast Network
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  • Summary

  • Many families feel like they're treading water, especially those living with autism and other developmental differences. As your hosts, we get it, and we know this frustration all too well.

    In response, we've created tried-and-true strategies that help everyday people achieve extraordinary things. Even those who might have doubted themselves can borrow our confidence, follow one of our "blueprints," and with a supportive community cheering them on, make the impossible happen.

    Each success inspires those coming up behind us, creating a ripple effect of positive change—Which is why we'll never run out of content!Our podcast tackles tough issues head-on with unfiltered conversations focused on solutions.

    We won't avoid "the elephant in the room"—in fact, we'll invite it to dinner! Our unique format appeals to people from across the globe, offering strategies that turn efforts for one into advocacy for the greater good. We breakdown topics like innovative housing, effective self-advocacy, and healthcare complexities, guided by our audience on what to cover next.

    Each episode offers fresh perspectives, featuring many guests you won't find on mainstream platforms. We intentionally invite differing viewpoints because finding common ground with those we see as obstacles is the surest way to create new and innovative solutions.

    Join our Supporter's Club and check out our merch. Let’s ensure the A/I/DD community's voice is heard. If you want to dig deeper, schedule a session with us. We happily work one-on-one, develop trainings, and offer public speaking engagements to assist individuals and organizations in promoting things like inclusivity and equity.

    Join our community, plant seeds of positive change, and before you know it, you'll be moving mountains with us! Want to support our mission and access exclusive content? Join our Supporter's Club and check out our merch.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
    Copyright ROC Vox Podcast Network
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Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology
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Episodes
  • Behind the Sirens: Jennifer Everett on IDD Emergency Response

    Behind the Sirens: Jennifer Everett on IDD Emergency Response
    Jan 3 2025
    In this episode of Finding Common Ground, Heather and Steve sit down with Jennifer Everett, a seasoned first responder, to discuss the crucial role of emergency responders when supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Jennifer’s journey into the field began with a simple flyer in college—and the rest is history. She opens up about her early experiences supporting people with disabilities and the limited training available to first responders at the time.

    Jennifer candidly shares how the field has evolved, noting the challenges first responders face, particularly the surge in burnout rates, which have spiked since the pandemic. But it’s not all struggles—Jennifer also sheds light on innovative solutions that could be game-changers for families in crisis. You’ll want to check to see if these programs are available in your area!

    What should families know when they need to call 911 in an emergency? How can they provide the right information to ensure the best possible response? Jennifer’s insights into communication, training, and community engagement provide invaluable tips for families worried about navigating an emergency with loved ones who have special needs.

    Tune in for personal stories, expert advice, and a behind-the-scenes look at how first responders are adapting to better serve everyone in the community. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

    This podcast is grassroots—no big-name sponsors shaping our content. We believe unfiltered conversations with changemakers like Jennifer can spark real change for families like ours.

    Support us by liking, commenting, and sharing this episode on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. We'd also appreciate if you -
    • Subscribe to our YouTube channel (it’s free!)
    • Follow us on your favorite podcast platform
    • Join our Facebook group
    • For just $2/month, join our Supporters’ Club
    Your Supporters’ Club Membership goes directly to covering studio costs and helps keep this podcast going. In return, you’ll get exclusive content and discounts in our soon-to-launch merch store. We prefer to keep this “amongst friends,” creating a podcast with purpose—by families, for families. Your support means everything to us!

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Brad Hansen Shares Solutions: Systemic Failures in Kids' Mental Health

    Brad Hansen Shares Solutions: Systemic Failures in Kids' Mental Health
    Dec 11 2024
    In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Brad Hansen, Director of Public Policy at Families Together in New York State, to discuss the alarming crisis in youth mental health services and the game-changing solutions that could make all the difference.
    Brad pulls no punches as he reveals how systemic failures—such as endless waitlists, a critical shortage of mental health providers, and an overly complicated system—are leaving our kids without the care they desperately need. “The system has been slowly made to be anemic,” he warns, underscoring the devastating impact on vulnerable youth.
    But this isn’t just about the problems. Brad shares his vision for change through the Healthy Minds Healthy Kids campaign, calling for a $195 million funding boost to address workforce shortages and overhaul a broken system. He paints a powerful picture of what’s possible: accessible, compassionate mental health services for every child, no matter their background or insurance type. Learn more about this campaign online: https://healthymindshealthykids.org/
    Heather and Steve dive deeper into the real-life consequences of these systemic failures, sharing personal stories of families caught in the chaos, including the specific challenges faced by foster children. Together, they stress the importance of early intervention and why we can’t afford to wait until issues spiral out of control.
    Why You Need to Listen: This episode is a wake-up call. It’s filled with hope, actionable solutions, and a clear path forward for anyone who wants to be part of the change. Parents, advocates, and policymakers alike will walk away with the knowledge and tools needed to help make mental health care for kids a priority.
    Call to Action: Support the Healthy Minds Healthy Kids campaign and push for the systemic changes our kids deserve. Share this episode to help spread the message, and join us in advocating for the future of youth mental health care. Listen now and be part of the movement to create better mental health outcomes for our kids!
    This podcast is completely grassroots—no big-name sponsors dictating our content. We’re investing in this because we believe that unfiltered conversations with change makers like Dr. Pham can move the needle on issues that matter to families like ours. Please support us by liking, commenting, and sharing this episode on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform. ️ Subscribe to our YouTube Channel (it's free)️ Follow us on your favorite Podcast Platforms ️ Join our Facebook group️ For just $2/month, join our Supporters Club and help cover studio costs and keep this podcast going! Those helping us get this off the ground will get access to exclusive content and discounts in our soon-to-launch merch store. We prefer to keep this “amongst friends” and create a podcast with purpose, by families, for families. Your support means everything!

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
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    54 mins
  • From Red Tape to Real Change: Vin Scalise's Approach to Community Service

    From Red Tape to Real Change: Vin Scalise's Approach to Community Service
    Nov 20 2024
    On this episode of Finding Common Ground, our guest Vincent Scalise, a decorated Marine veteran, shares his inspiring journey from serving on the battlefield to transforming his community. After returning from Iraq, Vin made it his mission to help his fellow veterans and neighbors by turning local challenges into opportunities.

    As Executive Director of the Utica Center for Development, Vin embodies the philosophy he shared on the podcast: "Hesitation is the worst thing you do. Whether it’s business, life, or the battlefield—make a decision and stick to it." That decisive mindset explains why he and co-host Steve work so well together. Steve recalls suggesting that the Center purchase a bus to help transport individuals with IDD, and Vin didn’t hesitate—he bought it the next day! Today, veterans regularly drive that bus to ensure community members can attend events and access opportunities they might otherwise miss.

    In this episode, Vin also emphasizes the importance of sustainability in nonprofit work: "A nonprofit cannot just stand there with their hand out open, thinking the government's going to pay them." His innovative revenue streams, like recycling old clothing, helps fund projects that include repurposing vacant buildings into vibrant housing and community spaces, as well as supporting veterans and individuals with disabilities.

    Steve brings his personal connection to the conversation, sharing how, when an advocacy board he was on disbanded, He refused to let it sit empty. Partnering with Vin, they reimagined the space into a thriving housing and respite project that will serve as a cornerstone for the community.This episode is packed with actionable insights, including:
    • How to turn obstacles into opportunities through decisive leadership.
    • Creative ways to fund sustainable community programs.
    • The power of collaboration in repurposing resources for maximum impact.
    This episode offers a fresh blueprint for advocacy equipped to move mountains. Tune in to hear some powerful stories, learn innovative strategies, and find inspiration to cut through red tape and bring real change to your own backyard!This podcast is completely grassroots—no big-name sponsors dictating our content. We’re investing in this because we believe that unfiltered conversations with changemakers like Vin can help move the needle on issues that matter to families like ours.Please support us by liking, commenting, and sharing this episode on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform.

    Other ways to help us grow our audience:
    Subscribe to our YouTube channel (it’s free!) Follow us on podcast platforms Join our Facebook group
    For just $2/month, join our Supporters’ Club and help us cover studio costs, which keeps this podcast going!
    As a thank you, those helping us get this off the ground will get access to exclusive content and discounts.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
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    45 mins

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