Today’s episode is all about what our storytellers do to find, build, and maintain community. Paul, our very first international guest, shares his lifelong drive to protect others from bullying. Marco talks about taking a risk by going to a new dance class, which leads him to some unexpected discoveries about himself. Ally and Becca chat statistics around bullying, LGBTQ+ people with I/DD, and flipping the script that assumes folks with I/DD can’t be community leaders.

In this episode, we hear stories from Nick and Brandon about people they've lost who have made a huge impact on their lives. Ally and Becca talk grief for people with I/DD and the many kinds of relationships we all have.

What does it take to become a professional creator with a developmental disability? Susann shares her journey as a visual artist, and Jeromy tells us about becoming a DJ. Becca and Ally talk about what people get wrong about artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities and where disabled artists can find support.

Telling It Our Way is back for Season 3 with a big episode on leaving home for the first time! Kristina shares about all the skills she needed to learn, from bill-paying to cooking her grandmother's macaroni and cheese. Jisele talks about learning to be independent when the people around her doubt she can be. Becca and Ally share the numbers on where people with developmental disabilities live and what barriers prevent them from being in their communities.

In the final episode of Season 2, we invite back all of our storytellers to share their best piece of advice for our audience. After listening, you’ll be ready to take on the world! Full Episode Transcript

In this special episode, we talk with returning guests and fan-favorites Cassandra and Jordan! They tell us why it matters to share their stories as self-advocates, the process of being on the show, and their hopes for what they'd like to hear (and tell!) in future seasons. Full Episode Transcript

Today we hear from Sarah, whose story about her job takes an unexpected turn. In an interview with Becca and Ally, she shares both the joys and frustrations of finding and keeping meaningful employment in her community. Full Episode Transcript

In this episode, we hear from two returning storytellers, Jordan and Cassandra, about how and why they fight for change in their lives and communities. Becca and Ally chat about the origins of the self-advocacy movement among people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Full Episode Transcript

This next on Telling It Our Way, Heidi talks about the confidence she feels when her employer trusts her. Ellison shares the transformation she experienced after a catastrophic illness. Becca and guest host JoRita Fox talk about how JoRita built her confidence in herself as a self-advocate. Full Episode Transcript

We’re breaking our format this week! In this special episode, we take you inside a public storytelling event that took place for Disability Pride Month at the Toledo Museum of Art this summer. We hear from audience members and storytellers about why sharing our stories matters, especially for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We also get an interview with our awesome intern Ava Gottschalk. Full Episode Transcript