Disability News & Views Radio Show - Autism and Disability Awareness

Upcoming Shows

MAY 2008 Schedule:

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to injustice everywhere."
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., April 16, 1963

Happy Mother's Day!

Rosalind Joffe, M.Ed. and Joan Friedlander, Authors
Women, Work, and Autoimmune Disease: Keep Working Girlfriend!
This is a book for women who live with chronic, and often invisible illnesses, encouraging them to stay employed to preserve their independence and sense of self. Rich with information and inspiration, it is the voice of warmth, wisdom, understanding, compassion and sisterhood. Filled with tips, tricks and first-person accounts from women who have made similar choices in their own lives, this unique book is a resounding call for self-reliance and resilience. Authors Rosalind Joffe and Joan Friedlander identify the factors that make working particularly difficult for women with autoimmune disease, and then offer practical suggestions to address them. Rosalind and Joan take a hard, yet inspirational look at what it takes be successful in a job, including developing strategies and tactics, evaluating communication skills, building a support team and considerations for self-employment. Empowering and encouraging for women working with Autoimmune Disease. The book just released in May – a must read for all women today! http://www.keepworkinggirlfriend.com

APRIL is Autism Awareness Month

Neil Romano, Assistant Secretary
U.S. Department of Labor, Disability Employment Policy
Workforce Recruitment Program (WRP)
Attention Employers! The Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities is ready NOW to help you fill your summer and permanent hiring needs with talented and gifted college students with disabilities. Currently there are 2000 students waiting to hear from employers across the nation on the WRP database. Assistant Secretary Romano explains this exciting new initiative out coordinated by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP) and the U.S. Department of Defense. The WRP is one of many federal programs being offered through ODEP to foster gainful employment of students and adults with disabilities. Tap into WRP and you will be tapping into employees with disabilities that will make a positive impact in your business - your workforce and our community will be better for it!
In December 2007, Mr. Romano was nominated and appointed by Senate confirmation as Assistant Secretary of Labor in charge of Employment Disability Policy. Mr. Romano is considered among the nation's leading authorities in the field of media and public advocacy. In 2003, Mr. Romano founded America's Strength Foundation, a private organization designed to help people with disabilities find mainstream employment. Through America's Strength, he has become a source of information and assistance on how individuals with disabilities and related agencies can build stronger relationships with the business community. Assistant Secretary Romano is already making a difference at ODEP for thousands.http://www.wrp.gov

Melissa Mitchell

Outreach & Training Coordinator National Clearinghouse on Disability and Exchange, Mobility International USA
Make this summer unforgettable! Apply now for 16 days in Costa Rica! Are you (or do you know) a youth ages 18-24 who is interested in developing leadership skills and learning about the International Disability Rights Movement? Have you (they) always wanted to travel? This year MIUSA is busy organizing the 2008 US/Costa Rica: Cross-Cultural Perspectives on Disability Rights Leadership Exchange Program. We only have two weeks left to apply to 2008 US/Costa Rica Exchange Program. Just click on the link below to apply today to join a group of 16 emerging leaders with and without disabilities to spend 16 unforgettable days in Costa Rica! Generous scholarships are available to assist with program costs thanks to funding provided by New York Community Trust DeWitt Wallace/Youth Travel Enrichment Fund. Mobility International USA (MIUSA) has offered disability leadership exchange programs around the world to places like, Russia, England, Japan, Mexico, and China for more than 26 years. MIUSA is a non-profit organization empowering people with disabilities around the world to achieve their human rights through international exchange and international development. http://www.miusa.org/exchange/costarica08/index_html

APRIL is Autism Awareness Month

Veronica Federiconi
Executive Director, Autistic Services, Inc.

For Autism Awareness, Veronica has her own personal rubber stamp that she uses as a supplement to her signature for all correspondence. Although it is small in size, it is a big reminder to people about our growing Autism population. The stamp will not go away when April ends. People with Autism are here long after April 30th. When May comes, they are still here with us. So it makes sense that Autism Awareness is not just a month. It is a year long, life long journey for all of us. During April, Autistic Services is fortunate to have a number of events lined up at different venues. Hopefully, we will see you at some or all of them. However, April is only a fraction of what we are offering for the rest of 2008. The message of Autism Awareness must be taking hold in Western New York, because our entire monthly calendar will see us traveling throughout the community, orchestrating some kind of artistic or musical event for the public. We will be posting our schedule and latest travels on our community website below. Make sure you visit the site often to stay abreast of the events at Autistic Services, Inc. Join hands in Autism Awareness! http://www.friendsofasi.com

APRIL is AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

Steven Allen, Musician, Composer/Writer/Director
"Day After Day - A Rock Opera"
Four years ago, the Parents of Autistic Children (POAC) board of directors decided to commission a play about the trials and joys of raising a child with autism. Several of the members talked to a young writer/director named Steve Allen. The parents told their stories to Steve over coffee in the diner, during visits to their homes, and during many phone calls. What resulted was an emotional journey through the lives of three separate families and their daily struggle raising and communicating with their autistic children. Several months ago POAC contacted Steve Allen and he agreed to direct the play again, with some changes and updates. This production touches on so many of the challenges faced by all those who love someone with autism. From first getting the diagnosis, to the self doubt and blaming, to the marital strain, the view is unflinchingly real. Through the poignant songs, the stories of the families, including the siblings, are told without judgment. Seemingly small moments for the rest of the world, the utterance of a single word, the ability to accept a loving touch, the acquisition of the most basic of skills, all take on a special joy that only those who know autism can grasp. Through all the tribulations, the fears, the anger, somehow hope shines through.

This is an amazing rock opera that will touch anyone who hears it. Steven Allen has captured the hearts of families affected by Autism - brilliantly! I highly recommend getting this CD. Monica Moshenko, mother, advocate and host

The final performance will be held at Two River Theater, Red Bank, New Jersey Saturday, April 19th at 7:30 pm. Please note that tickets for this performance are $20 and can only be purchased through their box office at 732-345-1400. Listen to samples of Day After Day - A Rock Opera online PLUS you can buy the CD
a http://www.myspace.com/dayafterdayrockopera

APRIL is AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH

Julie Matthews, CNC and Author
"Nourishing Hope: Nutrition Intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorders" A Guide for Parents and Practioners.
Nourishing Hope comprises seven years of clinical nutrition experience and intense research. Detailed steps for dietary intervention are included and a roadmap for getting started, evolving, and customizing the varied approaches including:

The scientific rationale for nutrition intervention
Effective dietary options; including GFCF, SCD/GAPS, Body Ecology, Feingold, Low Oxalate Diet, Weston A. Price, and more.
The role of nutrients on biochemistry and healing
Practical insights and diet experience - even for picky eaters!
Julie Matthews is a Certified Nutrition Consultant specializing in ASD. Her work is based in detailed research and understanding of the biochemistry of Autism and the role of nutrition to restore health. Julie has a private nutrition practice in San Francisco and consults with families around the globe. http://www.nourishinghope.com

Governor David Paterson, New York
Re-broadcast interview from October 2006
David A. Paterson became New York’s 55th Governor on March 17, 2008.
1985 - Elected to the New York State Senate at age 31, becoming Albany's youngest Senator at the time.
2003 - Becomes Minority Leader of the New York State Senate; the first non-white legislative leader in New York’s history.
2004 - First visually impaired person to address the Democratic National Convention.
2007 - New York's first African American Lieutenant Governor.
2008 - First person with visual impairment to take the Oath of Office as Governor and New York's first African American Governor. http://www.ny.gov/governor/index.html

Glenn Fenster, Father, Advocate, Poet, Cyclist, Tennis Pro rides for Epilepsy.
His inspiration and reason for this ambitious undertaking is his 14 year-old son, Nyle, who has suffered from acute epilepsy since he was just two years old. Glenn is riding to show his son that no matter what the disability, everyone has the capacity to reach for their dreams. He does not ride just for his son, but for other kids and adults living with epilepsy. On April 28, Glenn Fenster will embark on an 8100 mile bicycle journey from Denver, Colorado to Miami, Florida – the long way.
In 2006 Glenn biked 4036 miles from Seattle Washington to Miami Florida, to promote epilepsy awareness, with the support of the Epilepsy Foundation of Florida. Last year’s ride from Alaska added another 2500 miles to his journey, along with the challenges of the ‘northern climate’, which can be unpredictable and definitely much colder then what he experienced previously. Follow this year's journey and show your support for Glenn at www.destinymaker.org http://www.destinymaker.org/

Jody Hansen-Walker, Permanency Specialist, Adoption STAR, Inc.
Older Youth with Disabiilties Falling through the Cracks in Foster Care System, based on new report by the National Council on Disability "Youth with Disabilities in the Foster Care System: Barriers to Success and Proposed Policy Solutions"(http://www.ncd.gov/newsroom/publications/2008/FosterCareSystem_Report.html). The report focuses on the unique challenges older youth with disabilities face as they negotiate the foster care system.
Adoption S.T.A.R. (Support, Training, Advocacy & Resources), a Non-Profit (501c3) New York State Authorized Adoption Agency, is a compassionate and unique organization. Adoption S.T.A.R. allows prospective adoptive parents and birth parents to explore all the adoption options and to receive the appropriate information and education necessary to access those options. The agency has a passion for identifying homes for infants who are at risk for entering the foster care system. Adoption S.T.A.R. is an agency dedicated to maintaining connections between adoptive families and birth families and offers education and support with an Open Adoption plan. Jody Hansen-Walker has been with Adoption S.T.A.R. since its inception. Jody and her husband have been long time foster parents and adoptive parents. In addition to her work at Adoption S.T.A.R., Jody also works as a family support specialist working with children who have attachment issues. To learn more http://www.adoptionstar.com/

LINDA FULLERTON,President/Co-Founder, Social Security Disability Coalition(SSDC)
Over 16,000 people fighting for disability benefits DIED while awaiting a decision. New York State ranks at the bottom of processing claims. The Social Security Disability Nightmare - it can happen to you!
In 2003, Linda Fullerton co-founded the Social Security Disability Coalition after she had detailed her horrible experiences with the Social Security Disability system on Congress.org. Linda vowed to do her best to make sure that nobody else would have to endure the hell that she does on a daily basis. Linda's group is concerned with ALL aspects of what transpires when a claimant files for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)/Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, from the first point of contact with the Social Security Administration, through all stages of the disability benefit claims process, including final claim resolution. SSDC is a national grass roots organization made up of individuals with disabilities and supported by professionals, representatives, and organizations in the disability, social service, medical, and legal fields, and many others who are deeply concerned about the way fragile populations in this country are suffering under the SSDI/SSI application process. This powerful group provides a very accurate reflection and microcosm of what is happening to millions of SSDI/SSI applicants every day. The main focus is on SSDI/SSI program and legislative reform. Don't be a victim, become Victorious! Offering FREE information and support. To learn more and join http://groups.msn.com/SocialSecurityDisabilityCoalition/

KEVIN EVERETT, Tight End for the Buffalo Bills and Co-Author
STANDING TALL: The Kevin Everett Story by Sam Carchidi
Kevin Everett shares updates with fans in WNY and all over the world! A powerfully built, third-year tight end with the Buffalo Bills, Kevin Everett had it all: a promising NFL future, a beautiful girlfriend whom he planned to marry, and an engaging personality that made him one of his team's most popular players. He also has a wonderful family that includes his devoted mother and his three adoring younger sisters, for whom he had recently purchased a home in suburban Houston, Texas. And then, in a fraction of a second, his life was changed forever. One simple play, one tackle practiced thousands of times over the years, left Everett a quadriplegic. But thanks to advanced medical treatments, Everett's personal strong will and the support of dozens of family members, doctors, nurses, fans and well-wishers everywhere, Everett is now walking again and on a path to full recovery. From growing up on the tough streets of Port Arthur, Texas, under the stern, loving guidance of his mother, Patricia Dugas, to discovering true love and becoming engaged to fiance Wiande Moore (herself a survivor of war-torn Liberia, who grew up outrunning rebels' gunfire) while undergoing grueling rehab, Standing Tall: The Kevin Everett Story tells the incredible true tale of Everett's amazing recovery. A story about faith, love and recovery! Everett takes you inside one of the most traumatic injuries and dramatic recoveries in sports history!http://www.triumphbooks.com/

Jackie Marquette, Ph.D., Author, Becoming Remarkably Able: Walking the Path to Talents, Interests, and Personal Growth
Jackie has over 20 years of experience as a special educator and school consultant. In those roles, she supervised a project that established paid jobs in the community for students with disabilities and developed the ACT Project through the Kentucky Autism Training Center, which established employment supports for young adults with ASD. In addition to publishing articles in journals and newsletters, Jackie created the Capability and Independence Scale (CAIS) for her dissertation research, and in she wrote Independence Bound, a book about finding and establishing independent living for her son Trent, who has autism. She is the founder of The Marquette Group, which provides consultation, training, planning, organizational development, and policy analysis for agencies and wanting to create meaningful daily living and increased capability for individuals with ASD and developmental disabilities. She created Walking the Path© Seminars, a model designed to guide youth with developmental disabilities and ASD to develop self-expression through positive attributes and personal talents. http://www.themarquettegroup.com/

February 2008 – ONLINE

John Burns, Comedian, Father and Author, Wind Dancer
In 2005 John published his collection of poems, Wind Dancer, a father’s poems about caring for a child with autism. John has personal experience as his daughter Mairi is autistic. John has performed his poetry in many different venues to raise awareness about the problems faced by those caring for and suffering from Autism.In a personal account, with poems and clips of stand up John tells us about his journey in this unique podcast. http://standupcomedy.podOmatic.com/ If you would like a copy of Wind Dancer please email standupcomedy@podOmatic.com
January 2008 – ONLINE

Cheryl A. Callahan, Tomatis Coordinator, Certified Tomatis Center, Bakery Victory Services,Early Childhood Program
The Early Childhood Program (ECP) was recently named a certified Tomatis Center, enabling the organization to offer the Tomatis Method for young people and adults with learning difficulties and developmental delays. The Tomatis Method is a sound-based therapy that stimulates the auditory system and reawakens the ear's natural ability to listen. The Tomatis Method, developed by Alfred A. Tomatis over 50 years ago, is a program of auditory stimulation that is used to help individuals with disabilities including, but not limited to, Autism, PDD, Asperger's Syndrome, Down's Syndrome, ADD, Sensory Integration Disorder, Learning Disabilities, Developmentally Delayed, Auditory Processing, and Speech /Language difficulties. This method can help both children and adults improve their ability to listen and reach their true potential. Improvements in balance, coordination, sensory integration, self-awareness, fine motor skills, attention, eye contact, organizational skills, social skills, and speech and communication are often seen as a result of participation in a Tomatis Method listening program. For more information, please contact Cheryl at Baker Victory Services by calling (716) 828-9560 http:www.bakervictoryservices.org/
December Schedule – ONLINE

Jari Holland Buck, Organizational Consultant, Performance Coach, Advocate, Speaker and Author, Hospital Stay Handbook: A Guide to Becoming a Patient Advocate for Your Loved Ones
When Jari Holland Buck's husband became seriously ill, she stayed by his side and bravely fought for his life. Her steadfast attention to detail-questioning caregivers, researching medicines, and providing a positive, spiritually rich environment for healing-produced a medical miracle: his survival. The author's vivid experiences form the basis of this guiOrganizational Consultant and Performance Coach de to becoming a patient advocate. Her life-saving lessons will help you choose the best hospital, develop a partnership with caregivers, prevent medical mistakes, and avoid caregiver burnout. Along with practical advice for enforcing patient rights, executing power of attorney, and avoiding inappropriate hospital charges, Jari also explores how to bolster the body, mind, and soul of a critically ill loved one through prayer, positivity, and spiritual healing. The award-winning book, Hospital Stay Handbook: A Guide to Becoming a Patient Advocate for Your Loved Ones is available online, in January 2008 through Llewellyn Worldwide and at your local booksellers. This is an essential handbook for every individual and family TODAY! Don't go to a hospital without it! http://www.hospitalstayhandbook.com/
November Schedule:
Jay Cohen, Owner and Operator, Disabled Online.
Disabled Online is an online portal that offers a web directory, classified ads, shopping, news, forums and chat rooms specifically for people with disabilities. Disabled Online is dedicated to providing the best content for people with disabilities, their families, and friends. whether it be shopping from websites and vendors Disabled Online has approved, to Disabled Online Public Community Forums where people can post topics and respond to questions from other disabled users and their friends, family and co-workers to Disabled Online Classifieds where members of the disabled community can post their items for sale, job postings, vehicles, or resumes. They offer an extensive directory of related sites listed in specific categories under the Menu section. These categories are specifically aimed to benefit people with disabilities. http://www.disabledonline.com

Jenny McCarthy, Actress, Comedian,Model, Mother and Author, “Louder than Words: A Mother’s Journey in Healing Autism
Her son Evan, diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2005, is the focus of her fourth book: Louder than Words – A Mother’s Journey in Healing Autism (September 2007). Find out more details about Jenny’s journey on the interview with Monica, also a mother of 14-year old son with autism. Louder than Words is available by all booksellers including www.amazon.com

Special Veterans Day Show: Interview with Bradley Barton, a combat disabled Vietnam War veteran and David W. Gorman, DAV Washington Headquarters Executive Director www.dav.org

Ronan Tynan, Irish Tenor -- new CD “My Gift of Christmas Song”
Ronan is an extraordinary man with an indefatigable character whose physical disabilities only served to spur him on to greater things. In spite of this, Ronan completed degrees from the National College of Physical Education and, in medicine, from Trinity College. Ronan won multiple gold medals at the 1984 Disabled Olympics and set up a busy medical practice specializing in Orthopedic Sports Injuries. Ronan enjoys a successful career in music, a founding member of the Irish Tenors and solo artist performing all over the world. He is also a fan of the Buffalo Sabres! http://www.ronantynan.net/

October Interviews :

Chuck Root, Disability Mentoring Day, October 31 2007 - Buffalo, New York

Job Shadowing - Career Exploration - Promoting an Inclusive Workplace. Sponsored by the AAPD and locally made possible by HSBC Bank USA, NA and Aspire of WNY plus several other area sponsors. Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) is a large-scale, national effort to promote career development for students and job seekers with disabilities through hands-on career exploration, one-on-one job shadowing, and internship ad employment opportunities. DMD is observed each year on a Wednesday in October to coincide with National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Mentees are matched with a workplace mentor in their desired career field, enabling hem to see what a typical day on the job is like and learn more about how to prepare for a job in that career. Be a part of DMD! Contact YOUR local coordinator and let them know you’re interested in DMD for 2008. In Buffalo call (716 ) 856-8139 Ext. 3179.

Henry Holden, Actor, Comedian, Athlete, Activist

Henry Holden is a 'general' in the battle against the exclusion and negative typecasting of persons with disabilities in the media and entertainment industries. As the founder of Performers with Disabilities for the Screen Actors Guild, he was bestowed with the honor of receiving the Joseph P. Riley Award for his unwavering commitment to work toward the inclusion of persons with disabilities in media. He is also the very first recipient of the American Scene Award for his work in a music video. Henry produced an award winning documentary called "Look Whose Laughing", a comedy showcase which featured comedians with disabilities, including his own show "God Walks On Crutches".

Henry has walked up countless flights of stairs on his colorful crutches at Universities, Colleges, and State Legislative Buildings to deliver the same powerful message. To summarize his greatest accomplishment is difficult, because Henry feels he has so far to go. From an outsider looking in however, his greatest accomplishment is that he has the ABILITY to greatly inspire those of us without disabilities in all facets of life. Imagine what he does for the spirit of those with disabilities. www.henryholden.com

Howard Renensland, Father, Advocate, Actor and CEO & Founder, [with]tv

[with]tv is a start-up corporation devoted to providing television and Internet programming of, by, and for people with disabilities. Driven by his own experiences the past 22 years advocating for his own daughter Victoria, Howard found the single most debilitating factor limiting people with disabilities is not their disability, but their image in mainstream media. There is no mainstream television channel in the world addressing the needs of and targeting people with disabilities as viewers, consumers and participants. Howard resolved to change that by creating , an inclusive media outlet that defines all people by their talents and the quality of their stories, rather than by disability; a place where his daughter Victoria and everyone else can work in a universally designed workplace with a welcoming, inclusive workforce - with-tv is born. Listen to this compelling interview with Mr. Renensland to learn more about with-tv and how you can get involved now! www.with-tv.com Television of, by and for people with disabilities…..and everyone else.

Mr. Renensland, President and Founder of [with]tv, has been a professional actor, writer, director, and teacher for thirty years. He is a member of Screen Actors Guild, American Federation of Television and Radio Artists, and Actors Equity Association. Mr. Renensland has appeared in over 400 television commercials, numerous radio ads, and hundreds of print ads as well.