[00:00:00] Speaker A: KPI.org.
[00:00:58] Speaker B: And greetings and thank you for joining disability and progress, where we bring you insights into ideas about entities, discussions on disability topics. My name is Sam. I'm the host of this show. Charlene Dahl is my research and pr woman. Hi, Charlene Scream.
[00:01:13] Speaker A: Hello, everybody. Good evening on this great May Day.
[00:01:17] Speaker B: Oh, thank you for joining disability in progress. For May 9, 2024, we have Rob Lear with many other people in the studio, but Rob is the new head of partners in policy maker.
Rob, where are you?
[00:01:36] Speaker C: I'm right here.
[00:01:38] Speaker B: You're on another mic.
[00:01:40] Speaker C: Good evening.
[00:01:41] Speaker B: Hold on.
You there?
[00:01:43] Speaker C: I'm right here.
[00:01:44] Speaker B: There you go. All right. And I guess I will just introduce people real quick because, Rob, you're the new head of partners in policymaking, and you've brought many people in from class number 41 in the studio. And we're talking about their experience and learning with advocating for people with disabilities in this class. And I want to start out by introducing Benjamin Johnson. Ben is from St. Paul. Hi, Ben.
[00:02:16] Speaker D: Hello.
[00:02:17] Speaker B: Andrew. Start Andrew's from Plymouth. Hi, Andrew.
[00:02:20] Speaker E: Hello.
[00:02:21] Speaker B: And Deanna. Right. Deepoyster.
[00:02:26] Speaker A: Sorry.
[00:02:26] Speaker B: I'm sure I.
[00:02:28] Speaker A: That's okay. Dayana de Poyster.
[00:02:29] Speaker B: Deep. And from Plymouth. And Steve Rionardi.
[00:02:36] Speaker F: Oh, yeah. Hi.
It is Steve Reinardi.
[00:02:44] Speaker B: And Steve is from Invigro Heights. And last but certainly not least, we have Denny Ruby from Hutchinson. Hi, Denny.
[00:02:56] Speaker G: How you doing?
[00:02:59] Speaker B: Thank you for joining us tonight.
Are you there?
[00:03:04] Speaker G: Yes.
[00:03:05] Speaker B: Okay, great.
So I want to start out, I think, a little bit first about partners and policymaking. I want to start out by speaking to Rob because he's going to be sneaking away. So he thinks. So we're going to start out by asking him some questions first. So, Rob, can you give the listeners who have never heard you before in regards to this what or who, what is partners in policy making?
[00:03:34] Speaker C: Well, thank you. First of all, on behalf of class 41, which are nearing the finish line of this remarkable series, and their graduation is a week from Saturday. And so commencement is on the doorstep. But as part of this just this nationally recognized program offered by the state of Minnesota, by the Minnesota Governor's Council of Developmental Disabilities. And it offers a free eight month course, if you will, of those that are either advocating for themselves or those that would love to be able to advocate for themselves. And they teach a series of workshops, everything from how to apply for a waiver to learning skills about how to lobby or legislator, just everyday skills about how to be a better advocate, an advocate for yourself, and to raise awareness about the challenges that are out there. There are so many. And, you know, from the workplace and our strive for more, better inclusion to educational situations where schools need to have better access.
This is just, it's a program to empower us and empower all of us to be better aware of what our state laws allow and how we can better advocate for all of us. And so that it's the better tomorrow. And we're just, as a result of many of these class members that you've invited, been so gracious enough to have here in your studio tonight. You'll hear their story, and you'll hear how the last eight months they have gone from, you know, not quite understanding what that next step looks like, how their voices should be heard, and to the point where, as we invited everybody to be here tonight, they wanted to be here. They want to tell their story, and that's progress. And we hope that through this workshop and this program, it'll just mean better days ahead for them and anybody else and their families who will be better equipped with whatever is in front of them.
[00:05:59] Speaker B: Now, Rob, anybody who has been listening for a while is used to the sheri coming on with partners in policymaking. And, Sherry, your voice has changed, so you kind of took over for Sheri. And so I'm curious to know, what was your background on disability issues?
Why did you decide to step into this?
[00:06:21] Speaker C: Right. We miss sheri. First of all. She was a big part of our team, and it was time for Sheri to do something else. And so we congratulate her on her retirement, and she has been staying in touch, and she's a big friend of the program.
I was able to step in and try to fill her shoes, inadequately, I might add. But to be able to, I've been a member of the faculty of the partners for, like, 15 years. And so I work with our advocates on different ways to be better communicators and how to take your concerns and how to take and to deal with your setbacks and to try to turn those negatives into positives and how we channel that energy, how we frame those messages. And so that's how it came to be for me to be affiliated with this program. Now, back in the day, I sat on the side of the microphone that you're on.
[00:07:26] Speaker A: Okay.
[00:07:27] Speaker C: I was in radio television for 25 years. I worked at Hubbard Broadcasting, KSTP. I worked on both the television news and sports side. I also worked on the radio side. And so I have my media background as something that I cherish because it was just a grand experience because I know how powerful the power of the press is. It's a medium that can reach so many and it can impact lives so quickly. And that's why for class 41 advocates to be good storytellers, that's what really is going to enrich their lives and their families lives, because we have become a very media consumer society.
And that's why you play such an important role as a host, to be able to ask the questions that bring the best out of people. And I think the people that we've assembled here today will tell you some incredible journeys, some incredible stories. And we think through the Partners program, which, by the way, is a free program. And we are accepting applications for next year's class and beyond. And we would love to be able to have you apply and to see if we're the right fit for you. It's a big time commitment of having, you know, one weekend a month for eight months over the course of a school year.
[00:08:50] Speaker B: How many hours does that add up to be?
[00:08:52] Speaker C: Well, let's ask them. How many hours? It's, it's two. It's a full weekend. So you come in on a, you know, a Friday and a Saturday, and you, you know, you spend a lot of hours in lectures and in workshops, and there's a lot of exercises.
You know, I would say, do you think it's 10 hours a weekend more?
[00:09:18] Speaker A: It's more like 18 hours a weekend.
[00:09:21] Speaker C: 18 hours. So you got, let's say 20 hours. And some of them, a number of them travel. Okay, so they're traveling from outstate Minnesota. So you got to add those hours on as well. And, but it isn't about the investment. It's about the payoff. And we think that the payoff, as you'll hear in their own stories and their own testimonials, is this program, which, again, has been nationally recognized, has had over 1200 graduates in its 37 years, and it's enriching lives and it's empowering advocates. And its executive director is Colleen Wick, who has worked for eight governors, eight administrations in the state of Minnesota. And she guides the ship like nobody else. And she has just produced a program here that is the envy of other states around the country.
[00:10:13] Speaker B: And I think you said, well, I think I read that you had 30 people in this particular eight month time. Is that usual?
[00:10:23] Speaker C: We will fluctuate anywhere from 30 something to 40 something. And, you know, family circumstances. I mean, people go in with the best intentions, sometimes medical setbacks, sometimes the logistics of trying to get to the class, you know, so we're down to 30. I think it's 33 that are going to graduate a week from Saturday.
[00:10:45] Speaker B: That's still very good.
[00:10:46] Speaker C: It's a win for all. That's right.
[00:10:48] Speaker B: And I'm wondering, is there any part that people can do virtually, or is it all an in person thing?
[00:10:56] Speaker C: You need to be in person. I mean, there are the exceptions where you might have a weekend that you've got a family, something you can't get there. They'll try to get you connected in so you can hear the speakers and things. But it's really a hands on program, and they really would like you to be in the room and engaged the best you can.
[00:11:21] Speaker B: Excellent. And where can people go to find out more? And to sign up for this course.
[00:11:28] Speaker C: You go to the Minnesota governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities.
It's a state agency that's listed on our state websites. And I will provide you with the link that, as you post this radio show and this podcast, so that others will have that ability to link, to get more information. But it's a wonderful program. And I. You know, I'm not going to put words in anybody's mouth here. They'll. They'll speak for their own experiences. But I think what you'll be hearing is it's been a success and it'll continue to be a success if we continue to produce advocates that can advocate for themselves.
[00:12:11] Speaker B: What's the cutoff date for people?
[00:12:13] Speaker C: July 15.
[00:12:16] Speaker B: So it's my birthday.
[00:12:18] Speaker C: Is that. What about that for karma?
[00:12:22] Speaker B: There you go.
Okay, so hopefully we can get that. Maybe somebody.
Well, I'll try to get Aaron. Aaron's my trusty podcaster to post the website so people can go there.
[00:12:41] Speaker C: Well, and the link was, you had asked for some materials on the people that are here today night in studio. And each one of those press releases had this link at the bottom of the page. So that would back in an email that I would have sent to you the last couple of days would include that URL as well.
[00:13:04] Speaker B: Yeah, there's a lot of stuff that was in there, so.
All right, well, thank you, Rob. I appreciate you coming on. And I guess I'll start with everyone else now.
[00:13:15] Speaker C: Yes, please hear their stories. And thanks again for having us.
[00:13:19] Speaker B: So before we do, I think we're gonna take a moment to take a quick station break and we will be right back.
KFAI is proud to present rage future at the 7th street entry on Wednesday, May 15.
[00:13:39] Speaker E: Rage Future is a music showcase presented by Miniochs featuring Wim county student one Panaka Nation. Ok, nice. Trayvon Solana in the sunsets and DJ nanobyte. Tickets for Ray's future can be found at the First Avenue website. Visit first dash avenue.com for more details.
[00:14:08] Speaker B: This is KfEi 90.3 fminneapolis and kfei.org. My name is Sam and we are talking to people from partners in politics making and a whole slew of them. So I think what we're going to do is I'm just going to ask some questions and whoever feels comfortable starting, certainly feel free to do so.
And you might want to introduce who you like, say your first name before you start talking so that people can kind of recognize your voice and then you know, know who's talking.
Okay, so I guess, first of all, I want to have people start by tell us a little bit about your story and how you found out about partners in policy making. So who would like to start?
[00:15:03] Speaker F: Oh, sure.
[00:15:05] Speaker B: Steve.
[00:15:05] Speaker F: It's Steve.
[00:15:06] Speaker B: Steve. Excellent. Go for it.
[00:15:08] Speaker F: Hi. Yes, um, I work, I work, I work at a place, it's called Minnesota Diversified Industries. I am Minnesota Diversity MDI and they have a mission to serve people with disabilities about inclusive employment opportunities and services and, and some of the leadership team there, they sent out, they sent out an email, a request and, and I was able to get these link on a plan. I was able to get and I was able to get in.
I found out later that they were contacted by a Conway and Wick, which I contact Emily. I contacted me. I was able to, to. I get in now. Um. Um, um, um.
I have always been some kind of an advocate about, but um. But um, um, um. I was more of a, more of a low key one. Okay. I was this class, I was able to get more skills and able to um, get more confident, get more connection to get more involved in this whole process.
[00:17:15] Speaker E: Excellent.
[00:17:17] Speaker B: Great.
Next.
[00:17:22] Speaker D: Yeah, my name is Benjamin and I actually learned about this from, from going to a.
Well, it's abbreviated. Awesome.
Autism Society of Minnesota conference. Their three day conference. They just had their conference. So it was about a year ago at that conference when I learned about it and talked to Colleen and decided to put my application in. And it's given me a great background. I've met some great people and it's helped me to be more assertive on telling about my story on what's happened with applying for services and wanting to help others to, to be more proactive for themselves too. So ultimately my goal is to help others being able to be an advocate for themselves.
[00:18:40] Speaker B: Denny are you with us?
[00:18:45] Speaker G: Name is Dennis Ruby.
[00:18:48] Speaker B: Okay, and tell us. Go ahead.
[00:18:53] Speaker G: And I started down this program a number of years ago. I have three adult children that all have some form of a disability, whether it be a visual disability or a mental disability.
And we wound up adopting one of our grandchildren and said, we got to do this better than we did the first 29 years.
So this is where I got involved with it. I heard of partners in policy from an agency, another agency in the cities called Proof alliance, which deals with FAS, with speedy alcohol syndrome. And that's how I got involved with this.
[00:19:41] Speaker B: Excellent. Thank you, Andrew.
[00:19:45] Speaker E: Yeah.
So I have no syndrome, and I have my story outlined to become a advocate for myself, and then I encounter myself as very confident in myself, and I would implement myself as rights advocate leader for people with down syndrome and also with autism as well, to lead them to be their selves and to be reliable right in the program. And because they want to be successful in the program. And so because they wanted to be the right of having the same opportunities and going through the community and talking about the legislatures and also talking about that, we went to the Washington, DC, for our five people that I created there and of our legislature.
[00:21:01] Speaker B: So and so, Dayana, you're coming from.
[00:21:06] Speaker A: As a parent standpoint, I'm actually Andrew's mom. This is Dayana. And Andrew and I found out about this program through a friend of his mom, Pam, who had taken the program, and she raved about how wonderful it was. And at the time, I couldn't go through it last year just because of some family health issues. And so we decided to try and do it this year. And we also had.
Andrew is an ambassador with the National Down Syndrome Society.
[00:21:36] Speaker B: Excellent.
[00:21:37] Speaker A: And that's where he was explaining that last year we went to Washington, DC. And as part of the ambassador training, they highly recommended the partners in policymaking program as well. And so we just decided that, all right, it's time to do this. And it has been an amazing experience for both of us, and it has taught us how to advocate for ourselves a lot better. It has changed our paradigms, and it has just been a fabulous experience to give us much more confidence in speaking with people who are influencers, legislators, politicians of all kinds.
And so we highly recommend it, don't we, Andrew?
[00:22:22] Speaker E: Yes, we do.
[00:22:23] Speaker B: And, Andrew, you already were half a half an expert going to Washington, DC. That's more than most people do before they get into this program. Now you're just a full expert.
[00:22:32] Speaker E: Yes, I am. And I have a start thinking website on Facebook. It's out now, so I have 110 followers.
[00:22:42] Speaker B: Oh, excellent.
[00:22:43] Speaker E: And so I've been advocated for my people who has commented on my Facebook page. They want to follow up with my start thinking process through the year and also through 2024.
But, yeah, it's the first priority in the family.
[00:23:04] Speaker B: I wonder if you guys would go around and tell me what your favorite experience was in this class. I probably know, but you never know. People can have different ones. Your favorite experiences, and.
And the top, number one thing you learned. So, Dennis, could you start out?
[00:23:26] Speaker G: The top thing I learned out of this was a lot to do with the Ada law and how it all came into being.
And being. My background is in construction. I always thought it was the handicap ramps and all that.
[00:23:42] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:23:43] Speaker G: Goes along with buildings.
And I actually found out that this is a civil rights law, which is much more encompassing than the original thoughts that I had on the ADA.
And so all learn. Learning about the ADA has always kind of been a background to me, so that's my big thing out of it.
[00:24:06] Speaker B: And did you have a favorite thing that you did in the class?
[00:24:13] Speaker G: Not so much a thing, but a statement that was made by the now passed on Senator Bob Dole.
He made a speech in 1969 that talks about disabilities, and there are three highlights out of it.
This is a minority group whose existence affects every person in our society and the very fiber of our nation.
It is a group who no longer join. Excuse me. It is a group who no one joins by personal choice. A group whose requirements for membership are not based on age, sex, wealth, education, skin color, religion, belief, political power, or power or prestige.
It is a minority yet a group to which at least one out of every five Americans belongs. I speak today about 42 million citizens of our nation who are physically, mentally, or emotionally handicapped.
That was the mover for me.
[00:25:22] Speaker B: Dennis, I just want to tell you that I don't think I've heard the full thing, but that's an incredibly powerful statement, and I thank you for coming on and reading that, because that, I feel like is so important for people to hear, because so many people that are. That do not currently have a disability always. I think everyone a lot of times thinks it's not going to be me. Right. But you just never know. And I feel like that fits right in.
So thank you.
Steve, did you have a favorite thing that you did in the class, and what was the most important thing you felt like you learned?
[00:26:09] Speaker F: Yes. So I have learned that, just like Danny said. I mean, I was like, when we, you know, it's like going, we're all a part of.
We're a part of this group, and this is a. This is a minority group, but, um, um, um. But, um, um, um, um, um. It, uh, is joined by more and more people every day. Every day I get hurt, they get injured. They get anything. Yeah, and, um, um, um, um.
One of my favorite things on the class was that, um, um, some of the really are really fun stuff. We did a lot of skits with improv skids.
They would have us speak in front of a mock council one time.
It's like, are we all put on, we all put on, like, a different outfit and did a fun skit.
Know, it's like going, I know it's like one. Most of the stuff that they teach us is very, very, is very, very important and impactful of it also. But, but they also have a much, they also have much a later side, much more fun side to kind of say, you know, it's like going, even though we are part of the disability community, we should never look down on ourselves or let anybody else look down on us as well. That's what I learned.
[00:28:43] Speaker B: Excellent statement. Excellent. Andrew.
[00:28:46] Speaker E: Yeah.
[00:28:47] Speaker B: What was your favorite thing you did and what was, you feel, the most important thing you learned?
[00:28:54] Speaker E: I've learned that being impactful to make the reason to make someone smile every day, who wakes up right in the morning, to get to spread happiness around, like, during the world through the community, that I've learned in the, during the expectations of the program that leads to partners in policymaking. That is the reason that I lead to where is like, following up with more questions and to lead more into these wonderful people that I've learned through the times and hard times and also throughout the, the capacity through the program. And it teaches us to be more capable of being us and being adults who can lead and also to make more spiritual, leads to God, to lead us through the faithfulness into this program. And it's really impactful with people who are having mental disabilities.
[00:30:12] Speaker B: Thank you, Diana.
[00:30:15] Speaker A: I think one of my favorite parts was visiting with the legislators, and, you know, during the program, we were taught about how to speak to our legislators, the things that they're most, the things that are most important, you know, to be short and succinct.
[00:30:35] Speaker B: Right.
[00:30:37] Speaker A: I think that was one of my favorite parts.
I think one of the other things that I was impressed by, I guess, but saddened by is the history of people with disabilities, and one of the things that has stuck in my mind and by the way, Minnesota is one of the better states to live in.
[00:31:01] Speaker B: Right.
[00:31:01] Speaker A: But you would be surprised if you can only guess what the last. Most people with developmental disabilities were put into institutions not that long ago, and the last person to get with developmental disabilities to come out of the institutions. Can you guess the date?
[00:31:25] Speaker B: You know, I would, knowing that one particular that I may not name the state that got its shackles taken off the walls in the late seventies, I'm going to guess nineties.
[00:31:41] Speaker A: The last person to leave the institutions in the state of Minnesota was the year 2000.
[00:31:46] Speaker B: Wow.
[00:31:47] Speaker A: And that's a scary thing to me when I have a son with down syndrome. And I think that has been a piece that has just shocked my heart.
And I think the other thing that has, is really important that we learned, is that it's so important to stay in contact with your legislators and to not just with one letter or one visit or one phone call, but with consistent contact over a long period of time to talk to them about your issues. And I can give you an example of one that's in the legislature, the federal in Congress right now.
[00:32:31] Speaker B: Please do.
[00:32:32] Speaker A: There's a bill called the Charlotte Woodward Organ Donation Discrimination act. You may not realize that people with disabilities are. There's bias within the medical community not to allow them to have donor organs. Really? Yes.
[00:32:50] Speaker B: Wait. Not to have them or not to give them?
[00:32:53] Speaker A: Not to have them. And so Charlotte Woodward is a young lady who has been fighting for this for many years. And about ten years ago, she finally got a heart, heart transplant. And so she has been a huge advocate ever since. And now there's a bill in our federal legislature called the Charlotte Woodward Organ Donor Discrimination act that I hope you'll contact all your senators and your representatives to say, please vote for it, because I can't even imagine why people would think that that's okay.
[00:33:32] Speaker B: It's interesting to me because I would think that anybody who needs an organ already has a disability, then, yes. So how do they do that?
[00:33:42] Speaker A: Well, I think that they believe that the value of someone's life with a disability is less than a typical person, and that's just a lie that people tell themselves to justify their positions.
[00:33:56] Speaker B: And so tell us the name of that bill again.
[00:34:01] Speaker A: It is the Charlotte Woodward Organ Donor Discrimination act.
[00:34:06] Speaker B: Thank you.
[00:34:07] Speaker A: You're welcome.
[00:34:08] Speaker B: And, Ben, what was your favorite thing you did, and what was the most important thing you learned?
[00:34:17] Speaker D: Well, for me, they're kind of almost one in the same, but kind of have a two part answer, is, I really loved networking with everybody, both the classmates and with meeting the different speakers, the different times when we had panelists, everybody that came spoke that.
And then one of my favorite topics was actually, which I'm actively using even now in my services, is the person centered planning and person centered thinking. That was. I think my biggest thing for me is learning that and actually being able to implement it in my life. So it.
Yeah.
[00:35:13] Speaker B: Excellent. I'm going to start with you, Dennis, and I'm wondering, I know there was so many things you learned in class, and you already kind of had. I think, as a parent, it sounds like quite a head start as far as that you had three children with disabilities. But I want to know, I guess I'm curious to know, what was the hardest thing you learned in class?
[00:35:36] Speaker G: Too many things in this class were too difficult for me.
I have a very big background in construction and fighting with the labor unions for years, so the legislature was not a surprise to me.
[00:35:53] Speaker B: Was it hard for you to learn how to.
[00:35:55] Speaker G: Also not a surprise.
[00:35:58] Speaker B: So was it hard for you to learn how to talk to them, like, how to be effective when you were talking to them?
[00:36:06] Speaker G: It is and it isn't.
You have to feel out where the individual is as far as their connection to a disability, if there is one.
[00:36:17] Speaker B: Ah, yes.
[00:36:17] Speaker G: And that's the cord you have to go after, and that's the hard part.
[00:36:21] Speaker B: Right. Right.
Ben, how about you? What was the hardest thing for you to feel like you could, you know, that you had to accomplish in this class?
[00:36:33] Speaker D: For me, I think it had to be the learning that I can actually tell my story and use it to make a difference.
But now that I have that, it's kind of actually almost the opposite now.
[00:36:57] Speaker B: Super easy, huh?
[00:36:58] Speaker D: Yeah, a lot easier. And I'm grateful.
[00:37:04] Speaker B: Dayana?
[00:37:06] Speaker A: I think the hardest thing for me was listening to some of the history, and I think it was hard to hear about the abuses that happened in the institutions.
People were restrained for no real reason, for just asking a question back in the 19 hundreds. I think I may have my dates wrong, but they believed that people with disabilities didn't have feelings and that they didn't feel pain. And so they would do experiments and surgeries with no anesthesia and just things that were just heartbreaking to me that I can't even fathom. And I think that was one of the hardest things to hear and listen to. But it was so important for us to learn and hear about so that we don't ever do that again and that we don't ever put people in that position again.
[00:37:59] Speaker B: Andrew, what was the hardest thing for you in class?
[00:38:02] Speaker E: It's.
Well, I have been inserts, I've been into centralized like one school that I have been. And so it's really hard time. So, but the, the class is not hard because it's so easy to find more logistics and also being careful, being harmful to others, which is very combative. A bowl. And, and it's talking about how we can be a commitment to. Takes someone's life to take one hearted and be a kind hearted person or minded hearted person. And it's, it's just the minority of the group to take advantage of them.
[00:38:59] Speaker B: It sounds like you found a lot of friends.
[00:39:01] Speaker E: Yes, I do. With Stephen and Benjamin.
They were so supportive during this program. Stay with my mom. She's been advocating for me and I'm so blessed that I have a family that, who makes me happy. And then I never pinned my mom about how she's wonderful, but she's one of a kind.
[00:39:26] Speaker B: But every mother loves to hear that. I'm just going to tell you right now. So good job. Andrew, you have now given her an early mother's day present.
[00:39:36] Speaker A: That's right. Thank you.
[00:39:39] Speaker B: Steve, how about you? What was the hardest thing for you?
[00:39:43] Speaker F: Yeah, one of the hardest things for me was also learn, also learn about the history. And one of the hardest things was, uh, was that, um, when they got to the 19, uh, seventies, um, when I was born, um, um, um, um, um, um.
How people in the society, in the world are basically, um, um, looked on and treated people with disabilities.
I thank God each and every day that I have that I had my parents and my family that actually, that did not treat me like an invalid or dumb or anything else like that. Are you treating me like a regular person? And like.
And since I've been taking this class, I have been noticing even to, you know, even today, there are some people that will devalue life based on somebody's.
Based on some ability and, or this inner disability. And we need more and more people to do. More and more people do this class to become advocates because that is. Because that is the only way things are going to change. If, if we are, if we are, if you're like, if we all like lock arms and actually speak out and advocate and make the change happen.
[00:42:33] Speaker B: That's right. That's right.
I want to ask one more question I think we'll have time for. And Dennis, I know you have quite a story, but now that you've taken this class, what are you going to do with what you've learned? How will you use it?
[00:42:57] Speaker G: When I started the class, I wasn't sure how I was going to advocate.
I knew I was going to advocate, but I didn't know how.
And in this process, my wife and I have started advocating it through a group called Parents inspired in McLeod county. And we have over 400 some families that are knocking on our door waiting for us to open up once we get our 513 safe paperwork.
So we will be up and running taking care of families of all disabilities.
Purposely, FAS, autism and ADHD are the prevalent ones in our county along with everything else. But those are the big ones. Those are what we'd be working with.
[00:43:47] Speaker B: So for people who don't know FAS, fetal alcohol syndrome, right?
[00:43:52] Speaker G: Yeah, fetal alcohol syndrome, attention deficit disorder.
And those are the autism are the three big ones that we have in our county, and every county is different.
[00:44:09] Speaker B: Well, I appreciate that you have a plan, because I think that's so important. And congratulations on going for your 501. That is not an easy thing to do. I know I've done it.
There's a lot to it, and I wish you luck with that.
I think it's an admirable thing. So, Dayana, now that you've done all this, you've put in a lot of time.
[00:44:39] Speaker A: Yes.
[00:44:41] Speaker B: What are you going to do? What do you feel as a mom you will change?
[00:44:46] Speaker A: I think one of the things I want to use the tools that we have learned to advocate more and better for people like my son with disabilities, and I think it has better prepared me to support him in his self advocacy efforts and. And it has empowered us and it has changed. It has changed my paradigm about how I feel about some of the things that I've done in the past that I kind of allowed to happen because, you know, everybody said, oh, this is just the way it is, and I won't do that anymore.
[00:45:27] Speaker B: You know what I feel like, though? That sounds like guilt. And I'm just going to tell you. You don't know what you don't know. Right.
[00:45:33] Speaker A: Exactly.
[00:45:34] Speaker B: Right. But now you know.
[00:45:36] Speaker A: But it has given us the tools to be able to change those things and to advocate in a positive way and not accept the status quo.
[00:45:45] Speaker B: Exactly.
Ben, now that you've done it, what will you do?
[00:45:53] Speaker D: Yeah, I also, along with these other two, as here, I have autism, ADHD and PTSD, along with others, other things.
And I've had to apply for a caddy waiver. And it's with me actually, last month, actually, finally getting all of my services are completely set up. And I'm able to actually use them now.
[00:46:26] Speaker B: Congratulations.
[00:46:27] Speaker D: Yeah. Thank you.
[00:46:28] Speaker B: That's a big feat, isn't it?
[00:46:30] Speaker D: It is.
[00:46:30] Speaker B: Like, it's ongoing and you're always. It's always something, right?
[00:46:34] Speaker D: Exactly. And actually, last month was my birthday, so happy birthday. Thank you. Yeah, it was a really wonderful birthday present.
[00:46:44] Speaker B: Yeah.
[00:46:45] Speaker D: So. And with knowing how to actually take this knowledge that I've gotten through partners in policy making is I believe that I am able to help others who are going through the same process with whatever waiver or service that they may need and actually help them to not give up. Because I've seen time and time again people wanting to quit, stop short of.
[00:47:19] Speaker B: Well, it's exhausting, right?
[00:47:21] Speaker D: It is.
[00:47:22] Speaker B: Can be very exhausting.
[00:47:23] Speaker D: Oh, very exhausting. I. Along with that, I actually do want to. I also have a technology background.
A year ago, I graduated from a vocational program in it.
[00:47:41] Speaker B: Congratulations.
[00:47:42] Speaker D: Yeah.
And once I finished the certification exams, there's two of them I need to take is I want to help the states change their technology.
[00:47:59] Speaker B: Oh, good luck.
[00:48:01] Speaker D: Yeah.
I believe that we need a better system where it's not so complicated on applying.
[00:48:12] Speaker B: That is true.
[00:48:13] Speaker D: And I really believe that I can make that difference to change.
[00:48:17] Speaker B: Well, you. When you change it, you come on and talk about it because there's a ton of people will want to know how you did it. So I'd be more than happy to keep in touch.
[00:48:27] Speaker D: Yeah.
[00:48:28] Speaker B: Good job, Andrew.
[00:48:30] Speaker E: Yeah.
[00:48:30] Speaker B: Okay. Now, what are you going to do with everything you've learned? What will you do with it?
[00:48:35] Speaker E: So first in my paradigm that I was interning dean of phillips in the office since January. And it will become be in May 15. And because I'm turning 21 soon in May. And. And because it's really cool and I have a website says start thinking on my Facebook page. And so then I want to do is publicly speaking that I have a hero is Frank Stevens. And so because, well, he has been advocated for his personal life. And so his mom had Alzheimer's. And so because during that time, his mom had this news from her doctor says that you have Alzheimer's. And so. And then I. And then I would share another paradigm is that. That I want. That I want my own YouTube channel and also to advocate for people with disabilities and so to change their life with someone's touch and someone's heart to change in the world.
[00:49:53] Speaker B: Good job, Steve. What are you going to do with what you learned?
[00:49:58] Speaker F: Yes. So what I want to do is to keep on talking to my legislative people that can affect change. And one of my big thing is that I want to keep on learning, I keep on growing. I can advocate, I can do things now, but, but I just want to get a better and to, and to prove I pull on myself. I'm more, you know, more and more.
And to be a, truthfully, I wish I have taken this class about 20 to 25 I, years ago. I. Because I like, because I'm, cuz I'm, I believed in bounds at where, right where I am now.
[00:51:28] Speaker B: So much to learn. But, you know, now you've taken the class and now you have tools and so I wish you really good luck. And I know that all of you here will be able to take them and use them to the best of your knowledge.
[00:51:43] Speaker F: Hi. I do.
And I do. I just want to say one more thing.
I want to give, I want to give a big shout out to my two, on, my, two on my employer on Minnesota diversified industries, I'll forgive me, who gave me this opportunity.
And, and they are paying me actually. I go to this class. So that's good.
[00:52:24] Speaker B: Excellent. This is disability in progress. We've been speaking with class number 41, partners in policymaking.
Dennis, I somehow feel like you've gotten probably to talk the least. So I want to ask you if you have any final things you want to say.
[00:52:44] Speaker G: I guess what I would say is we're starting this company and we know that this is a one time thing that has great potential and that we see ourselves expanding into the metro area within the next ten years, servicing people with disabilities and helping them navigate all the systems that there are, be it state, county, federal school districts. We seem to work with it all and we envision ourselves being in the metro within the next ten years.
[00:53:24] Speaker B: Excellent. Well, good luck with that. And I'm glad you were able to be in partners in policymaking. I'm sure that has made a difference with a lot of the knowledge that you've gathered and things that you've learned.
[00:53:39] Speaker G: It has helped with the knowledge that we've learned, but also it helps us to learn to advocate for one another.
[00:53:48] Speaker B: Yeah, that's important.
All right, so I just want to thank you all for coming on. This has been great. And haha, hit my own mic.
Yeah. Thank you for coming on and I wish you guys the best of luck and I hope that I will be seeing you advocate more in the legislators because they really need people there to be advocating. So thank you again.
[00:54:18] Speaker A: Thank you.
[00:54:19] Speaker E: Thank you.
[00:54:20] Speaker D: Thank you.
[00:54:21] Speaker F: Thank you.
[00:54:22] Speaker B: You're welcome. This has been disability in progress.
The views expressed on this show is not necessarily those of KFAI or its board of directors. My name is Sam. I'm the host of this show. I want to remind you that if you're interested in getting our emailer, you can email
[email protected]. That's disability and progress all written
[email protected]. We will put you on your email list. We do not share emails. And we will email you the up and coming shows. I want to remind you, too, that this is on archives for two weeks. And also my trusty podcaster, Aaron. We'll be podcasting this, and it should be there forever.
So thank you for joining. Charlene Dahl is my research woman. This is cafe I 90.3 FM, minneapolis and cafei.org. Thanks for listening. Good night.
[00:55:21] Speaker A: You guys did a great job.
[00:55:23] Speaker B: Kfi dot.org.
