Catch this essential episode of the InVisible InCourage Show featuring experts from Allsup, a leader in disability benefits. They discuss navigating disability benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSDI) and VA, specifically for people with invisible disabilities. Learn about the unique challenges invisible disabilities face in the application process and the resources available, including Allsup's 97% success rate. Plus, discover the Ticket to Work program for SSDI recipients who want to return to work and how veterans can appeal VA disability claims. Tune in to understand these complex systems and find the help you need.

Learn more about Allsup

InVisible InCourage SHOW - InVisibleInCourage.SHOW

Check out more podcast shows at the ⁠InvisibleDisabilities.Network⁠

The ⁠Invisible Disabilities® Association⁠ (IDA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity.

invisibledisabilities.org

IDA is changing the way the world sees disabilities. IDA is about believing. We believe you! The frequently invisible nature of illness and pain may lead to disbelief about that illness or pain by those surrounding the person who lives daily with invisible disabilities. This disbelief can lead to misunderstandings, rejection by friends, family and health care providers. It may also lead to accusations of laziness or faking an illness. We are passionate about providing awareness that invisible illness, pain and disabilities are very real! Our mission is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Envision with us, a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More®.

On this first episode of the Healthy Humor IDEAS SHOW, join us for an engaging discussion with top humor experts from the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH). Hear from Karyn Buxman, Sue Stevenson, Joyce Saltman, and Roberta Gold as they share their diverse backgrounds and the defining role humor has played in their lives, from nursing and special education to coping with chronic illness. Discover healthy and therapeutic humor, and learn practical advice for rewiring your brain to intentionally and consistently look for humor, using it as an "equalizer" to bring lightness to difficult situations. Don't miss this conversation on how to leverage humor by choice—not just chance—to find joy, endure suffering, and reap the psychological and physical benefits in your personal and professional life.

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AATH

Karyn Buxman

Roberta Gold

Healthy Humor IDEAS - HealthyHumor.lol

Check out more podcast shows at the ⁠InvisibleDisabilities.Network⁠

The ⁠Invisible Disabilities® Association⁠ (IDA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity.

invisibledisabilities.org

IDA is changing the way the world sees disabilities. IDA is about believing. We believe you! The frequently invisible nature of illness and pain may lead to disbelief about that illness or pain by those surrounding the person who lives daily with invisible disabilities. This disbelief can lead to misunderstandings, rejection by friends, family and health care providers. It may also lead to accusations of laziness or faking an illness. We are passionate about providing awareness that invisible illness, pain and disabilities are very real! Our mission is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Envision with us, a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More®

On this InVisible InCourage SHOW episode, Sue Seserman, IDA Ambassador, shares her personal journey with invisible disabilities, including Type 1 diabetes and epilepsy. She explains how her own experiences led her to become an ambassador for the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA), a group she relies on for support and resources. Sue also discusses how she turned her challenges into a creative project, a graphic novel series called "Epilectra," with the goal of empowering others and eliminating the stigma around disabilities. Listen to the full episode to hear her story of perseverance and courage.

Learn more about Sue Seserman

InVisible InCourage SHOW - InVisibleInCourage.SHOW

Check out more podcast shows at the ⁠InvisibleDisabilities.Network⁠

The ⁠Invisible Disabilities® Association⁠ (IDA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity.

invisibledisabilities.org

IDA is changing the way the world sees disabilities. IDA is about believing. We believe you! The frequently invisible nature of illness and pain may lead to disbelief about that illness or pain by those surrounding the person who lives daily with invisible disabilities. This disbelief can lead to misunderstandings, rejection by friends, family and health care providers. It may also lead to accusations of laziness or faking an illness. We are passionate about providing awareness that invisible illness, pain and disabilities are very real! Our mission is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Envision with us, a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More®.

On this InVisible InCourage SHOW episode, Kennedi Dotson, an IDA Ambassador, shares her journey of living with invisible disabilities, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, IBS, and fibromyalgia. Kennedi discusses her experience with disbelief and misunderstanding as a teen, highlighting the importance of self-advocacy and a strong support system. She also talks about how she used her passion for pageantry to create a platform called "P.U.S.H." (Please Understand Silent Health issues) to educate and advocate for others. This powerful interview will encourage anyone who has ever felt unseen, misunderstood, or alone.

Learn more about Kennedi Dotson

InVisible InCourage SHOW - InVisibleInCourage.SHOW

Check out more podcast shows at the ⁠InvisibleDisabilities.Network⁠

The ⁠Invisible Disabilities® Association⁠ (IDA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity.

invisibledisabilities.org

IDA is changing the way the world sees disabilities. IDA is about believing. We believe you! The frequently invisible nature of illness and pain may lead to disbelief about that illness or pain by those surrounding the person who lives daily with invisible disabilities. This disbelief can lead to misunderstandings, rejection by friends, family and health care providers. It may also lead to accusations of laziness or faking an illness. We are passionate about providing awareness that invisible illness, pain and disabilities are very real! Our mission is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Envision with us, a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More®. 

On this InVisible InCourage SHOW episode, Brian J. Esposito, shares that his entrepreneurial journey began at a young age, inspired by his father's hard work and sacrifices. His connection to the Invisible Disabilities Association (IDA) stems from his father's diagnosis with a slower form of ALS called PLS and the family's experience navigating the challenges of invisible disabilities. Esposito emphasizes the importance of empathy and listening to people's stories, as it gives him courage and allows him to help others. His personal motto, "time is our most precious commodity," was shaped by the loss of his grandfather and his own near-fatal car accident caused by a drunk driver, which taught him the value of protecting one's time and the value of who you surround yourself with.

Learn more about Brian J Esposito

InVisible InCourage SHOW - InVisibleInCourage.SHOW

Check out more podcast shows at the ⁠InvisibleDisabilities.Network⁠

The ⁠Invisible Disabilities® Association⁠ (IDA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity.

invisibledisabilities.org

IDA is changing the way the world sees disabilities. IDA is about believing. We believe you! The frequently invisible nature of illness and pain may lead to disbelief about that illness or pain by those surrounding the person who lives daily with invisible disabilities. This disbelief can lead to misunderstandings, rejection by friends, family and health care providers. It may also lead to accusations of laziness or faking an illness. We are passionate about providing awareness that invisible illness, pain and disabilities are very real! Our mission is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Envision with us, a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More®.

On this InVisible InCourage SHOW episode, Isabella Sementilli, an Invisible Disabilities Association Ambassador, shares her journey of becoming an advocate for anti-bullying and brain injury awareness after a bullying incident in fifth grade resulted in a debilitating head injury. Despite living with chronic pain, she has channeled her experience into positive action by writing a book, starting a business called Bella Cervella, and selling cookies to raise money for various organizations. Isabella attributes her strength to her faith and family, and she encourages others to "stay strong, be that tough cookie, and never crumble."

Learn more about Isabella Sementilli

InVisible InCourage SHOW - InVisibleInCourage.SHOW

Check out more podcast shows at the ⁠InvisibleDisabilities.Network⁠

The ⁠Invisible Disabilities® Association⁠ (IDA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity.

invisibledisabilities.org

IDA is changing the way the world sees disabilities. IDA is about believing. We believe you! The frequently invisible nature of illness and pain may lead to disbelief about that illness or pain by those surrounding the person who lives daily with invisible disabilities. This disbelief can lead to misunderstandings, rejection by friends, family and health care providers. It may also lead to accusations of laziness or faking an illness. We are passionate about providing awareness that invisible illness, pain and disabilities are very real! Our mission is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Envision with us, a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More®.

In this episode of Love IDEAS, Tommy Spaulding brings an inspiring message about the power of authentic relationships. He shares his personal story of overcoming severe dyslexia and academic struggles, crediting a life-changing encounter with the organization Up with People for his success. Spaulding encourages listeners to move beyond transactional networking and embrace "heart-led leadership," a philosophy centered on serving others. The discussion emphasizes that genuine connections, built on trust and generosity, are the true keys to professional and personal prosperity.

Learn more about Tommy Spaulding

Love IDEAS is a Exploring the Heart of Relationships at loveideas.org

What is IDEAS (Invisible Disabilities® Education Awareness and Support)

Check out more podcast shows at the ⁠InvisibleDisabilities.Network⁠

The ⁠Invisible Disabilities® Association⁠ (IDA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity.

invisibledisabilities.org

IDA is changing the way the world sees disabilities. IDA is about believing. We believe you! The frequently invisible nature of illness and pain may lead to disbelief about that illness or pain by those surrounding the person who lives daily with invisible disabilities. This disbelief can lead to misunderstandings, rejection by friends, family and health care providers. It may also lead to accusations of laziness or faking an illness. We are passionate about providing awareness that invisible illness, pain and disabilities are very real! Our mission is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Envision with us, a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More®.

In this InVisible InCourage SHOW classic episode, bestselling author and acclaimed speaker, John O'Leary recounts the story of surviving a house fire at age nine that left him with burns on 100% of his body and his hands amputated. John discusses the impact of his visible and invisible disabilities on his family and how his parents, particularly his mother, encouraged him to "own his life" and fight to live. He also explains the message of his book, In Awe, which encourages adults to rediscover the curiosity and wonder of children in order to live a more inspired life.

Learn more about John O’Leary

InVisible InCourage SHOW - InVisibleInCourage.SHOW

Check out more podcast shows at the ⁠InvisibleDisabilities.Network⁠

The ⁠Invisible Disabilities® Association⁠ (IDA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity.

invisibledisabilities.org

IDA is changing the way the world sees disabilities. IDA is about believing. We believe you! The frequently invisible nature of illness and pain may lead to disbelief about that illness or pain by those surrounding the person who lives daily with invisible disabilities. This disbelief can lead to misunderstandings, rejection by friends, family and health care providers. It may also lead to accusations of laziness or faking an illness. We are passionate about providing awareness that invisible illness, pain and disabilities are very real! Our mission is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Envision with us, a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More®.

On this episode of the InVisible InCourage SHOW, Lava Khonsuwon, an Invisible Disabilities Association Ambassador, discusses her personal journey with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) in her right leg, which she developed after a pit bull attack. She shares how she found a positive community with the IDA through social media after feeling isolated by her diagnosis and was inspired to become an ambassador herself. Khonsuwon, who is also a documentary filmmaker, talks about her work, her passion for telling stories, and how her spiritual and personal experiences have influenced her filmmaking.

Learn more about Lava Khonsuwon

InVisible InCourage SHOW - InVisibleInCourage.SHOW

Check out more podcast shows at the ⁠InvisibleDisabilities.Network⁠

The ⁠Invisible Disabilities® Association⁠ (IDA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity.

invisibledisabilities.org

IDA is changing the way the world sees disabilities. IDA is about believing. We believe you! The frequently invisible nature of illness and pain may lead to disbelief about that illness or pain by those surrounding the person who lives daily with invisible disabilities. This disbelief can lead to misunderstandings, rejection by friends, family and health care providers. It may also lead to accusations of laziness or faking an illness. We are passionate about providing awareness that invisible illness, pain and disabilities are very real! Our mission is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Envision with us, a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More®.

On this episode of the InVisible InCourage SHOW, Justin Houcek, an Invisible Disabilities Association Ambassador, discusses his personal journey after being diagnosed with autism 13 years ago. He highlights his work in Illinois, which includes serving on the Illinois Autism Task Force and the CESSA Statewide Advisory Committee, focusing on improving responses to behavioral issues. Houcek also recounts a positive experience with the Chicago Police Department's Training Curriculum Advisory Committee, where his suggestion to include training for invisible disabilities was well-received.

Learn more about Justin Houcek

InVisible InCourage SHOW - InVisibleInCourage.SHOW

Check out more podcast shows at the ⁠InvisibleDisabilities.Network⁠

The ⁠Invisible Disabilities® Association⁠ (IDA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity.

invisibledisabilities.org

IDA is changing the way the world sees disabilities. IDA is about believing. We believe you! The frequently invisible nature of illness and pain may lead to disbelief about that illness or pain by those surrounding the person who lives daily with invisible disabilities. This disbelief can lead to misunderstandings, rejection by friends, family and health care providers. It may also lead to accusations of laziness or faking an illness. We are passionate about providing awareness that invisible illness, pain and disabilities are very real! Our mission is to encourage, educate and connect people and organizations touched by illness, pain and disability around the globe. Envision with us, a world where people living with illness, pain and disability will be Invisible No More®.