Telling It Our Way

Dating and Difficult Experiences

Content warning: This episode features discussion about unwanted sexual contact and sexual violence. On this episode, we hear from a single anonymous storyteller, who shares about a difficult dating experience in her past. She explains how that experience shaped how she views dating and herself now. Ally and Becca talk about barriers to dating with an intellectual or developmental disability and statistics around sexual assault and sexual violence.

Finding Your Voice

In this episode, Ally and Becca hear from two fierce women about finding their voice. Alicia shares her experience in statewide advocacy in Ohio while Melissa tells of her unlikely (in her estimation) rise to become an advisory board member for a local organization where she began as a part-time employee. Both women serve as just two examples of how one can advocate for policy change and become an impactful leader in their community.

Animals

Today's episode is all about our animal companions. Chrystal shares how her special connection to animals led to her adopting the dogs other people overlook. Jordan talks about grief and coping with the loss of pets and other beloved animals. Ally and Becca talk service and emotional support animals and share their own pet stories.

Staff

Today's episode is all about navigating relationships with paid caregivers and providers. Raymil and Matt share stories about the importance of building the right team, speaking up, and taking accountability. Ally and Becca share research and stats on the direct support provider crisis.

Building Community

Today’s episode is all about what our storytellers do to find, build, and maintain community. Paul, our very first international guest, shares his lifelong drive to protect others from bullying. Marco talks about taking a risk by going to a new dance class, which leads him to some unexpected discoveries about himself. Ally and Becca chat statistics around bullying, LGBTQ+ people with I/DD, and flipping the script that assumes folks with I/DD can’t be community leaders.