In this episode of Quillo Pod, hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson explore the importance of listening deeply and seeing people beyond their labels or diagnoses. They discuss the practice of sharing “birth stories” as a powerful way to understand identity, build connection, and uncover common ground. Through personal reflections and real-life examples, the conversation highlights how asking meaningful questions—and truly listening—helps us discover what people really need and value in their lives.

Episode Transcript

Want to share stories with us? Email us at [email protected]

To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

In this week's episode, John sits down with Neal, a successful business leader as well as a parent of a son with autism who is a non-speaker.  Neil shares how his approach to being positive in building business relationships translated to success for his son in school and now on his journey into adulthood.  His lessons translate so well. 

Check out his book - Bar Tips: Everything I Needed to Know in Sales I Learned Behind the Bar 

Neil Rogers email [email protected]

Episode Transcript

Want to share stories with us? Email us at [email protected]

To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

In this week’s episode, John and Cynthia reflect on the life and legacy of John O’Brien — a beloved leader, visionary, and gentle giant in the disability community. They share personal stories and powerful lessons from his decades of work in inclusion, person-centered planning, and community building. John O’Brien inspired generations to listen deeply and lead with heart.

In this episode of Quillo Pod, hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson explore whether joy has a price tag, particularly for individuals in the IDD. They discuss how budgets should serve as pathways to joy rather than constraints, sharing examples of finding happiness through community connections and natural supports. The conversation highlights how meaningful activities don't always require significant funding, emphasizing the importance of understanding what truly brings joy to individuals with disabilities beyond just service units and budget allocations.

Episode Transcript 

Want to share stories with us? Email us at [email protected]

To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

In this week's episode, John and Cynthia are joined by Janet Capetty to discuss the impact of wellness in the IDD community.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

To learn more about Club Wellness Training, visit clubwellnesstraining.com

Episode Transcript

Want to share stories with us? Email us at [email protected]

To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

In this week's podcasts, Cynthia and John have a Father's Day conversation about the evolving role of dads in the IDD community.

Resources mentioned 

DADS, Dr. Nassif's podcast,

Ohio's father support program.

Episode Transcript

Want to share stories with us? Email us at [email protected]

To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

In this week's episode, Cynthia and John talk about the question we've all been asked - "What do you want to be when you grow up?" and why it's okay not to have a clear answer.

The conversation explores the importance of discovering your interests, staying open to change, and having real conversations that lead to new opportunities. From personal stories to lessons from LifeCourseConnect, this episode is all about giving yourself and others the space to grow, shift, and try again.

Want to share stories with us? Email us at [email protected]

Want to learn more about Quillo? Visit Myquillo.com

In this week's episode, John and Cynthia explore the incredible insights and untapped potential of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs).

Our conversation will cover:

We'll share actionable tips for creating genuine listening opportunities, whether you're a family member working with DSPs, an organizational leader, or a DSP yourself looking to make your voice heard.

Got a story about feeling truly heard and valued in your work supporting people with I/DD? We'd love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected].

Episode Transcript

Next week is DSP Recognition Week (September 8-14, 2024). In this REPLAY episode from 2023, John and Cynthia sit down with John Raffaele, the Director of Educational Services at NADSP. We discuss DSPs (Direct Support Professionals), who they are, and their impact on the IDD community. 

Resources mentioned in the episode:

NADSP

Want to share stories with us? Email us at [email protected]

To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

In this episode of Quillo Pod, Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson shed light on the often-overlooked intersection of mental health and the IDD community during Mental Health Awareness Month. They discuss the persistent stigma surrounding mental health challenges, share personal stories that illustrate the importance of being an ally, and offer practical guidance on supporting those experiencing difficulties. The importance of creating spaces where it's "okay not to be okay," and how small acts of kindness and connection can make a meaningful difference in someone's journey.

Resources mentioned in the episode:

Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Prevention Line at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org

Episode Transcript 

Want to share stories with us? Email us at [email protected] To learn more about Quillo Connect, visit MyQuillo.com