Empower DD

The new year is a time when many decide to find a new job. In this episode, we hear from Will Gallup, former Cuyahoga DD Good Life Ambassador, who recently began a new job at the Great Lakes Science Center. We also hear from Jared Daly, Regional Coordinator for Workforce Development, about how Cuyahoga DD supports both job seekers with disabilities and employers looking for talent in making the right match.

During this episode, we dive into a new Cuyahoga DD program called Let's Get Together -- which creates a safe space for adults with disabilities to come together and learn about socialization and dating. You'll hear from organizers and participants as we learn more about this incredible new program. For more information on the program, contact Morgan in Community Development at Forsythe.Morgan@cuyahogabdd.org.

On this episode, we spend time with customer service expert John Hanson. We talk dealing with stress in the disability field, navigating distractions, and moving towards goals.

During this episode, we'll chat about the Lending Library with Krissy Vanderwall, OT-PT Manager for Cuyahoga DD, and Boris Brezo, Equipment Assistant. Here are a few links from this episode: Boris' email: brezo.boris@cuyahogabdd.orgMy Turn, Cuyahoga DD's web based inventory system: https://cuyahogabdd.myturn.com/library/login/auth

For this episode, we're joined by Amy O'Neal, senior director of health strategies for Special Olympics Ohio. We chat about the Healthy Athletes program and how families can get involved in the Special Olympics.

On this month's episode, we chat with Chris Garr, the CEO of Youth Challenge, and a member of the Northeast Ohio Coalition of Disability Organizations. Learn more about their rebranding and Disability Pride Night at Wade Oval.

On this month's episode, we meet Bonnie Makrai, Cuyahoga DD's Service Excellence Administrator. Learn more about what Bonnie does at the Board, how she can help you get answers and solutions, and how she works with staff to improve customer service. After listening, if you'd like to contact Bonnie, you can reach her at her email: Makrai.Bonnie@cuyahogabdd.org

Workforce Development is an important focus for the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. On this episode, we speak with Regional Coordinator of Workforce Development Jared Daly. He tells us what he does, why it matters, and gives us the details on an upcoming job fair (to be held April 13). Anyone interested in the job fair can contact Jared at daly.jared@cuyahogabdd.org.

On this episode, we chat with Jim and Lori Wotowiec, the co-founders of S.T.A.R. Camp, an inclusive summer camp in Independence. Learn more about their camp, their efforts toward inclusion, and hear why summer camps are so important for children and adults with disabilities.

During this episode, listeners will meet Katherine Antall, Cuyahoga DD's sexuality specialist. She discusses her unique role, its evolution, and how she works in the community.

Meet two of Cuyahoga DD's Good Life Ambassadors in this episode! You'll learn about their lives, their work, and their goals.

On this special bonus episode of Empower DD, we again speak with Dr. Tom Kelbley. This time, our conversation covers the familiar ground of end-of-year stress, seasonal affective disorder, and managing the chaos of the holidays.

On this episode, we speak to Dr. Tom Kelbley, psychologist with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, about his work with Playhouse Square and Great Lakes Theater to create accessible, sensory-friendly performances of popular shows.

On this episode, we speak to Future Ink Graphics' Stephanie Kluk, owner, and Lauren Mailey, inclusion specialist, about art and accessibility in Cleveland.

The second episode of Empower DD features details on an upcoming gala event and an extended conversation with Lynell Smith, a Home Depot employee, who went viral for his positivity and infectious attitude.  You can learn more about Mr. Smith's viral moment here: https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/home-depot-greeter-going-viral-with-positivity/95-464967529

On the first episode of EmpowerDD, you'll meet your hosts and learn more about the brand new TryTech Apartments and how they've helped people with disabilities sample new technology and living on their own. Guests include Karl Driggs, COO of North Coast Community Homes, Candice Markle, housing coordinator for Cuyahoga DD, and Michael Moats, assistive technology specialist for Cuyahoga DD.   Special thanks to Mary Russ for providing our intro and outro, and to Tony Scarpitti for his help editing the episode.