Getting work in the industry can be pretty challenging. We have to navigate a field of different people from all walks of life. It has been a challenge for many disabled people to compete against able-body people for boardroom seats, positions as executive producers, directors, producers, etc. The LCA Marketing Team (Dana JonesK, Katie Farmer, James Barniker, Marie Dagenais-Lewis & Tree Lowe) discuss the importance of executive positions on the show. In addition, why the media industry should hire more disabled people. In addition to the writers strike, careers, etc., they'll enlighten the world from a warm perspective. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phenomenal-disabilities/message

Since childhood, Dylan Lazaga has lived authentically as an epileptic individual. Despite his disability, Dylan continues to pursue his dreams. Dylan believes it is important for people to understand epilepsy and to be prepared when someone experiences an epileptic episode. Disabilities, according to Dylan, aren't barriers. In addition, Dylan believes that neurotypical individuals should be open-minded, instead of quick to judge. Follow Dylan Lazaga at https://www.youtube.com/@dylanlazaga413/videos --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phenomenal-disabilities/message

A mother, songwriter, poet, work professional, and spiritual reader, Susan Sheller's love for her autistic son shows in her power and strength to do what it takes to give him the best life. But Susan is here to provide insightful information on autism and other disabilities. Sheller's mission is to educate the world while advocating for her son. Discrimination and misunderstanding of autism are common. Throughout this show, Susan aims to raise awareness about autism and what can be done to help. “Disability isn’t to be ashamed of, is not a reason to give up, judge yourself, and being denied of.”~~~Susan Sheller Follow Susan Sheller at: https://www.reverbnation.com/susansheller https://www.facebook.com/susan.sheller.3/ https://twitter.com/susansheller?lang=en https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-sheller-04527217 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phenomenal-disabilities/message

Inclusion globally has been a topic of discussion within the disability community. It is however necessary for inclusion to be realized through action, which is why Nargiz Yeldenbayeva and Inessa Missetskaya from Georgia, have decided to take matters into their own hands in order to guide the disabled community to self-empowerment and inclusion.  Nargiz and Inessa are trainers of inclusion practices, developing trainers, practitioners, public speakers, and advocates. Their work focuses on equity and inclusion. In addition to their professional backgrounds, both of the ladies are parents of disabled children. As part of their work with the disabled community, Nargiz and Inessa strive to improve their lives with effective tools through tactile therapy. Individuals with cerebral palsy, autism, blindness, and other disabilities have been known to benefit from tactile therapy. Many sensory activities are involved: smell, listening to sounds, taste, food, and touch. However, there are so many forms of this practice.  Nargiz and Inessa discuss their techniques with many people they work with, provide insightful information, and wisdom to reflect on. Inessa and Nargiz's message to the world is that disabilities must be respected everywhere. It is also imperative for the able-bodied community to offer disabled individuals the freedom of safe space to explore and live authentically in the world. To find out more about Nargiz and Inessa's services and advocacy work visit: https://inclusivepractices.net/ "Disability is not the reason to whitewash yourself. Disability is the opportunity to try to find answers. What is the relation between people and this world?"~~~~Inessa Missetskaya --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phenomenal-disabilities/message

Dr. Laurie Weiss, psychotherapist, coach and relationship communication expert has helped more than 60,000 individuals reclaim life energy and find joy in life for more than four decades. She has taught professionals in 13 countries and authored 13 books that make complex information accessible to anyone. Her popular, Letting It Go, teaches rapid anxiety and stress relief. http://www.LaurieWeiss.com She and her husband, Jonathan B. Weiss, Ph.D., started working together in 1970. Both Drs. Weiss love mixing business and pleasure and enjoy visiting professional colleagues and friends around the globe. They live and work in Littleton, Col. USA. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phenomenal-disabilities/message

Social worker, advocate, and activist, Fidelis Kariku, discusses the issues in Africa and across the globe with the disability community and services. It is essential to address the ongoing problems around the world if we are to increase awareness. A better life for children, advocacy, and living in gratitude are Fidelis' objectives. Although Fidelis does work as a social worker, but she struggles to provide for upgraded disability equipment on her salary. Find out more from Fidelis and her life journey about what the world can do better. If you would like to contribute or find about more about the children she cares for as a social worker, reach out to her at [email protected] --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phenomenal-disabilities/message

Advocate, public speaker, and owner of Start The Convo, Julie McLean addresses the issue of mental illness around suicide. It is increasingly common for young and old to commit suicide for a variety of reasons. The issue needs to be addressed directly to help those who are considering ending their lives see how valuable their life is. As a result of her own experience with suicide, Julie became an advocate and public speaker. On the show, Julie aims to provide others with resources and guidance based on her experiences. If you or anyone is considering suicide, know you are not alone. Contact 988 for supportive services. Web Link: https://starttheconvo.net --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phenomenal-disabilities/message

Chaitanya Mukund, an Indian writer, blogger, and radio host and a neurodivergent individual with dyslexia and cerebral palsy, discusses his struggles and rewards. Chaitanya, however, does not see his life as "half-full" despite coping with various disabilities. In addition to earning his graduate degree in Mass Communication, Chaitanya is pursuing an internship in radio production and programming at the official community radio of Punjab University: Radio Jyotirgamaya. As per Chaitanya, having different disabilities should never impede one's growth; one must find balance and harmony to overcome challenges and succeed. The world should reflect differently on disabilities and find joy in life, rather than turning it all into a dark cloud. "Disability isn't a burden, but my superpower ."~~~Chaitanya Mukund Social links: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaitanya.mkd/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chaitanya-mukund-a4143111b/  Facebook :  https://www.facebook.com/chaitanya.mukund/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/chaitanyamukun --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phenomenal-disabilities/message

Birdie and his family have battled with addiction or mental disability for many years. Although Birdie is battling sobriety, he navigate through them it is important to draw attention to his journey. However, Birdie does want to get help, but it has been complicated with his family and been battling their disabilities too. Even though addiction isn't phenomenal, this episode aims to emphasize Birdie's current struggle. Many people who have not endured these life experiences such as Birdie and his family would ask "Why". Keep one thing in mind,  addiction and mental disabilities is not made to be left for judgment, but draw awareness.   Phenomenal Disabilities will keep up with Birdie's journey and additional interviews, so stay tuned. For those of you who are ready to seek services for mental or addiction call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or 988.  --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phenomenal-disabilities/message

As a mother, wife, dance teacher, recent M.F.A. graduate, from the neurodiversity community, Nahyr Ruiz relates so well to it all. She is also a strong representation of BIPOC disabled women wearing multiple hats in life. Nahyr understands living a fruitful life with various invisible disabilities while navigating with them as a mother and wife. However, she never saw them as a stumbling block while having her three children. Meanwhile, many of the disabled community encounter ableism from various other communities about their invisible disabilities. Nahyr feels it is important for everyone to suppress criticisms, be more informed with a better sense of compassion. More and importantly, stop creating ableism and drama over disabilities because it is not up to anyone to participate in as entertainment relief, or cast stones.   "Your limitation is what you put on yourself. Disability is not limitation at all. Sooooo... stop hanging hung up on it!" --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/phenomenal-disabilities/message