The mission of Special Olympics is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. We talk with Tasha Noble about the mission and what it means for families in Colorado.

Kevan Chandler is the founder of We Carry Kevan and the author of the book of the same name. We discuss the beginning of We carry Kevan and how a big dream lead to the book, a documentary, and a non-profit. We carry Kevan works to connect families with backpack carriers which allow for up to 60 pounds, and they are about a lot more.

Marcia Nathai-Balkissoon is the author of a new book "Lighting the Path: Leaning into a Hopeful Future as a Special Needs Parent". Marcia is a storyteller and educator who believes that we each have a powerful purpose that should guide our lives. As one of her children is brain-injured and bedridden, Marcia and her family have traversed significant challenges. She is passionate about helping special needs families to feel more connected, gain visibility, access and support, and tap into their resilience.

Our guest is Michelle Morris-Wright. Michelle is the Agency Director/Director of Case ManCase Management for the C-HCBS Medicaid Waiver for A Special Needs Connection and Medicaid Waivers. We discuss Medicaid waivers and eligibility in the state of Colorado. Michelle also shares about becoming a CNA and how A Special Needs Connection helps families get plugged into medicaid.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado offers a warm, safe, clean, and friendly environment for families. It has two kitchens, family-friendly dining and living rooms, laundry facilities, and indoor and outdoor play areas for children. Our House is a home-away-from-home for families in need.

Thomas Pantoja is the Program Outreach Specialist for ServiceSource in Colorado Springs, Colorado. We discuss the jobs Service Source has open for individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. This program is for full employment working on Fort Carson army base doing dining services.

Shelby Bates is the Inclusive Higher Education Outreach Coordinator. We talk to her about the work they are doing and how individuals can participate in the programs on the college campuses they are working with.

Our President, Bob West shared with a parents group some of the advice and encouragement people have given him over the years as a parent. He shares why one, in particular, is not his favorite. This message is an encouragement for parents helping them see the value they and their whole family are.

ABLE accounts were created to help families and individuals with expenses while protecting SSDI and Medicaid. Mike Keglovits is the ABLE & Special Programs Manager for College Invest who are the administrators of ABLE accounts for the state of Colorado.

Sonya is the Transition/IEP/Enrich/CDE Data Reporting Coordinator for the Pikes Peak Board of Cooperative Educational Services. We discuss how services look different for adults and what are the most important things to remember and do as part of your transition.