Divine Design — The Podcast

Communi(fi)cation is key - with Christina Schmidt

In this episode, we're thrilled to welcome the remarkable Christina Schmidt (@freetobeme.speech), a Multicultural, Multi-dialectal Black AuDHD Woman; dedicated advocate for racial, cultural, and disability justice; and Speech Pathologist. Christina shares her passions and joys in music, DJing, movement as medicine, neurodiversity education, and communication differences, and advocacy for racial, cultural, and disability justice. She reflects on her journey of embracing the intersection of neurodiversity and cultural identity at her private practice, Free to Be Me Speech Therapy, where she proudly integrates every aspect of herself into her work. Drawing from her years of professional practice and personal development, Christina provides valuable insights into the nuances of language and communication. We explore the rich history and cultural significance of African American dialect, the distinctions between communication and language, and how these factors shape the experiences of Black, Indigenous, and Communities of Colour. She highlights the impact of systemic racism and biases in technology on these experiences, emphasizing the need for greater awareness and understanding. Reflecting on her own experiences with code-switching for safety, Christina underscores the imperative necessity for inclusivity and cultural awareness in medical care for marginalized populations. To support this effort, she offers an invaluable resource: the Cultural Competency Check, designed to help individuals and allied health professionals deepen their understanding of these critical issues. ••• ★ Episode Chapters: * Acknowledgment of the Traditional Custodians of the Land and Country 0:06 * Introduction and Welcome 1:02 * Christina's Personal Background and Today's Highlights 2:29 * Christina's Personal Interests and Professional Life 5:51 * Navigating Intersections of Multicultural and Neurodivergent Identity 8:54 * Understanding Neurodivergence 13:50 * Integrating All Aspects of Self into Work 19:19 * Resources and Aligning with Community 20:53 * Language, Communication, and Cultural Identity 28:11 * Intersectional Framework in Allied Health Professions 40:35 * Systemic Racism and AI Bias 49:16 * Code Switching and Authenticity 56:59 * Divinely Designed 1:00:17 * Connect with Christina 1:02:18 ••• 🟧 Free to Be Me Speech Therapy: As a multicultural and multidialectal Black AuDHDer, Christina blends her professional expertise with lived experience to create high-quality, trustworthy resources. Grounded in neurodiversity-affirming care, intersectionality, disability and racial justice, and inclusivity, Christina brings over seven years of clinical experience and a holistic approach to her speech therapy practice, enhanced by extensive ongoing professional development. Through Free to Be Me Speech Therapy, Christina is committed to empowering individuals to be seen, heard, and embrace their authentic selves. ❇️ Connect with Christina: Instagram: @freetobeme.speech Facebook: Free to Be Me Speech Therapy Free to Be Me Speech Therapy Website: https://www.freetobemespeech.com.au/ Check out Christina's Linktree to keep up to date with the latest: ✨✨ https://linktr.ee/FreetoBeMe.speech?utm_source=linktree_profile_share ••• 🟡 Advocates, Creators and Professionals mentioned in the episode: * @khadija_gbla @khadijaplayvillage * @chenaimupotsa @rainbowmuse * @ine_dambo * @asiatu.coach @weareautastic ••• 🟡 Resources mentioned in the episode: ➡️ Christina’s Free Downloadable Cultural Competency Check: Resource Chart: A starting point to increasing cultural competency and a practical resource for SLPs and Teachers. https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Improving-Cultural-Competency-A-Practical-Resource-for-SLPs-and-Teachers-12056756 Cultural Competency Check: It's Time for Change! is a practical and essential resource designed for speech pathologists, allied health professionals and teachers but can be used by anyone. This guide will help you understand and embrace diverse cultural perspectives, recognise implicit biases and make meaningful changes in your practice. ••• ★ Autism While Black — by Autastic * The "Autism While Black" six-week program for Black Autistic adults, with this series specifically focused on Women. Christina participated in this meaningfully curated initiative, which included reflective activities, uncovering masking experiences, and fostering space for healing and exploring joy. * Autastic is a community and a comprehensive resource hub specifically designed for late-identified Autistic BIPOC adults and allies founded and facilitated by Diane J. Wright. Instagram: @weareautastic Linktree: https://linktr.ee/WeAreAutastic Website: https://www.autastic.com ••• ✨ Connect with us: Instagram: @divine.design.australia ★ Interested in joining us on an episode? We welcome your enquiries. Please email us at divine.design.aus@proton.me

It's info-dump time - with Zahraa Al-Jameel

In this episode, we’re excited to welcome our first guest, the fabulous Zahraa Al-Jameel (@autizticauthor), a proud AuDHD advocate, aspiring author, and content creator who utilizes her online platform on Instagram to educate and fervently advocate on the different facets of disability, and autism from her unique perspective. Zahraa shares her experiences as an Iraqi-British Autistic Woman, discussing her journey of self-discovery and the importance of cultivating an inclusive online community for disabled and neurodivergent people. We delve into the various series Zahraa has created on her page to raise awareness about autism and disability, featuring a diverse range of disabled individuals. She also shares her experience creating the Thriving Neurodivergents Club during high school, aimed at connecting with fellow neurodivergent peers. She expresses her passion for writing and reflects on how her writing journey has evolved, including sharing her early works as well as her latest book, "Writing About Timeless Butterflies." We explore how Michael Jackson’s music and story have inspired her path, and Zahraa shares her thoughts on the connections between Michael Jackson and autism. Together, we unpack key life transitions and her journey to finding her voice, shifting perspectives and speaking up for what truly matters. ••• ★ Episode Chapters: * Acknowledgment of the Traditional Custodians of the Land and Country 0:01 * Introduction and Welcome 1:04 * Zahraa's Journey with Autism 2:26 * Navigating Austism and Cultural Stigma 13:50 * Key Moments and Personal Growth 20:49 * Advocacy and Content Creation 37:09 * Series on Social Media 42:16 * Writing and Future aspirations 51:56 * Michael Jackson's influence 1:06:42 * Thoughts on Michael Jackson and Autism 1:09:52 * Changes in the Disability Space 1:24:04 * Closing Game 131:02 * Divinely Designed 1:33:53 * Connect with Zahraa 1:35:36 ••• ❇️ Connect with Zahraa: Instagram: @autizticauthor Check out Zahraa's Portaly to stay in the loop: https://portaly.cc/zahraaaljameel? [https://portaly.cc/zahraaaljameel?] ••• 🟡 Content creators/advocates/educators mentioned in this episode: * @kaishawna_music * @childofautism * @goddessmisfit * @blackspectrumscholar * @getaway_autist_mobile * @enbypatterson ••• 🟧 Community aid request: Hi everyone, join us in supporting our community member. Funds will provide essential support with food, medical necessities, and college expenses. To donate: * venmo.com/u/kai_music85 * paypal.me/kaish470 Every contribution helps and your solidarity is appreciated. Thank you! ★ ••• ✨Connect with us: Instagram: @divine.design.australia ★ Interested in joining us on an episode? We welcome your enquiries. Please email us at divine.design.aus@proton.me

self-care is always political — radical self-care & the issues with traditional self-care

🌬️ In this episode, we’ll unpack: * the factors that make self-care political * issues with traditional self-care; individualism, ableism, productivity as a means to define our worth * radical self-care — what it means; it’s importance in the context of our lives; key historical figures who radicalised its meaning, purpose, and practice; how radical-self care has been historically been used as a mechanism for social justice and liberation; self-preservation, self-determination, and self-restoration as principles rooted in radical self-care * explore how radical self-care has expanded and evolved over time * how we can integrate radical self-care practices in our own lifestyles * ableist notions of traditional self-care * explore intersectionality and liberation psychology as they relate to radical self-care •••••••• Assertion: Self-care is always political, and when practiced by Black communities it is an act of resistance ✊🏾 🪷 ••••••••• 🌿 connect 🔗 @divine.design.australia 💕 episode artwork 🔗 @artbyruth_nj ••••••••• ✨ SOURCES Academic Journals:  * https://samischalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Schalk-and-Kim_Reclaiming-the-Radical-Politics-of-SelfCare_SAQ-2021.pdf * https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10597-021-00884-9  * https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/epdf/10.1080/1554477X.2021.1874185  * https://encompass.eku.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1716&context=etd  * https://www.proquest.com/openview/4b7c4d30c63bc8f6028bdc0e5ecdbaa0/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=18750&diss=y   ——— Websites:  * https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2021/05/10493153/reclaiming-self-care-audre-lorde-black-women-community-care  * https://urge.org/there-is-no-self-care-without-community-care/  * https://www.thehistorymakers.org/biography/angela-davis-40   * https://www.selfpractice.com.au/self-practice/angela-davis-on-radical-self-care    ——— Videos:  * https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1cHoL4vaBs — Angela Davis, Radical Self-Care Interview (Afro-Punk)