The Different Ability® Podcast

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SEASON 5 is here! I can't believe this podcast has been alive for 4 years! Thank you to everyone that has been listening and supporting along the way! Welcome to anyone that is new and this is your first episode!

I appreciate each and every one of you!

Also, when this epsiode goes out, I'm out in Reno, NV Keynoting a really awesome conference! 


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• Buzzsprout! You can get $20 credit to your account when you sign up!
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Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!
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This is the best interview for our last episode of season 4! Wendy shares her incredible journy of becoming a monther at 23 and when she gave birth to her son, she found out 3 hours after the birth that he has Down Syndrome. It turned her world upside down in that moment, but she made him promises in the hospital that day and she has continued to keep those promises throughout his wonderful life! She's a mom on a mission to advocate for her son and others that have Down Syndrome! Enjoy the episode!

Wendy's Bio
Wendy is an Author, Speaker, and Down Syndrome Advocate. 

In October 2023, Wendy released her book Big People Don’t Pee in the Park- A Mother and Son’s Journey with Down Syndrome. Through healing, hope, and humor, Wendy shares her journey of her son’s unexpected Down syndrome diagnosis when she gave birth at the age of twenty-three. Motivated to share their story, she hopes to help parents move beyond the shock and fear they might experience after learning of their newborns' unexpected prognosis while offering them a window into the incredible life they will have. Her goal: by sharing her thirty-three years of lived expertise, she hopes to create a dynamic space of connection and provide resources to help others.

Wendy is also committed to helping society see the worth of differently-abled people. 

The day Wendy became a mom, she became a teacher, student, and warrior. She’s fun, motivated, dedicated, and fearless, which may be what qualified her for the position. When she is not lost in her writing, or soaking up words written by other authors, Wendy enjoys spending time with her family and friends on adventurous road trips, at a beach, or driving through the majestic Utah mountains. Her favorite activity, though, is being entertained by her hilarious son.

Connect with Wendy
Website
Facebook
LinkedIn
Instagram
Matt's Instagram

Buy Wendy's Book here!

Thank you to our partner this week:

• Showit! You can get one month free when signing up with the code: Katey 
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Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!
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Shop new products here!

Places you can reach me at:
Website:
https://kateyfortun.com/
https://kateyfortun.com/podcast

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https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/ 

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It's been a while since I have done a solo show! Just a quick update on what's been going on in life AND its my two year wedding anniversary! I can't believe it's been two years! I talk about what we have done over the last two years and drop a few hints on a few announcments I'll be doing over the next few weeks!


Thank you to our partner this week:

• Buzzsprout! You can get $20 credit to your account when you sign up!
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  • Sign Up Here and get $20 credit to your account!

Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!
Sign Up Here!

Shop new products here!

Places you can reach me at:
Website:
https://kateyfortun.com/
https://kateyfortun.com/podcast

Instagram:
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https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/ 

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Loss and grief is different for everyone but on this podcast episode Jason bravely and vulnerably shares his story. Jason’s story is beautiful and also heartbreaking, but needs to be shared! He has created a safe space for people who are going through loss and grief and he’s straight forward and honest about it all!

Please listen to this episode on your favorite app or the link is in my bio! Also, share this episode with others!

If you’re needing a safe space to talk about your loss and grief, connect Jason and all he’s doing in his community, links below!

Jason's Bio
I am a married father of two kids with multiple physical and cognitive special needs. I lost my 15 year old special needs son and 01/28/22 suddenly and unexpectedly. On that day, my "Letters to Zachary" Facebook blog was born. I decided then to help out others (especially men) deal with the devastating loss of losing a child, the lifelong journey of grief, the emotions associated with it, the mental health aspects of grief, helping to show men that it is OK to open up about grief, and to help women understand how men deal with their emotions associated with grief.

Connect with Jason
Letters To Zachary (Facebook):
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552174684952
Letters 2 Zachary (Twitter/X):
https://twitter.com/Letters2Zachary
Letters 2 Zachary (Instagram):
https://www.instagram.com/letters2zachary
Letters 2 Zachary (TikTok):
https://www.tiktok.com/@letters2zachary

Thank you to our partner this week:

• Showit! You can get one month free when signing up with the code: Katey 
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  • Sign Up Here and get your first month free!
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  • https://kateyfortun.com/flodesk
  • Sign Up Here and get 50% off your first year!

Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!
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Shop new products here!

Places you can reach me at:
Website:
https://kateyfortun.com/
https://kateyfortun.com/podcast

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https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/ 

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Andrea was such pleasure to have on the podcast in todays episode! She told me it was her first time talking about her own story publically and I'm so grateful she did! Her life growing up wasn't as easy as one may think, but her boldness to never give up and be who she wanted to be is inspiring! Listen in and hear all about her incredible story!


Andrea's Bio
Andrea Atherton has 28 years of experience as a psychotherapist, spiritual counselor, and mindful love expert helping individuals and couples cultivate loving, intimate, passionate relationships by first grounding into self-love.Her experience With equal parts spirituality and science, she holds an M.S. in art therapy, is a certified yoga instructor, and is a gifted intuitive/healer. Andrea is the host of the Love Anarchy Podcast, helping others create love on their own terms!

Connect with Andrea
Andrea's Website
Andrea's Facebook
Love Anarchy Website
Love Anarchy Facebook

Go check out the episode I was a guest on Andrea's Podcast here!

Thank you to our partner this week:

• Showit! You can get one month free when signing up with the code: Katey 
  • http://kateyfortun.com/showit
  • Sign Up Here and get your first month free!
• Flodesk! You can get 50% off your first year when signing up with the code: KATEY1
  • https://kateyfortun.com/flodesk
  • Sign Up Here and get 50% off your first year!

Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!
Sign Up Here!

Shop new products here!

Places you can reach me at:
Website:
https://kateyfortun.com/
https://kateyfortun.com/podcast

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/
https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/ 

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Do you love traveling? Are you ever afraid to travel alone? Do you know someone that has a physical disability that would love to travel but is not comfortable doing so? Well this episode is for you and anyone you know! Kristin shares her story growing up with a physical disability and shares how she turned her love of travel into helping others achieve their travel goals that may never have thought they could due to their disability! Listen in, it's such an inspiring story and I myself am excited to check out Kristin's travel groups and hopefully will join one in the near future! AND you can too!

Kristin's Bio
Kristin Secor was born with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy which affects her strength, balance, breathing, and endurance. Despite her physical challenges, she is determined to pursue her love of travel and started her wheelchair accessible travel blog, World on Wheels Blog, to help others with disabilities do the same. She provides valuable information and resources about traveling in a wheelchair in order to make accessible travel a little easier. Additionally, she ahs also started organizing accessible small group tours in the hopes of making accessible travel more fun and affordable while taking the stress out of planning your next accessible adventure.

Connect with Kristin
World on Wheels Blog
Facebook
Facebook Group

Thank you to our partner this week:

• Showit! You can get one month free when signing up with the code: Katey 
  • http://kateyfortun.com/showit
  • Sign Up Here and get your first month free!
• Flodesk! You can get 50% off your first year when signing up with the code: KATEY1
  • https://kateyfortun.com/flodesk
  • Sign Up Here and get 50% off your first year!

Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!
Sign Up Here!

Shop new products here!

Places you can reach me at:
Website:
https://kateyfortun.com/
https://kateyfortun.com/podcast

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/
https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/ 

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Samantha talked about learning, in her 30's, she has ADHD! We dive into her childhood, growing up, and now looking back at her life realizing that ADHD makes sense for her. She also talks about her career and the amazing business she owns all about helping neurodivergent children through music therapy. Her company also supports parents with childern that are neurodivergent. She also has a wonderful podcast called "Every Brain is Different Podcast". The link to that is below!

Samantha's Bio:
Samantha is the owner of Boise Music Therapy Company and the host of the Every Brain is Different Podcast. She is a board-certified music therapist, a Positive Discipline Parent Educator, and a registered Music Together teacher.
She obtained a Bachelor of Science degree from Utah State University and completed her Master of Music with a specialization in Music Therapy degree from Colorado State University. She is a Neurological Music Therapy Fellow and a Dialectical Behavior Therapy-informed Music Therapist.

Conect with Samantha:
Website
Instagram
Podcast Instagram
TikTok

For more information on the Katie Beckett program, please google "Katie Beckett" and include the state you live in and it should bring you to many options where you can apply in your state!

Thank you to our partner this week:

• Showit! You can get one month free when signing up with the code: Katey 
  • http://kateyfortun.com/showit
  • Sign Up Here and get your first month free!
• Flodesk! You can get 50% off your first year when signing up with the code: KATEY1
  • https://kateyfortun.com/flodesk
  • Sign Up Here and get 50% off your first year!

Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!
Sign Up Here!

Shop new products here!

Places you can reach me at:
Website:
https://kateyfortun.com/
https://kateyfortun.com/podcast

Instagram:
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https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/ 

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Oh this episode is so dang beautiful! Mary Harper shares her parents incredibly beautiful love story! Both of her parents were blind and she shares so much about their journey thorugh life and what Mary learned from growing up with her parents being blind. Did I tear up and cry during this episode? Absolutly! It's one of the most beautiful stories I have heard in a long time! You don't want to miss it!


Mary's Bio:
Mary Pieroni Harper is a happily retired psychotherapist and author of The Sound of Her Voice: My Blind Parents' Story. A native of Muncie, Indiana, she is a graduate of the University of Virginia and earned her Master's in Social Work from the University of Houston.

She lives in Colorado Springs, CO, where she rings in a handbell choir, finds new homes for old stuff, and often suffers from Feline Paralysis Syndrome. Her blind cat, Lily, loves to cuddle when she's not creating mischief.

Mary has two adult children and loves being a grandmother.

Connect with Mary:
Website
Facebook
Buy Mary's Book HERE! 


Thank you to our partner this week:

• Showit! You can get one month free when signing up with the code: Katey 
  • http://kateyfortun.com/showit
  • Sign Up Here and get your first month free!
• Flodesk! You can get 50% off your first year when signing up with the code: KATEY1
  • https://kateyfortun.com/flodesk
  • Sign Up Here and get 50% off your first year!

Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!
Sign Up Here!

Shop new products here!

Places you can reach me at:
Website:
https://kateyfortun.com/
https://kateyfortun.com/podcast

Instagram:
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https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/ 

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Aaron is an amazing advoate not only for his child that has a Different Ability® but for any child with a Different Ability®! His daughter was born having epilepsy and also cerebral palsy. He has been her advocate since she was 3 months old, when he found out. He contiunies to be her advocate and also helps other parents advocate for their child have a more inclusive life!


Aaron's Bio:
Aaron DeVries, Founder of The Inclusive Dad, is a relentless advocate for building stronger communities through inclusion. He proudly displays an “Inclusion” tattoo on his arm as a testament to his commitment. Residing in Minnesota with his partner and two cats, Aaron is also a proud father of two young adults.

Aaron's journey into the world of disabilities and special education began when his daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy and cerebral palsy at a young age. For over 15 years, he has fearlessly championed his daughter's inclusion in school and the community. Aaron has actively served on various boards and committees of disability-related organizations.

His dedication to inclusion is exemplified by his TEDx talks, "The Power of Inclusion” and “Unlocking Inclusion for People With Disabilities,” where he passionately shares his insights and experiences. Aaron's impact extends far beyond his immediate community, inspiring others to join him in the pursuit of a more inclusive world.


Connect with Aaron:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
TEDx Talk Horace Park
TEDx Talk USD


Thank you to our partner this week:

• Showit! You can get one month free when signing up with the code: Katey 
  • http://kateyfortun.com/showit
  • Sign Up Here and get your first month free!
• Flodesk! You can get 50% off your first year when signing up with the code: KATEY1
  • https://kateyfortun.com/flodesk
  • Sign Up Here and get 50% off your first year!

Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!
Sign Up Here!

Shop new products here!

Places you can reach me at:
Website:
https://kateyfortun.com/
https://kateyfortun.com/podcast

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/
https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/ 

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I was introduced to April and all that she does by following her on Instagram and seeing her incredible reels. Her videos truly have changed me and helped me in more way to even try to explain. What April is doing for the world of Dyslexia is nothing short of amazing! I can't wait for you to hear today's episode. It made me cry editing it and thinking back on my life before being diagonised and after being diagnoised with Dyslexia. Listen in and please share this episode with everyone you know!

April's Bio
Certified Dyslexia Specialist, Reading Specialist, Developer of the Learn Reading program and author of the book, "Is It Dyslexia?"

Connect with April
Website
Instagram
TikTok
YouTube
Facebook
Pintrest: @LearnReadingOfficial

Buy April's Book "Is It Dyslexia" HERE!



Thank you to our partner this week:

• Showit! Want to start a website or update your current one on an easy to use platform? Check out Showit! It's the website platform I use to create my website and blog! You can get one month free when signing up with the code: Katey 
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  • Sign Up Here and get 50% off your first year!

Stay in the loop with the new Different Ability® product I'll be launching!
Sign Up Here!

Shop new products here!

Places you can reach me at:
Website:
https://kateyfortun.com/
https://kateyfortun.com/podcast

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/kateyfortun/
https://www.instagram.com/differentabilitypodcast/