Special Olympics: Changing lives with sports competition (Enable: The Disability Podcast)

Special Olympics: Changing lives with sports competition (Enable: The Disability Podcast)

The Special Olympics changes people's lives, celebrates competitive spirit, and fosters unforgettable relationships. Stacey Hengsterman, president and CEO of Special Olympics New York with "Enable: The Disability Podcast" about the Special Olympics 2026 USA Games, which take place from June 20-26 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, as well as her son Alex's experiences with Down syndrome and unified sports. "He is the nicest boy you'd ever meet," she said of Alex. "I think that extra chromosome is in kindness." For more information or to get involved, visit https://www.specialolympics-ny.org/ [https://www.specialolympics-ny.org/] and https://www.specialolympics.org/ [https://www.specialolympics.org/]. “Enable: The Disability Podcast,” which highlights amazing people with disabilities and different abilities, releases new episodes weekly on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Follow facebook.com/enablepodcast [http://facebook.com/enablepodcast] or @enablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok for more. Note: Views expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of Advance Local. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Raising expectations for Down syndrome at GiGi's Playhouse (Enable: The Disability Podcast)

What should parents expect when their child is diagnosed with Down syndrome? And what kind of resources and support are available? Anna Bruce, board president of GiGi’s Playhouse in New York’s Southern Tier, spoke with "Enable: The Disability Podcast" about her son Camden, virtual and in-person programs for the Down syndrome community, and why people should raise, not lower, their expectations. "He's really helped to realign what happiness and success look like," Anna said. GiGi's Playhouse is a nonprofit organization that provides free educational, therapeutic, and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community, using a replicable playhouse model. For more information about GiGi’s Playhouse and a list of locations, visit https://gigisplayhouse.org/ “Enable: The Disability Podcast,” which highlights amazing people with disabilities and different abilities, releases new episodes weekly on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Follow facebook.com/enablepodcast or @enablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok for more. Note: Views expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of Advance Local. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Amputees & prosthetic limbs: 'So much they go through emotionally' (Enable: The Disability Podcast)

Prosthetic limbs for amputees have a real cost -- thousands of dollars -- but also an emotional toll. Matt Millhouse, a military veteran and the president of Iron Leg Corp., spoke with "Enable: The Disability Podcast" about his experiences raising a son whose right leg didn't fully form in the womb, how his son doesn't let it stop him from loving and participating in sports, and the organization's efforts to help raise money for other children in need of prosthetics. "You have to understand there's so much behind the scenes that they go through emotionally," Matt said. Iron Leg Corp. will host a charity football game June 20, 2026, at Biemesderfer Stadium at Millersville University in Millersville, PA. To donate or buy tickets, visit https://ironleg.org/donate/ [https://ironleg.org/donate/]. “Enable: The Disability Podcast,” which highlights amazing people with disabilities and different abilities, releases new episodes weekly on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Follow facebook.com/enablepodcast [http://facebook.com/enablepodcast] or @enablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok for more. Note: Views expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of Advance Local. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

PA commission for people with disabilities and The Arc's mission (Enable:

Pennsylvania announced a new Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities in April, aiming to gather information regarding the experiences and needs of people with disabilities, assess support programs, and provide information about services for the disability community, families, and caregivers. Sherri Landis, executive director of The Arc of Pennsylvania, spoke with "Enable: The Disability Podcast" about the commission, how it can help with gaps in services or accessibility, and how others can become involved as advocates or supporters. She also spoke about The Arc's mission, which began with a group of parents who dreamed of more for their children.   For more information on the Pennsylvania Advisory Commission on People with Disabilities, visit https://www.pa.gov/governor/administration/advisory-commissions [https://www.pa.gov/governor/administration/advisory-commissions]. For The Arc of PA, visit https://thearcpa.org [https://thearcpa.org/]. “Enable: The Disability Podcast,” which highlights amazing people with disabilities and different abilities, releases new episodes weekly on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Follow facebook.com/enablepodcast [http://facebook.com/enablepodcast] or @enablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok for more. Note: Views expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of Advance Local. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

'Blue envelopes' program helps drivers with autism, and police (Enable: The Disability Podcast)

What is the Blue Envelope Program? The New York State Sheriffs' Association has established a free public service program that provides blue envelopes for drivers with autism and neurodivergence, helping them in interactions with law enforcement. Onondaga County Sheriff's Deputy Danielle Podejko spoke with "Enable: The Disability Podcast" about the program and other tips for people with disabilities in police interactions. The envelopes include information for drivers about what to expect if they get pulled over or are in an emergency situation to help reduce anxiety and encourage preparedness. Telling a deputy or police officer that you have a "blue envelope" will also inform them about how to better respond to the driver and situation. You can contact your local sheriff's office or other law enforcement agencies about getting a blue envelope, or request one from the NYS Sheriff's Association at https://nysheriffs.org/blue-envelope/. Syracuse and Central New York residents can also contact Danielle Podejko in the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office Community Relations Unit at 315-435-3006 or email DaniellePodejko@ongov.net. “Enable: The Disability Podcast,” which highlights amazing people with disabilities and different abilities, releases new episodes weekly on YouTube and all major podcast platforms. Follow facebook.com/enablepodcast or @enablepodcast on Instagram and TikTok for more. Note: Views expressed in this podcast do not necessarily reflect the views of Advance Local. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]