The Power of Mattering: Rethinking Disability, Inclusion, and Belonging with Carmen Farrell

The Power of Mattering: Rethinking Disability, Inclusion, and Belonging with Carmen Farrell

What if disability isn't found within a person—but in the barriers society creates? In this powerful episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz sits down with Carmen G. Farrell—writer, former school district administrator, disability advocate, and mother of a young adult with FOXG1 syndrome—to explore how our understanding of disability, inclusion, and belonging can fundamentally change lives. Carmen shares her deeply personal journey from navigating years of medical appointments and uncertainty to discovering a new way of thinking about disability through the social model of disability and the transformative concept of mattering. She challenges the idea that neurodivergent and disabled individuals need to be "fixed". Instead, she invites us to consider how our schools, workplaces, and communities can become places where everyone feels seen, valued, and included. One of the highlights of this conversation is the inspiring story of Club G, an award-winning, student-led initiative that transformed playground inclusion into a movement of kindness and belonging. Rather than focusing on one child, Club G empowered an entire school community to rethink what inclusion truly means. Whether you're a parent, educator, disability advocate, employer, or someone passionate about creating more inclusive communities, this episode offers practical insights, heartfelt stories, and a fresh perspective on what it means to belong truly. ABOUT OUR GUEST Carmen G. Farrell is a writer, disability advocate, former school district administrator, and the mother of a young adult with FOXG1 syndrome. She is the co-creator of the award-winning Club G, a student-led inclusion initiative that has inspired schools and communities across Canada. Through her writing and advocacy, Carmen explores disability, belonging, social justice, and the transformative power of "mattering." Learn more: Website: https://carmengfarrell.com [https://carmengfarrell.com/] EXCLUSIVE GIFT FOR OUR LISTENERS As a special thank-you to listeners of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, Carmen Farrell is offering an exclusive preview of the first chapter of her forthcoming memoir. In this deeply personal memoir, Carmen chronicles her journey from believing that her son's impairments were deficits that needed to be fixed to understanding that disability is often created when impairments encounter exclusionary systems, environments, and attitudes. Through the challenges of raising her son, Jess, Carmen discovered that it was this very friction—navigating a world not designed for him—that revealed extraordinary strengths, transformed the people and systems around them, and awakened her own calling as an inclusion ally. The opening chapter takes readers back to the moment she first realized that her "perfect" child wasn't "perfect" according to society's expectations—a realization that became the beginning of a profound journey of advocacy, belonging, and hope. Download the first chapter for free here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1BHGQEOuaP0NRf6oXllbjFAV8Rdp5J0UJtlKTSV8SWz4/edit?pli=1 [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1BHGQEOuaP0NRf6oXllbjFAV8Rdp5J0UJtlKTSV8SWz4/edit?pli=1] We hope you'll enjoy this exclusive preview and follow Carmen's journey as her memoir finds its publishing home. CONNECT WITH THE NEURODIVERSITY VOICES PODCAST If this episode inspired you, please: * Follow the podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify * Leave a review to help others discover these important conversations * Share this episode with a parent, educator, colleague, or friend Every conversation helps create a world where neurodivergent people are understood, valued, and empowered. Neurodiversity, Disability Inclusion, Belonging, Mattering, Carmen Farrell, FOXG1 Syndrome, Social Model of Disability, Inclusive Education, Disability Advocacy, Parent Advocacy, Neurodivergent Parenting, School Inclusion, Inclusive Schools, Neurodivergent Adults, Special Education, Accessibility, Human Connection, Community Inclusion, Emotional Wellbeing, Neurodiversity Voices Podcast About The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast amplifies real voices, real stories, and real impact through conversations about autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, accessibility, inclusion, advocacy, education, employment, and lived experience. Hosted by Paul Cruz. Website: www.neurodiversityvoices.com [http://www.neurodiversityvoices.com/] Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube: @neurodiversityvoicespodcast Disclaimer: This podcast shares educational content and personal perspectives and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or other advice. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Neurodiversity Voices Mini #1: Reflections from the Employ to Empower Summer Make Change Market

Welcome to the very first Neurodiversity Voices Mini! In this special short-form episode, host Paul Cruz shares reflections from the Employ to Empower Summer Make Change Market held on May 28 at Bentall Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia. This community-focused event brought together advocates, employers, organizations, and community members committed to creating more inclusive opportunities for neurodivergent individuals and people with disabilities. Paul reflects on the meaningful conversations, connections, and shared commitment to accessibility, belonging, employment inclusion, and neurodiversity awareness that made the event so impactful. Important Donation Campaign Update Paul also provides an update regarding The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast's "$5 Helps Make Change" donation postcard campaign. During the event, some supporters who received donation postcards encountered an issue with the donation link that incorrectly requested a Business ID number. The issue has now been fully resolved. If you received a donation postcard at the Make Change Market or while passing through Bentall Centre and were unable to complete your donation because of this issue, you are encouraged to try again using the same link. In this episode, you'll hear about: • Reflections from the Employ to Empower Summer Make Change Market in Vancouver • Building community through neurodiversity advocacy and storytelling • Why lived experience matters in creating meaningful change • The importance of accessibility, inclusion, and belonging • An update on the "$5 Helps Make Change" donation campaign • Lessons learned from engaging directly with the community • The launch of the new Neurodiversity Voices Mini series Whether you're autistic, ADHD, dyslexic, or otherwise neurodivergent, a parent, educator, employer, advocate, or ally, this episode highlights the power of community connection and the importance of amplifying neurodivergent voices. Thank you for supporting The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast and helping us create a world where every mind belongs. #Neurodiversity #Neurodivergent #Autism #ADHD #DisabilityInclusion #Accessibility #EmploymentInclusion #CommunityBuilding #Advocacy #Vancouver #NeurodiversityVoicesPodcast #LivedExperience #Belonging #Podcast About The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast amplifies real voices, real stories, and real impact through conversations about autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, accessibility, inclusion, advocacy, education, employment, and lived experience. Hosted by Paul Cruz. Website: www.neurodiversityvoices.com [http://www.neurodiversityvoices.com/] Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube: @neurodiversityvoicespodcast Disclaimer: This podcast shares educational content and personal perspectives and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or other advice. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

ADHD Burnout & Neurodivergent Mental Health: Navigating the Messy Middle with Lisa Richer

What if burnout wasn't the end of your story—but the beginning of becoming who you were meant to be? In this episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz sits down with Lisa Richer, a neurodivergent success partner, consultant, advocate, and former elite gymnast whose work helps people navigate what she calls "the messy middle." Lisa shares her personal journey through burnout, late diagnosis, parenting neurodivergent children, workplace challenges, and rediscovering her identity after years of survival mode. Together, they explore the emotional realities of neurodivergence, the pressure of always being "the strong one," and why growth often happens in uncertainty rather than clarity. The conversation also dives into Lisa's framework of clarity, confidence, and courage, and how learning to ask for help can become the first step toward transformation. Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, supporting someone who is, or navigating your own version of the messy middle, this episode offers an honest and deeply human conversation about identity, resilience, self-trust, and healing. In this episode, you'll hear about: • ADHD burnout and neurodivergent mental health • Navigating life after a late diagnosis • Parenting neurodivergent children • Workplace challenges and self-advocacy • The emotional cost of always being "the strong one." • Finding clarity, confidence, and courage during uncertain times • Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness • Growth, resilience, and rediscovering your authentic self Memorable Quotes "Sometimes the hardest breakdowns in our lives are the beginning of becoming who we were meant to be." "Growth doesn't happen in certainty. It happens in the messy middle." "You don't have to do it alone—and you don't have to stay stuck." "My neurodivergence is my greatest gift." Featured Resource Confident You – The Raw Conversations: Real Stories of Courage, Healing, and Redefining Confidence by Lisa Richer Learn more at: confidentyoubook.com Community Event Mention If you're in Vancouver, come visit Paul at the Employ to Empower Summer Make Change Market on May 28, 2026, from 1:00–5:00 PM at the Breezeway at Three Bentall Centre, 595 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC. Stop by the booth, say hello, and connect with the community. Subscribe & Support If you enjoyed this episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with someone who may benefit from this conversation. Your support helps amplify neurodivergent voices, lived experiences, and meaningful conversations that foster understanding, inclusion, and belonging. #Neurodiversity #ADHD #Burnout #MentalHealth #Neurodivergent #NeurodiversityVoices #LisaRicher #SelfAdvocacy #Resilience #Inclusion #Podcast About The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast amplifies real voices, real stories, and real impact through conversations about autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, accessibility, inclusion, advocacy, education, employment, and lived experience. Hosted by Paul Cruz. Website: www.neurodiversityvoices.com [http://www.neurodiversityvoices.com/] Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube: @neurodiversityvoicespodcast Disclaimer: This podcast shares educational content and personal perspectives and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or other advice. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Rethinking Neurodiversity: Inclusive Systems, Autism & ADHD Communication, and the Future of Accessibility with Justine Jecker

We've been taught there's a "right" way to think, communicate, and behave. But what if that assumption is the problem? In this episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz sits down with Justine Jecker to explore how neurodiversity is reshaping our understanding of communication, systems, accessibility, and human difference. This conversation goes beyond awareness. It challenges how workplaces operate, how healthcare communicates, and how society defines "normal." Together, Paul and Justine examine what happens when we move away from trying to fix individuals and instead focus on redesigning the systems around them. They discuss communication differences, accessibility, workplace inclusion, healthcare experiences, and why embracing neurodiversity benefits everyone—not just neurodivergent people. In this episode, you'll hear about: • Rethinking traditional assumptions about communication and behaviour • Neurodiversity in healthcare and workplace systems • Autism and ADHD communication differences • Accessibility as a systems issue rather than an individual issue • Creating environments that support diverse ways of thinking • Challenging definitions of "normal." • Inclusive design and systems change • Building communities and organizations where everyone can thrive Key Takeaway If there's one idea to carry forward from this episode, it's this: "When we stop trying to fix people, we start building systems that actually work for everyone." Connect with Justine Jecker Connect with Justine on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/justine-v-jecker Learn more about neurodiversity in healthcare, workplace inclusion, and systems-based approaches to accessibility. Subscribe & Support If this conversation resonated with you, follow The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast for more conversations about neurodiversity, accessibility, systems change, inclusion, and lived experience. Your support helps amplify neurodivergent voices and create meaningful conversations that foster understanding, belonging, and positive change. #Neurodiversity #Autism #ADHD #Accessibility #Inclusion #WorkplaceInclusion #HealthcareAccessibility #SystemsChange #Neurodivergent #Advocacy #NeurodiversityVoices #Podcast About The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast amplifies real voices, real stories, and real impact through conversations about autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, accessibility, inclusion, advocacy, education, employment, and lived experience. Hosted by Paul Cruz. Website: www.neurodiversityvoices.com [http://www.neurodiversityvoices.com/] Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube: @neurodiversityvoicespodcast Disclaimer: This podcast shares educational content and personal perspectives and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or other advice. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Autism, Not Attitude: Why Workplaces Misunderstand Neurodivergent Employees with Felicia Davis

What if what looks like "attitude" is actually miscommunication? In this episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, host Paul Cruz sits down with Felicia M. L. Davis to explore how autism and ADHD show up in everyday conversations, workplaces, and relationships—and why so many neurodivergent people are misunderstood. From literal thinking and missed social cues to masking, burnout, and workplace bias, this conversation reveals the hidden cost of not understanding how different brains work. Together, Paul and Felicia examine how communication differences are often misinterpreted and why those misunderstandings can affect careers, relationships, mental health, and a person's sense of belonging. The discussion also explores what leaders, managers, organizations, and communities can do right now to create more inclusive, productive, and supportive environments. If you're a manager, partner, educator, or someone who has ever felt misunderstood, this episode may change how you think about communication. In this episode, you'll hear about: • Autism and ADHD communication differences • Literal thinking and social communication challenges • Masking and the hidden cost of fitting in • Neurodivergent burnout and workplace stress • Why communication is often mistaken for attitude • Workplace inclusion and leadership strategies • Building psychologically safe environments • Supporting neurodivergent employees, colleagues, and loved ones About Felicia M. L. Davis Felicia M. L. Davis is an advocate, speaker, and business leader who brings lived experience and practical insight to conversations about autism, ADHD, leadership, and inclusion. In this episode, she shares her personal journey toward diagnosis and the lessons she has learned navigating work, communication, relationships, and systems that often misunderstand neurodivergent minds. Felicia is also the co-author of the upcoming book: Autism, Not Attitude: Neurodivergence at Work and in Relationships Learn more at: feliciamldavis.com/book Eunoia Thinking: www.eunoiathinking.com [http://www.eunoiathinking.com/] This episode is especially valuable for: • Neurodivergent adults • Managers and team leaders • HR and DEI professionals • Spouses and family members • Educators and support professionals • Anyone who wants to better understand communication differences and build more inclusive environments Why this conversation matters Too many neurodivergent people spend years being misunderstood before they are ever supported. This episode brings language, clarity, and compassion to experiences that are often dismissed, misread, or overlooked. Felicia reminds us that understanding neurodivergence is not about lowering expectations. It's about creating the conditions for people to thrive. Share This Episode If this conversation resonated with you, consider sharing it with: • A manager • An HR leader • An educator • A spouse or family member • Someone exploring whether they may be neurodivergent Because understanding changes everything. Subscribe & Support If you enjoyed this episode of The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the show with others. Your support helps amplify neurodivergent voices, increase understanding, and create a more inclusive world where every mind belongs. #Neurodiversity #Autism #ADHD #WorkplaceInclusion #Accessibility #Leadership #Neurodivergent #Communication #Inclusion #HumanResources #DisabilityInclusion #NeurodiversityVoices #Podcast About The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast The Neurodiversity Voices Podcast amplifies real voices, real stories, and real impact through conversations about autism, ADHD, neurodiversity, accessibility, inclusion, advocacy, education, employment, and lived experience. Hosted by Paul Cruz. Website: www.neurodiversityvoices.com [http://www.neurodiversityvoices.com/] Instagram • LinkedIn • YouTube: @neurodiversityvoicespodcast Disclaimer: This podcast shares educational content and personal perspectives and is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, legal, or other advice. ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.