In this episode, I chat with Emily Moscoe about Catalyst Sports.

Timeline:

1:30 Introduction to Emily Moscoe and her involvement with Catalyst Sports

3:34 Gol Ball

5:00 Catalyst Sports origin story

8:40 What does adaptive hiking/camping look like

Freedom Chair

12:00 Overview of Catalyst Sports Programs

14: 00 Great Smoky Mountains Bike Program

14: 50 Contact Information and Conclusion

Marsh Naidoo welcomes self-advocate Peach Chinratanalab and Milton Neuenschwande from the Department of Disability and Aging for an engaging discussion on the transformative power of technology in the lives of individuals with disabilities.

Peach, a dedicated co-trainer at My Tech for All, shares her experiences and insights on enabling technology to enhance independence and improve daily living skills. From smart microwaves that respond to voice commands to air tags, Peach highlights the importance of accessible tech solutions.

Milton explains the role of the DDA in promoting enabling technology and the exciting developments in the field. Listeners will learn about various tools available for individuals of all ages, including smartwatches that assist with daily routines and innovative applications that foster social interaction and skill development.

00:00 Introduction

02:42 Milton is the State Director of Enabling Technology for DDA

06:03 Peach is a co-trainer at My Tech for All.

07:57 Milton: Peach has a smart microwave that works with Alexa and Google

13:55 Technology is always evolving, right?

16:10 The Department of Disability and Aging has a website for enabling technology

19:07 Smart Home Models in Tennessee.

Don't miss the upcoming Resource Ability Employment Expo on May 7th in Dyersburg, Tennessee, where you can discover more resources for individuals with disabilities!

In Episode 136 of Raising Kellan, Marsh Naidoo sits down with Lindsey Lind from East Tennessee to discuss their shared experiences in the Partners in PolicyMaking program, a leadership initiative by the Tennessee Council on Developmental Disabilities.

Lindsey, a dedicated mother of three, shares her journey navigating the complexities of disability advocacy, particularly focusing on her son who has an extra male chromosome, autism, and ADHD. This episode dives deep into the importance of understanding Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act, which protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination in various settings including education and healthcare.

Listeners will learn about Axys, a nonprofit organization supporting families affected by sex chromosome variations, and the implications of the Texas vs Becerra lawsuit that threatens to undermine these critical protections for persons with disabilities. Lindsey emphasizes the need for parents to be informed and proactive in advocating for their children's rights within the educational system, including understanding the differences between IEPs and 504 plans.

Join us for this enlightening conversation, which will highlight the urgency of advocacy in the face of proposed federal changes and the vital role of community support in ensuring that all children receive the accommodations they need to thrive. Don't miss the upcoming Disability Day on the Hill on March 12th, 2025, where you can make your voice heard!

00:00 Introduction

03:53 Lindsey Lind origin story

09:53 What is keeping Lindsey up at night?

18:23 Lindsey: Advocating for school accommodations for kids with disabilities is crucial

21:12 Upcoming events

Maribeth Watson talks about Partners in PolicyMaking, Morningstar Ministries in Sweetwater TN, and proposed Medicaid budget cuts in 2025 #Protectmedicaid

Timeline:

2:00 Introduction

3:00 Maribeth Watson's backstory

4:00 Morningstar Ministries

8:30 Assessing the needs of your community

11: 00 Respite Resources: J⁠oni and Friends⁠ and A Mother's Rest

13:00 Proposed Medicaid Changes

16:00 Conclusion and Words of Encouragement!

In Episode 134 of Raising Kellan, Marsh Naidoo engages in a heartfelt conversation with Tamara Tuckson, a passionate disability advocate and co-author of the book ⁠McKenzie Can Talk⁠. Tamara shares her journey as a mother to McKenzie, who was diagnosed with Rett syndrome, and how that diagnosis ignited her advocacy work to eventually found⁠ Mission2Advocate⁠. This episode delves into the challenges of navigating the educational system, the importance of understanding rights, and the transformative power of communication devices in McKenzie's life.

Tamara discusses her mission to empower other parents through her organization, Mission2Advocate, and how her experiences led her to become an advocate. She emphasizes the significance of giving children like McKenzie a voice and the impact of inclusive practices in schools. Tamera also shares exciting news about their upcoming projects, including a new book in the "McKenzie Can" series.

Join us for this inspiring episode that showcases resilience, advocacy, and the importance of community support. Don't forget to check out Tamara and Mackenzie's book available on ⁠Amazon⁠. The book was illustrated by Katie Grayson and published by ⁠Traitmaker Media⁠. 

00:15  Introduction

01:40 McKenzie and Tamara’s backstory

02:09 Rhett Syndrome

04:00 Educational Experiences

06:43 How Tamara facilitated McKenzie’s communication

07:44 Communication Devices

10:09 McKenzie!

11:02 The book “McKenie Can Talk”

20:00 Mission to Advocate was formed in 2022 to help parents become entrepreneurs

23:32 What next for McKenzie and Tamara?

Mark your calendars for Disability Day on the Hill on March 12th, 2025, in Nashville, Tennessee!

In this episode, Anna Fields discusses her journey from a homeschooled upbringing to creating an inclusive workplace that champions individuals with disabilities. Learn about her experiences working with children in China, her challenges when starting Bubble Love, and how she found innovative ways to integrate employees with disabilities into her business. This conversation highlights the importance of community, empathy, and creativity in fostering an inclusive environment.

Timeline

1: 40 Anna's backstory

6:00 China to Nashville

7:00 Bubble Love's History

8:40 What is Bubble Tea?

11:00 How the business grew.

15:00 Anna talks about #HireMyStrengths.

17:00 What Peach brings to the business.

18:30 McKenzie Tuckson and her AAC device.

23:00 Conclusion

Join us for this heartfelt discussion that emphasizes the power of inclusivity and the joy of bringing people together through shared experiences. Don't forget to rate and review this episode, and mark your calendars for the Resource Ability Employment Expo on May 7th, 2025!

Plant for a Change is a for-profit social enterprise based in Nashville, Tennessee, aiming to create an inclusive and accessible conservation workforce. The company sells native plant seeds and provides employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Timeline of our conversation:

1:44 Introducing Nathan Fields and Jason van Wulven

4:17 Nathan's proximity to the disability community and how that evolved with pursuing his Master's in Special Ed at Vanderbilt University and to meeting Jason at Next Steps (Best Buddies is also mentioned)

9:02 Next Steps at Vanderbilt University

9:16 What does a day look like for Jason and Nathan at Plant for a Change

13:34 Developing new products

13:53 Eco footprint

15:16 Keystone (regional) plants/trees etc

20:14 Family Life

21:55 Vision for Plant for a Change

26:30 Disability Employment Statistics

28:00 Care Farming Network

29:00 Conclusion

The Future City Health & Wellness Fair was a resounding success! Coming up next is a similar event at Bruce Community Center on Jan 25, 2025, from 1-3 pm.

In this episode, I chat with Lisa Vinson about the work done by the Lions Club and the revitalized Dyersburg Lions Club which is actively recruiting members. For more information contact Mark Cantara at [email protected] or Robin Cantara at [email protected].

A wheelchair basketball clinic is to be held in Charleston, South Carolina on January 11, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the Charleston Baptist Church. The clinic is open to individuals aged 5-17 with physical disabilities, but the organizers encourage anyone interested in the sport or supporting the community to attend. The goal of the clinic is to provide an opportunity for wheelchair basketball and raise awareness about the sport and the adaptive sports community.

Today we chat with Tommie Lee Gray who is a wheelchair basketball player about his experiences with the sport.

Transcript

1:55 Introduction to Tommie Lee Gray- Professional W/C Basketball Player

2:55 Blaze Sports America

3:32 Tommie and College at Edinburgh University of Pennsylvania

5:02 Team USA and Profession W/C Basketball in Europe.

6:31 Difference between Sport and Regular W/C

8:22 Challenge Athletes Foundation

10:50 Charleston,  South Carolina  Wheelchair Basketball Clinic

11:56 How is the sport/league organized

14:59 Conclusion

For more information about the South Carolina BASKETBALL Clinic click the following link

https://www.lowcountryfca.org/wheelchair-basketball-clinic

Welcome to the latest episode of Raising Kellan, where host Marsh Naidoo chats with Victor Mclin, the dynamic director of Bruce Community Center in Dyersburg, Tennessee.

As we wrap up 2024 and look forward to a promising new year, Marsh and Victor discuss the upcoming community health screenings scheduled for January 4th at Future City Rec Center and January 25th at Bruce Community Center. These events, held from 1 to 3 PM, will feature essential health services provided by Lions Club International, Dyersburg State Community College, TCAT, and the local health department.

Victor Mclin, who also serves as a pastor and Dyer County Commissioner, shares insights into his extensive experience with community programs, emphasizing the importance of family structure and community engagement. From senior exercise sessions to youth basketball leagues, after-school programs, and a rich summer schedule, the Bruce Community Center offers a variety of activities designed to foster a sense of belonging and community spirit.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the center's role in preserving local history, with its recent designation as a historical site, and the Bruce Museum, which chronicles the legacy of one of the historically black schools in the area. Victor passionately discusses the value of reconnecting with family roots and how these efforts contribute to a stronger community fabric.

Join Marsh and Victor as they explore ways to strengthen community ties and prepare for a healthier future. Don't miss the opportunity to participate in the community health fairs and take advantage of the vital screenings and resources available.

00:00 Two community health screenings in January

01:36 Victor Mclin is the director of Bruce Community Center in Tennessee

06:37 Family structure

For further details on the health screenings and community programs, email [email protected]. us. We look forward to seeing you there and to a positive start to the new year!