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Author: Gilda Evans

Safety in the Community with Thomas Iland

In a two-part episode, Tom Iland discusses his perspective on romance and relationships for those with autism, as well as important tips for interacting safely with law enforcement and first responders. His experience and shared wisdom have both enhanced and saved lives. What a great way to start the New Year!


Click here to listen.

Romance and Relationships with Thomas Iland

In a two-part episode, Tom Iland discusses his perspective on romance and relationships for those with autism, as well as important tips for interacting safely with law enforcement and first responders. His experience and shared wisdom have both enhanced and saved lives. What a great way to start the New Year!

Click here to listen.

Employment For All with Suad Bisogno of IRI

Suad Bisogno, Executive Director of Integrated Resources Institute, shares the passion, strategies, and support model that IRI has used to successfully place 93% of their clients into gainful employment regardless of the intellectual or physical challenges they face. She shares her philosophy about employment barriers and misconceptions for the differently-abled and how to deal with and overcome them.

Click here to listen

Staying Fit and Healthy with Jake Weiner of Zooz Fitness

Jake Weiner, certified trainer and founder of Zooz Fitness, discusses the benefits of exercise, many of which are often overlooked. He emphasizes the extraordinary amount of satisfaction and well-being enjoyed by his clients at Zooz, all of whom have some sort of special need. He shares his unique approach to developing an exercise program and the best way to get started.

Meditation for Daily Living with Michel Pascal

Michel Pascal, multi-faceted artist, meditation teacher, and author, shares the intricacies of his unique approach to meditation that makes meditating and calming the mind easily accessible to anyone, regardless of the challenges they may face. He cites examples of his success with this technique within the special and different needs communities, as well as other populations that are marginalized or often overlooked. 

Understanding Self-Direction/Determination with Mark Altieri

Mark Altieri, Senior Director of the multi-state financial management service Public Consulting Group/Public Partnerships, shares his wealth of knowledge and experience in navigating the ins and outs of self-direction aka self-determination, the differences between the programs in various states, and the many benefits of being a part of this growing trend in improving the quality of life for a multitude of people within the special needs and differently abled communities.  

Autism Awareness Training for Law Enforcement with City of Industry Mayor Cory Moss

City of Industry Mayor Cory Moss shares her passion for our community, and discusses details about the important program she champions to help to raise awareness among the sheriffs, police and fire departments among others, regarding safely interacting with those individuals with autism as well as other challenges. 

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy with Nicole Ballinghoff, M. Ed. and BCBA

Nicole Ballinghoff, M. Ed. and BCBA discusses the controversy behind some of the techniques traditionally used under the ABA banner and how her positive approach differs from the others to help the individual and their family grow and thrive. She goes on the share about who can benefit from this technique and how to incorporate it into the school setting and daily life in general. 

Virtual Learning with Dr. Daniel Franklin

Dr. Daniel Franklin, Director of Franklin Educational Services, discusses the challenges associated with digital organization, virtual learning and adapting to the new educational trends, systems and resources. He covers what students can do to cope with the transition from the traditional classroom, as well as what parents can do to help support their children in this process.