From volunteering on the frontlines to leading a full special education ministry, Heather Callahan  has dedicated her life to empowering the capable community. She joins us to share her journey, the heart-warming story that continues to anchor her work, and her advice for staying motivated when serving others. Plus, as an author currently working on her second book, she brings a wealth of wisdom on advocacy, faith, and action. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will change how you look at ability and purpose!

Just Like Me is a children's book about autism/disability inclusion and acceptance. 

This is a story about a boy named Parker who has special abilities.

Parker sees the world in his own way. Certain things feel extra bright,
extra loud, or extra exciting to him, and he notices details that others
might miss. He has a wonderful imagination full of creative ideas.

Parker may do things a little differently, but that’s part of what makes
him who he is. He likes routines, enjoys his favorite activities, and
expresses himself in ways that are unique to him and to others.

In this story, you will learn about Parker, the things he loves, and how
he connects with Luke, his new friend, in his own way.

You might even discover that you and Parker have more in common than you think!

Amazon Link:  Just Like Me!: Callahan, Heather: 9798258070425: Amazon.com: Books

In this powerful episode, Chanette returns to share her raw and eye-opening experience as a long-term substitute teacher in an Autism-focused classroom within a challenging school district. Thrust into a whirlwind of chaos, she innovated creative solutions to empower her students to thrive—only to face repeated denials from the district, unwilling to fund the essential supports each child desperately needed. As a dedicated Special Education advocate, Chanette's heartbreaking story exposes the ongoing crisis in education: districts failing to provide proper resources, staff training, and qualified personnel for high-needs environments, leading to teacher burnout and denying individuals with disabilities their right to flourish. Join us as we amplify the urgent call to action—standing up for the rights of students with disabilities and their families to ensure every child gets the successful, supported education they deserve!

Today’s guest is Mercedes. She is a mother of two daughters and a husband who have Autism and a sister with a disability. She continues to keep learning in the area of Special Education in helping provide services to our population with the abilities to thrive even with a diagnosis or label. Throughout her years of being in the public education system, Mercedes was well aware of the deficit in honest and open communication between the schools and the families. She wanted ALL children to have the equitable education that they have a legal right to have, but often failed at receiving due to the system... And so, A.C.C.E.S.S. was born, serving clients all over the United States in the areas of educational advocacy, IEP consultations, expert witness, tutoring, presenter, and homeschool curriculum development.

Graduating from the University of Utah in, she received her B.S. in Special Education, certificate in ESL, and minor in family and child studies. She then attended Sacramento State University for a master’s degree in Curriculum & Instruction, as well as graduated from San Jose State with her certificate in Gifted Education. Mercedes then went on to graduate from the University of Tennessee with her M.S. in Educational leadership and her administrative license.

During her 9 years of teaching Special Education and English as a Second Language, Mercedes was able to support 600+ students by ensuring that their legal rights were being implemented, honored, and followed.

SOCIAL MEDIAS:

WEBSITE: www.accessyouredu.com

FACEBOOK: Access

INSTAGRAM: 

@accessyouredu

Today’s guest is Taylor. She is a mother of three beautiful children who continues to keep advocating for her son who has severe Autism and nonverbal. She has a great supportive network through family, friends, and other resources provided by Tennessee that keep her family strong through the journey of figuring out how to navigate through this diagnosis. Her story is powerful and very common among parents with disabled children. So proud of everyone’s hard work in this process! You got this! Keep learning and figuring out how to navigate this journey in life!

Today’s guest is Chanette. She is a third year Resource/Special Education Teacher that services students with an IEP in South Central LA, who started her journey long ago growing up with her sister who has Cerebral Palsy (CP). She has three years of teaching under her belt and isn’t stopping yet! She has been able to increase grades and confidence levels with her students, and would love to share how. She makes all kids seen and heard. It’s not an easy job as a special education teacher, but the joys of students' success can outway all the other stuff. Her story of getting students’ to read was remarkable! There are so many different learning styles and it’s all about figuring out each student. Way to go!  

Today’s guest is Lynn. She has had a variety of experience working with the disability community in the school setting. Her three different stories of working with children with disabilities are all unique in their own way. Her love for helping children and families in the disability community are outstanding! She strives to help each one of her students feel more confident in their own skin regardless of the labels that our society has put on them, and provide resources for parents to incorporate into the home setting. Keep up the hard work! 

Today’s guest is Lisa Matto. She is a mother of an inspiring woman with Down Syndrome who lives life to the fullest! She believes whole heartily that individuals with disabilities should be included in everything and not told they can’t because of their disability. She wrote her own book describing her experience of raising her daughter and all the joys and hardships that came along. 

 Book Details: 

Title: Up Side of Downs

Author: Lisa Matto

Description: telling the story of her daughter, Marlee, is about sharing her sense of

wonder and delight with a broader audience. Marlee has an infectious smile, big heart and mischievous sense of humor. She also has Down Syndrome.

The Up Side of Downs, Lisa’s first published book, tells Marlee’s story through a series of hilarious and heartfelt anecdotes that capture exactly what the title suggests.

Lisa said, “Marlee would get herself into situations that were sometimes really funny, and sometimes really nerve-wracking.” When she would recount these stories to family and friends, they would often tell her that she needed to write it all down. Eventually, there were enough stories to compile into a book. The book not only highlights the adventures of Marlee, but also the incredibly inclusive neighborhood, community, and school district where she grew up.

Get your copy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Up-Side-Downs-Lisa-Matto-ebook/dp/B08XWSVXJS/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1KXTLSEC5PNPS&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.crMFlCYxJEu74DFI--o0DtNnV2fAODN2kFGTYl0TsBbQ2ys0A3i7kIGr3W4DFfXqnAkysPX0AYXEwgs6orf1Y-UD8JmDux8aB2nDZrKKuswULN78mpjry2RbpM2bm7Avg7KQTyaZqKStzyAV0ylaxAvXCWspl5PuKwiTDHF-7CZ8HW7HmalCkkFUsAzvbNKaQcgQSPpDbZ3jOZyDHLqdNzAWatzsGb83VwdIBJdbifI.B2Iovp5b8MH5rrNYewXUkH_xk3oYFFE_UL9y3ZwI3qE&dib_tag=se&keywords=up+side+of+downs&qid=1712512026&sprefix=up+side+of+down%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-4 

Today’s guest is Olivia (Livvy) Tune. Olivia is a mother of a son who is autistic and non-verbal. She tells us her journey of her son’s diagnosis, and an amazing story she has had over the years. She is always striving to help her son succeed in life and advocating how to support individuals with Autism. 

In this heartfelt narrative, Livvy delves into the world of autism spectrum disorder, offering a personal perspective that intertwines experiences, challenges, and the profound gifts that individuals with autism bring to our lives.

 Book Details:

Title: Ali's Gifts: A Personal Journey Through the Spectrum

Author: Livvy Tune

Whether you have a personal connection to autism or simply appreciate a heartfelt journey, "Ali's Gifts" invites readers to embrace the uniqueness of each individual on the spectrum.

Get your copy on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/9789988486?ref_=cm_sw_r_apin_dp_D3C0GCYR8VPN0AK0ZHGA&language=en-US

Today’s guest is Katie Garrison. Katie is a mother of a beautiful daughter with many unique abilities. Her daughter was diagnosed at 22 months with many diagnosis’s: Soto’s Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, Kidney and Heart problems, Autism, and Apraxia (non-verbal). Soto’s Syndrome is characterized by a distinctive facial appearance, overgrowth in childhood, and delayed development of mental and movement abilities. 

Her daughter is now 10 years old in a mainstream school. She LOVES to dance more than anything! Another hobby is ripping pages out of magazines and books anything she can get her hands on. Doctors told her that her daughter would not be able to walk or talk… Jokes on them! She is able to walk and can verbalize a few words. She mainly uses sign language or her iPad to talk. Her gate is off balance, which affects how she runs but she can do it! Through all the joys and challenges Katie goes through, she wouldn’t change it for the world. The love she has for her daughter is unbelievable! She is a super star! 

Today’s guest is Jamie. She runs the local chapter for Penguin Project. 

Penguin Project was established in 2004 it has evolved into a National program, with chapter sites throughout the United States. The program provides a supportive environment for children with disabilities to explore their creative talents.  It has also demonstrated that participation in the performing arts has therapeutic value by enhancing social interaction, communication skills, self-confidence and self-esteem. The impact of the program has reached beyond the stage to create a social network for children who previously had very few friends and limited social opportunities. 

For more information or how you can help support this project click the link below: 

https://penguinproject.org/ 

Follow them on their Facebook page: MTCT’s Penguin Project.

The project aired on Channel 5 news to give you a little snippet about what they do:

https://www.newschannel5.com/news/they-give-children-with-disabilities-a-chance-to-perform-live-theater-but-the-group-needs-a-stage