It's March, which means it's Cerebral Palsy Awareness Month! Last April, I had the fortunate  opportunity to speak at the United Cerebral Palsy Annual Conference in Las Vegas, NV. I shared my story of reslience and how I live my life with cerebral palsy.  Because this month means so much to me, I thought it would be appropriate to have on CEO and President of United Cerebral Palsy, Armando Contreras to share about the organization and how it helps people with disabilities. Armando has been the CEO for the past 7 years and under his leadership, the organization has seen the highest grown during its upcoming 75th year. Enjoy!To learn more about United Cerebral Palsy, go to https://ucp.org/Follow me @offthecrutch or e-mail me at [email protected]

After a year-long hiatus, I am finally back! I talk about my 2023 entrepreneurial journey, launching a Rush Bowls franchise, and the insights gained from small business ownership Before talking to Rayne Clarkson, the Commodity Business Manager for Applied Materials in Austin, TX. Rayne shared her path of resilience after a life-changing accident, emphasizing the role of yoga in her recovery and the importance of seeing abilities rather than disabilities. We delve into societal perceptions of disability, the value of independence, and the impact of societal norms on mental health. This conversation sheds light on overcoming adversity, embracing individual strengths, and the significance of genuine connections.Reach out to me by e-mailing  [email protected] or on social media at @offthecrutchpod

I'm back with another episode with my friend Alexandra Herold. If you haven't checked out Monday's episode with Jocelyn Cohen, I encourage you to do so.Alexandra Herold (she/her) is the CEO and Founder of Patti + Ricky (PattiAndRicky.com), the Adaptive Fashion Marketplace for adults and kids with and without disabilities, chronic conditions, patients, aging seniors, and caregivers. Alex’s parents worked in the New York City fashion and accessories industry. Growing up in a house full of conversations about the next fashion trend or “it” color of the season led Alex to feel like she was born into retail and that it is in her blood. Her disabilities, her close relationship with her cousin Ricky who had a physical disability, and her mother’s battle with brain cancer fueled Alex’s determination to launch Patti + Ricky in 2017. Today, Patti + Ricky carries over 100 Adaptive Fashion designers with functional and fashionable products for everybody. Many designers whose products are featured on the site also have disabilities or a loved one with disabilities.Follow Patti + Ricky on social media @pattiandrickycomFollow me @offthecrutchpod or e-mail at [email protected] 

This week and next week, you will find three episodes being released. I have a plethora of wonderful interviews that I want you to hear about before the end of 2022. Today's guest is Jocelyn Cohen.Jocelyn is a writer and a storyteller at heart. She knows a compelling story when she sees one, so she’s excited to serve as Vice President of Communications and Engagement for Cerebral Palsy Alliance Research Foundation. She connects CPARF with the community and the community to each other, sharing our dynamic work as it unfolds — our advancements, our discoveries, and our breakthroughs.Jocelyn has cerebral palsy, and she understands that people with CP each experience it differently — it’s personal. She’s energized by CPARF’s work and proud to use her voice and professional expertise to make a difference for others with CP.Outside of work, Jocelyn often speaks with local physical therapy students about her life with CP, hoping to positively influence their perceptions and encourage their willingness to treat people with disabilities.For more information about CPARF go to https://cparf.org/Follow me @offthecrutchpod or e-mail [email protected]

Happy International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Today aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights, and well-being of persons with disabilities.In addition to celebrating the day,  my guest is Isaac Harvey from across the pond! Some of Isaac's achievements and roles include:President at Wheels and WheelchairsPower 100 Disabled People in the UK 2021Project Coordinator at One Place East Purple Tuesday AmbassadorNFTY CollectiveLinkedIn CreatorDisability AdvocateVideo EditorHonorary Freeman of RedbridgeBorn and raised in East London with a disability called limb pelvic hypo aplasia which, in short, means no arms and short legs.  For the past ten years, he has used his feet to use the computer to edit videos, answer emails and be able to communicate with the broader world. I hope you enjoy this wonderful conversation with Issac.Follow Isaac at https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaacharvey-videoeditor/Follow me on social media at @offthecrtuchpodE-mail me at [email protected]

Today is a special day in the CP community because it is World CP Day! Created by the Cerebral Palsy Alliance in 2012, the mission is to bring together people living with cerebral palsy, their families, allies, supporters, and organizations across more than 100 countries. All to ensure a future in which children and adults with cerebral palsy have the same rights, access, and opportunities as anyone else in our society.Enjoy a short Q&A featuring...myself answering CP-related questions.I promise I will be releasing new episodes regularly soon. Keep updated by following me on IG and Facebook at @offthecrutchpodCheck out some great CP advocates below.Chelsea BearInstagram: @realchelseabearJM KraemerFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LegoChurchProjectAndy ImlayFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.imlayJosh BlueFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/officialjoshblueRJ MitteFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/RJMitteFor more information about World CP Day, check out https://worldcpday.org/

Did you know that individuals on SSI (Social Security Income) can only have up to $2,000 dollars in their checking account or their medical benefits may be taken away? On the first episode of 2022, my guest, Heather Benavidez shares what the ABLE program is and how that can help individuals with disabilities become more financially independent.Heather Benavidez has been a proud public servant for nineteen years, serving in both local and state government. Her service began in the judiciary where she held many positions, culminating in the development and management of the Foreclosure Settlement Facilitation Pilot Program, helping New Mexicans face the loss of their homes. As Chief of Staff, her service within the State Treasurer's Office has been enriched by advocacy work, including providing financial literacy education to youth transitioning out of the foster care system, creating and managing ABLE accounts for individuals living with disabilities, and assisting with the development of retirement savings account program for employees of small businesses and the self-employed. She is a former municipal judge and magistrate judge, and is on the DWI Planning Council and Juvenile Justice Board of Valencia County. She is also the Chair of the 100% Community Housing Taskforce, working to help those facing homelessness find shelter. She has a B.A. and Master of Public Administration, emphasis on public finance, from the University of New Mexico. She and her husband reside in Albuquerque and share a daughter, a freshman at Arizona State University. Want to sign up for an ABLE account? Sign up here https://ablenewmexico.com/ or if you are outside New Mexico, https://www.stableaccount.com/Have questions about ABLE? You can contact Heather at [email protected] or 505.955.1136Follow me on social media @offthecrutchpod or e-mail me at [email protected]

Happy Christmas Eve Eve everyone! Today my podcast just got a little merrier! I had the pleasure of interviewing Karen RoyI first connected with Karen a couple of years ago on LinkedIn and during my first Abilities Expo in Phoenix, I got to meet her in person!What makes Karen unique is how she has handled adversity since the spinal cord injury she sustained in 1987, as the result of a gunshot wound to the back. She was the victim of an armed Robbery during her sophomore year at Louisiana State University.After completing her rehabilitation, she went on to finish her BA in Psychology. Next, sheobtained a Master’s Degree in Social Work, also from Louisiana State University, and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in 1996. Most of her Social Work career was spent working with patients in physical rehabilitation hospitals. For the past six years, she has worked at Numotion and is now the Numotion Brand Ambassador. In her role as Brand Ambassador Karen hosts a disability-related podcast, which is called Life Possible with a Disability and can be found on most podcast platforms. Karen also works in both government and payer relations as part of her role with Numotion. Another passion of Karen’s is co-leading the Numotion Disability ERG, the Disability Alliance Network.Karen’s passion is advocacy for people with disabilities. This includes over a decade of being on the board for the Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Association of Louisiana, which is also the Louisiana Chapter of United Spinal Association. Karen is also the State Coordinator for Ms. Wheelchair Louisiana and an active peer mentor for the United Spinal Association. She was Ms. Wheelchair Louisiana 2018 and won Ms. Wheelchair America 2019. The Ms. Wheelchair America organization’s competition is completely based on the woman’s history of advocacy and the ability to articulate her platform.Please give her a follow on social media @lifepossiblekr or Life Possible with Karen RoyFollow me @offthecrutchpod

In today's episode, I re-visit the wonderful organization of Best Buddies. My guests are Tessah Latson, State Director for Best Buddies in New Mexico, and Martha Mondragon, Program Manager for Community Engagement.For those of you who didn't check out my podcast episode last year with Whitney Michielssen, Best Buddies is a non-profit organization that serves students and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Because this is happening in my own community, I wanted to take a deep dive into what is happening.Both of these ladies are part of a wonderful team that has been working hard to bring together the 2021 Champion of the Year Gala that takes place next Saturday evening in Albuquerque, NM.I hope you enjoy the episode and if you feel inclined to buy tickets or learn more about Best Buddies, check out the links below!Buy Ticketshttps://www.bestbuddieschampion.org/newmexico/rsvp/https://www.bestbuddies.org/Follow me on social media @offthecrutchpod or E-mail me at [email protected]

After several months of being away working and enjoying the summer, the podcast is back. Check out this episode to hear what I've been up to. Then, listen to my interview with Billy Price, owner of Billy Footwear.As a teenager and Seattle native, Billy suffered a spinal cord injury and became paralyzed from the chest down, losing the ability to move his fingers. Daily tasks became difficult, but using his creative mind and unyielding spirit, he never gave up. He continued on, facing life's challenges with tenacity and determination. Born out of a need, BILLY Footwear was founded on the principle of inclusion and perseverance. Along with co-founder Darin Donaldson, Billy strives to add value to the lives of others and make a measurable difference in the world, one foot at a time.Check out Billy Footwear at:billycares.com billyfootwear.comIG: billyfootwear FB: billyfootwear https://www.youtube.com/c/billyfootwearFollow me on social media @offthecrutchpod or send me an e-mail at [email protected]