Adriana Quinones moves beyond a crippling car accident — finding her voice and identifying what kind of relationship she wants. 

Laura and Mike were seeking mental health rehabilitation when they went to the Sally and Howard Levin Clubhouse in Pittsburgh. They got a lot more than they bargained for — each other.

“Social inclusion is the ‘next frontier’ issue in intellectual and developmental (IDD) research, policy, and practice,” says the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. People with intellectual disabilities are our classmates, coworkers, and neighbors. But the AAIDD says: “Social inclusion goes far beyond just being present in the community. It’s about the roles we take in civic life, who we love, and how we build fulfilling relationships with others.” The third season of A Valid Podcast brings listeners into the lives of people with intellectual disabilities and asks what society could do better to support social inclusion.

The podcast is produced by All-Abilities Media at the Center for Media Innovation at Point Park University, published on Unabridged Press podcast channels. Images and full transcript at PublicSource. 

Point Park University’s Claire Lindsey interviewed Adriana Quinones and Monica Ruiz, thanks to support from the Pittsburgh Media Partnership. Jennifer Szweda Jordan hosts this season with commentary from award-winning podcaster Erin Gannon. PublicSource Managing Editor Halle Stockton provided editorial advice. Jeweltone Production’s Liz Reid mixed audio and interviewed guests. Cover art was created by Mick Fisher, with assistance from Creative Citizen Studios. Music on this series was performed by Lilly Abreu (guitar), George Casselberry (harmonica) and Jane Ondrusek (piano) from the Woodlands Foundation.

Guests:

Adriana Quinones

Monica Ruiz

Shawn McGill, Shawn McGill Counseling

Joe Herbick, Sally and Howard Levin Clubhouse, Jewish Residential Services

Laura and Mike (last names withheld)