October 1, 2024 • 36 mins
This is a special episode that was recorded in front of a live audience at Land Grant Brewing as a part of the Columbus Foundation's Big Table events. Celebrity Emcee Alissa Henry, ABC6/FOX 28, guides panelists through hot topics that ensure adults with disabilities have the right to choose if they date, drink alcohol and where they work. Panelists include Angela Bellin (Boundless program leader for Economic Connections), Ana Santos (Boundless residential manager), Julius Ghee (Boundless Direct Support Professional for 20 years), Jen Adkins and Kassandra Trunk (adults served by Boundless). Our staff and individuals share what makes them feel included and respected and also what not to say.
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Episode Transcript
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BoBo (00:00):
(Music) Hello everyone, and welcome to the Boundless big
table. Thanks to everyone forcoming out tonight. Land Grant
brewing is honored to host thisBig Table event and invite
community members here to haveimportant conversations. We are
partnering with I am Boundless.
Boundless is a nonprofit who isthe largest service provider in
(00:20):
Ohio for individuals withintellectual and developmental
disabilities and behavioralhealth challenges. The Boundless
mission is to build a world thatrealizes the boundless potential
of all people. For more than 42years, boundless has provided
people with IDD and behavioralhealth challenges the freedom
and opportunity to liveboundless lives. From
residential support and jobtraining to counseling and
(00:42):
autism services, we proudlyoffer person centered care that
celebrates each individual andencourages them to become active
participants in the communitieswhere they live, work and play.
Let me introduce you to ouremcee for the evening, Alissa
Henry. Alissa is the host ofgood day extra on Fox 28 and is
the host of The Cash ExplosionShow airing weekly statewide.
(01:03):
Born and raised in Columbus,Alissa graduated from Ohio
University in Athens, and sheloves great conversations.
Connect with her on her socialpages @AlissaHenryTV. Give her a
warm welcome, y'all.
Alissa Henry (01:20):
Thank you, Bobo.
Hello, everyone! Hello. This isso exciting. I am very, very
honored to be a part of this BigTable talk tonight on such an
important topic with suchamazing panelists. So let me
introduce you to them. The Big
Table topic is (01:35):
How can the community be more inclusive for
adults with disabilities? And Icannot think of a more important
conversation that we could allbe having to give our input, but
also to learn a lot tonightalso. And so this is also part
of a monthly Boundless podcast,which is Boundless Abilities.
And you can visit that podcast,listen to some previous
(01:58):
episodes, really, really greatinformation. And just, you know,
listening to it, and this willbe a part of it. So tonight, we
hope to break some of thestigmas that exist regarding
adults with intellectual anddevelopmental disabilities.
We're going to mainly talk aboutthree areas that everyone has a
voice to choose. So adults withdisabilities have the right to
choose whether they want todrink alcohol or not. Our second
(02:22):
topic will be adults withdisabilities have the right to
choose whether they want to dateor not. Adults with disabilities
have the right to choose whetherthey want to work and what they
want to do for work. So let'smeet our panelists. I'll
introduce them one by one. Soraise your hand when I call your
name. It's Ana Santos. She isthe Boundless residential
manager for supported livinghomes. She's been at Boundless
(02:44):
for nearly five years. Then wehave Julius Ghee. He also works
at Boundless in a residentialhome and works with many adults
with disabilities every singleday. Jen Adkins. Jen is 49 and
does not look it at all. You'rebeautiful. And serves as her own
guardian at a Boundlesssupported living home. Jen can
(03:05):
share examples of when peoplemade her feel bad or told her
when she couldn't do something.
Angela Bellin works at Boundlessas an economic connection
specialist. She comes with awealth of knowledge serving
transition age adults withdisabilities. She oversees the
adults and their EconomicConnections Econ Group. And
speaking of econ group, KassTrunk, last but not least, she
(03:27):
is a part of the Boundless econgroup. She currently works full
time at Barks and Rec and helpswith boarding, pet care and
basic grooming. Give it up forour panelists. Okay, so
tonight's format is we're gonnaget the conversation started by
listening to the panelists.
Listen carefully because then wewant you to talk about the
(03:50):
topics at your table, hence thebig table, and then when they're
done, hopefully, as a group,you'll have some questions. We
have these cards on the tables,so you can fill out these cards,
and I'll read your questions,and we'll get the answers from
the panelists. So listen to whatthey're saying, talk amongst
yourself, write on the card, andit's gonna be a great night. And
(04:13):
we're gonna hope it does notrain on us. It's a perfect night
though. It's been so hot inColumbus, and this is, like, the
best night for thisconversation. I'm super excited.
All right, so first I'm going tostart with Ana. Ana, there's an
assumption that adults withdisabilities can't do what other
adults do, and sometimes thatleads to situations where an
adult with intellectual ordevelopmental disabilities is
(04:36):
treated like a child, forexample, learning to ride a bike
at an older age.
Ana Santos (04:42):
Yes, so we do have it to where a lot of our
individuals, because of theirlearning abilities and just
their personalities, can betreated not appropriately. So if
you- some of the misconceptionsis they only want to watch
Disney, or they only want towatch cartoons. Or they, but
they're adults, so we're notgiving them the opportunity to
(05:04):
explore like you and I would.
When it comes to things that wehave, I would say experience as
a young child like riding abike, they may have not been
able to do it, and so part ofour role is to encourage them
and empower them to learn thosethings at any age.
Alissa Henry (05:21):
Great answer. All right, Julius, I'll start with
you, then I'll open it up toeveryone else. How can we all be
more sensitive to the rights andchoices of those adults?
Julius Ghee (05:30):
I'll speak for myself. Being a caretaker,
protector, things of thatnature, I always want to make
sure our individuals are beingtaken care of to the best of how
we should have them be takencare of. With that being said,
there may be some times wherethings might be considered I'm
(05:54):
not sensitive to their rightsand choices because I'm so
concerned about what's best forthem, but I have to realize they
are adults. They have the rightto make choices, and they have
to have the right to learn fromthe mistakes they may make, you
know from those choices. Sobeing sympathetic, and we have
(06:17):
to understand that a lot oftimes they have not been allowed
to make choices on their own.
We've made choices for them,whether it's dinner, whether you
want to drink, you have to go today program today, we have to
allow them to make those choicesbecause they are grown adults
who just happen to have adisability.
Alissa Henry (06:38):
So important, allow them to make their own
choices. I want to open that upto everyone else. I'll start
with you. You can tell us, inyour opinion, how can we all be
more sensitive to the rights andchoices of those adults?
Angela Bellin (06:50):
I kind of want to piggyback on what was just said
about young adults, kind ofhitting milestones at a
different time. A lot of youngadults with disabilities or with
whatever they may not be able tohit those milestones at the same
(07:12):
time as their peers, but itdoesn't mean they're not going
to hit them. So maybe they don'tdrive at 16, or maybe they don't
move out of the house at 18, butmaybe they do it at 26 or maybe
they do it at 28. The fact thatit doesn't happen on the same
timeline as their peers doesn'tmean it doesn't happen, and I
(07:38):
think having conversationsaround what it looks like can
help us develop that kind of newnormal, or to have more
realistic expectations that justbecause it didn't happen doesn't
mean it's not going to.
Alissa Henry (07:55):
I like that. Just because it didn't happen yet
doesn't mean it's not going to.
That's great. What about you?
I'll ask you again, how can weall be more sensitive to the
rights and choices of thoseadults?
Kassandra Trunk (08:06):
Communication and patience and listening.
Because sometimes people justlike assume they know things,
but they haven't stopped to ask.
Ana Santos (08:18):
What do you need to be successful? Do you need
someone to show you how it'sdone and encourage you? Or do
you need someone to help youwhen you don't think you can do
it well?
Jen Adkins (08:34):
I need like help. I need like help. People can help
me stuff like that.
Ana Santos (08:41):
I think on our field, we just have to
understand that it is on theirtime. We can encourage and
there's times where we've evenlike worked for years to teach
someone even how to like zip upa jacket, and then when they
reach that milestone, it justmakes all that effort and just
like patience, like worth it. Sojust understanding it's on their
(09:02):
time, not ours.
Alissa Henry (09:03):
It's on their time. I like that.
Angela Bellin (09:05):
You have to meet people where they are.
Alissa Henry (09:08):
Jen, another question for you, how do you
feel when someone oversteps andtries to decide something for
you or limits your options?
Jen Adkins (09:20):
Yeah, because I like to when I like to do it.
Alissa Henry (09:23):
Because you want to do it for yourself.
Jen Adkins (09:25):
Yes.
Alissa Henry (09:25):
Absolutely. Anna, you work with adults with
disabilities and get to knowtheir families really well. What
should the mainstream publicknow about their world that
maybe they don't know?
Ana Santos (09:37):
That every day is an adventure. You can literally
have an outline, you know, eventhe simple going to a grocery
store or going down the streetto go see the family, it
sometimes does not always happenas planned. So just
understanding that there's a lotof flexibility. There has to be
a lot of compassion. And if youdon't understand, I encourage
(09:59):
you to look at their lives, orthat person's life through their
perspective, and really just notjudge and just have an open
mind.
Alissa Henry (10:09):
Keeping an open mind, so important. Julius, what
do you hear from adults that youwork with? What do they say
about the dating scene? Is therean age or ages that seem to be
more challenging than others? Imean, dating is a hot topic for
everybody, right?
Julius Ghee (10:27):
Well, the gentleman that I currently work with- one
is in a relationship, so I havehis example. But of course, he
loves his woman and everythingwhen he gets a chance to see
her. But it's not, I think wecould do a better job as far as
(10:48):
getting our individuals out, youknow, into the community, you
know, things like that, far ascoming to Land Grant or
whatever, um, but there's reallynot much. Like I said, he's,
he's fine seeing his woman whenhe wants to. I'm sure there's
others that are interested inhaving relationships and
boyfriends, girlfriends, whathave you. But just the the task
(11:11):
of making it happen. How do youmeet up? What interests do you
have? Just things like that. Andplus, we're so overprotective,
we don't want our individuals toget heartbroken and things like
that. So, yeah.
Alissa Henry (11:26):
But don't you think getting heartbroken is
just a part of dating?
Julius Ghee (11:29):
Yeah, but if you can avoid it, why not? You know,
especially when you live life,you learn experiences. We don't
want our individuals to gothrough that. You know, even
though a lot of them are a lotolder than us. We don't want
them to go through thosesituations we've gone through,
because it can make a shift aproblem. So we don't want that
(11:49):
happen. So
Alissa Henry (11:51):
All right, so Ana, Ana, I'm sorry, can you talk
about the benefits and growthopportunities for adults with
disabilities dating. Share yourexamples of Carol and Oscar with
us.
Ana Santos (12:02):
So I'm pigging back on Julius's story. We take care
of a gentleman who is in love.
He is actually dating anotherindividual in our program. They
met at his birthday party, andthey have just had a beautiful
relationship. It's we've had tokind of mentor them on
(12:23):
appropriate settings for likePDA and not calling each other
excessively. But we do, we dohave to think outside the box.
So we plan like monthly dates,sometimes two to three times a
month. He's taken her on somepretty extravagant dates. He
took her to like the Lion King.
(12:46):
He buys her gifts. He buys herflowers. So just seeing those
two is just you can't help butlike, feel love and just like,
smile like, it's such abeautiful thing. And I think it
just shows that he's in his 70s,and she's in her 60s, and it's
like their first love. It'sjust, it's beautiful. So I think
(13:09):
understanding that they want thesame things as us. They want to
be in love, they want to getmarried, they want to have their
first kiss. I mean, we all takethat so granted, like for
granted, and I think justunderstanding that they have the
same rights and feelings as youand I would.
Angela Bellin (13:29):
I have a great story to tell. Just this week, a
young man had his first kiss,and this was a conversation that
he had with me and he wasthrilled about it. He just loves
his girlfriend and is goingthrough these kind of emotions.
(13:52):
And it was such a precious andtender moment to have someone
share. But it just reminds youthat this, we're- this is the
human experience. This is whatwe're all going through
together. What 22 year olddoesn't kiss someone and think,
what happens? What you know,what happens next? It's just a
(14:14):
really precious thing to be apart of with these young adults,
and no matter what it looks liketo them. It's individual. And
that's the important thing is.
Like I said a minute ago, islike to meet people where they
are. What that experience forthem is, what that is.
Alissa Henry (14:33):
Well, switching from dating, we're going to talk
about Econ. So Angela, tell uswhat Econ is. How do you work
with adults to find themsustainable employment? And what
barriers and misconceptions doemployers sometimes have when
they talk about and they thinkabout hiring someone with
intellectual or developmentaldisabilities?
Angela Bellin (14:53):
That is such a good question. So there, there
are a few parts to that. Thefirst part of the question was,
what is Economic Connections? SoEconomic Connections is a
program that is unique toBoundless, which is the largest
statewide organization to eventackle the subject and to have
(15:17):
this type of programming.
Economic Connections works withyoung adults who are mid 20s,
who want to get in the workforcein a real way. They want to be
employed full time. They can getthemselves from place to place.
They're ready to really makethose economic connections that
are sustainable. They learnabout budgeting, they learn
(15:40):
about moving out on their own.
They learn about, you know,getting their first kiss and and
having these conversations. Butthat's the young adult
population I work with. The nextpart of that question that you
asked is (15:55):
What is a barrier? And I think this kind of goes back
to what we've kind of touched ona lot, is that infantilizing
concept of you didn't do it atthis time, so it can't happen,
or it didn't happen at this age,so it's not going to happen. And
(16:19):
that's a huge barrier, becausethat's not the case.
Transportation is a big thing.
It's a huge barrier in thispopulation, and I'm going to
highlight Kass for a minute.
When Kass and I first met, shewas working full time, but she
was using COTA to get aroundfrom place to place, and within
(16:41):
the last year, has been able toget her driver's license and get
a larger full time position. Shehas a car now she can get
herself from place to that's ahumongous barrier. Yeah, yeah,
no, yeah. Well, and she's doneall the work. But those are the
kind of steps, those are thekind of barriers that just
(17:04):
because it didn't happen at 16doesn't mean it didn't can't
happen at 26 and you can accessthe community, and you can tap
into the economy, and that'skind of what Boundless has
really pledged itself to supportthis age group in doing.
Alissa Henry (17:24):
Congratulations, Cass, on getting your license
and a car. That's fantastic. Howhas being a part of Econ helped
you in your work and in yourlife? And you could talk a
little bit about where you worknow.
Kassandra Trunk (17:36):
Being a part of Econ has been fun. I get to meet
everyone else that's a part ofEcon, and we get to learn and
grow off each other. I've got todo some things I didn't think
I'd get to do that I've donewith Econ. I work at Barks and
Rec. It's a doggy daycare, and Ireally like working there,
(18:00):
because even though it's realfaded on the door, they have a
sticker that says it's a safespace, and it really is. It
really feels safe. I got todisplay and sell art because
I've done art practically all mylife, but I've never actually
tried to sell it or show it offbefore. So that was definitely
(18:21):
an adventure and fun.
Alissa Henry (18:23):
What kind of art do you do?
Kassandra Trunk (18:25):
Currently do watercolor and digital.
Ana Santos (18:29):
Oh, cool.
Alissa Henry (18:30):
That's great.
Fantastic. Very talented. Okay,Angela, you spend a lot of time
with the adults that you workwith. What is one of their
biggest frustrations? And dothey talk to you about other
people making choices for them?
I know we touched on this just alittle bit earlier.
Angela Bellin (18:46):
That could be the biggest frustration. Honestly, I
think you just hit on it. Thebiggest frustration is that
other people make choices orhave a voice for them. I can't
tell you how many times a week Ihave this conversation, and and
kudos to Boundless because thesupervisors support autonomy so
(19:08):
hard that's one of the biggestthings. When young adults come
into their own, they start toreach this maturity, from 18 to
20 to 22 to 24 they can say,hey, mom, dad, step back, or
hey, team of however many peoplestep back, like I'm starting to
(19:33):
find my voice. That's probablythe biggest challenge, I think.
And it also is on the other sideof that. It's the biggest
reward, because once that voiceis found it, you can't stop it.
I mean, you can't, you can'tclose it up.
Alissa Henry (19:51):
I like that. Well, I'll talk to Jen and Kass next.
Jen. I'll start with you, Jen,can you please share a piece of
advice for our audience and howthey can make adults with
disabilities feel morecomfortable?
Jen Adkins (20:06):
Well, people have been nice to me and believe in
me. I do have a job too. I workat doggy daycare too. Yeah,
right by the Boundless office.
The new Boundless office. I likeworking with the dogs.
Alissa Henry (20:21):
Yeah.
It seems like thepets are in great hands with
Jen Adkins (20:22):
Yes.
you.
Yeah they are.
Alissa Henry (20:26):
Kass, can you please share a piece of advice
for our audience and how youfeel they can make adults with
disabilities feel morecomfortable?
Kassandra Trunk (20:34):
Since everyone's a little different
from each other, not everysolution fits all. So we like
communicate like a task orsomething you're gonna
accomplish, if it makes someonecomfortable, if they need help
with it, basically where theystand on completing this task
and stuff, for example.
Alissa Henry (20:54):
That's great. Are there times that you felt like,
valued and included? And howdoes that make you feel?
Kassandra Trunk (21:01):
It makes me feel real good. Makes me feel
appreciated and glad I was ableto help.
Alissa Henry (21:08):
I think all of us can agree that when you feel
valued and you feel included,and whether you're with people
that you know, we don't knowthat well or in a new situation,
I mean all of that, I think allof us can agree that it makes
you feel good when you areincluded. So I want to ask this
is a question for the entiregroup, but I'll start with you,
Ana. Awareness is huge whenwe're talking about all of this.
(21:29):
And there have been TV showslike Love on the Spectrum and
Down With Love that starredadults with disabilities. Now do
you, have you seen these shows?
Do you think these shows arerealistic? Do they help the
general public understandbetter, or do you think they
cause more misinformation?
Ana Santos (21:47):
So I would I have seen both of them. I do think
that they are really, reallygreat shows. I think they do
show, you know, the funny sideof it, but I also do think that
they show both perspectives fromthe families as well as the
adults that are trying to date.
I think it's interesting to seethe different dynamics. Because,
you know, saying that you want aboyfriend or a girlfriend, but
(22:07):
not truly understanding, like,what does that mean? Does that
mean I like a tall guy? Doesthat mean I like a short guy?
Like, so what we try to do forsome of our folks is we really
try to narrow it down. Like,what is your preference in male
or female? And if you don't,let's let's see what's out
there. So yeah.
Alissa Henry (22:27):
What about you, Julius? Have you seen these
shows? You have any thoughts onthem? Have you heard any
conversations around theseshows?
Julius Ghee (22:32):
I have not seen the shows, but I think if we take
the disability part out of it, Ithink we all probably could fit
those whatever's going on in theshow, regarding our decision
making, regarding choosing amate spouse, how we interact
with one another, as far asgenders and everything like
that. I mean, at the end of theday, I think everyone wants to
(22:56):
be treated regularly, regardlessof a disability, you know,
mental capacity. It doesn'tmatter. People love what they
want to love. And, you know,whatever makes people happy,
that's what makes them happy, sobut yeah, whatever
Alissa Henry (23:11):
makes them happy.
Angela, have you seen theseshows? You have anything you
want to say about them?
Angela Bellin (23:15):
I have, I think they're adorable. I'm all about
those kind of shows, I think themore light you can shine in
corners or darker spaces, themore conversations you can have,
which is why we're here today. Ithink it's great. I think
they're hilarious andentertaining. And I also, I also
(23:35):
think that they've done a nicejob with casting. I think
there's a diversity in thecasting, and it's entertaining
enough that it gets the pointacross, but it's not
exploitative. So I think they'vedone a nice job. Yeah, are they
casting for the next season?
Alissa Henry (23:56):
We'll let you know. We'll find out. We'll find
out. Let you guys know. Gotanybody interested in Love on
the Spectrum and Down With Love?
Okay, so at this time, we justtalked about a lot of different
topics, and we're not done yet,so please take one of these
cards that are on your table.
Talk about what you learnedtonight, and then write down any
(24:17):
questions you have for any ofthe panelists. We would like at
least one question from eachgroup. So we're putting you on
the spot there, but we'll giveyou a few minutes to shout
amongst yourselves, come up withyour questions, and then we will
talk a little bit more (music).
All right, thank you all forsubmitting your questions.
(24:39):
That's the great thing about TheBig Table is that it is a
conversation, and so thank youfor taking the time to have some
conversation amongst yourselvesand then also submit some
questions for our panel. Theyhaven't read these, so let's see
how it goes. All right. Where doyou intervene when you feel a
relationship is toxic or ifguardians won't approve of it? I
(25:02):
think that's a question for Ana,maybe Julius, Angela, if you
have something you want to say.
Ana Santos (25:09):
I think the one thing to remember is no matter
how uncomfortable thatconversation can be about it
being toxic or hindering thegrowth that the person can have
and possibly violating therights is our sole purpose,
besides making sure individualsare safe and healthy, is we are
(25:31):
their advocate. So they look tous to be their voice, especially
when it's not being heard, aswell as being their number one
fan.
Alissa Henry (25:42):
Yeah, the number one fan. I like that. This next
one is for Jen and Kass. What'ssomething you enjoy doing that
may surprise people? I'll startwith you, Jen, something you may
enjoy doing that may surprisepeople?
Jen Adkins (25:58):
Go on a date.
Alissa Henry (25:59):
Go on a date. I love it. What's your ideal date
like? Is it a restaurant andmovies? Where do you want to go
on a date?
Jen Adkins (26:09):
I like to do both restaurant in the movies too.
Alissa Henry (26:13):
Like it, dinner and a movie. Love it. What about
you, Kass? What's something youenjoy doing that may surprise
people?
Kassandra Trunk (26:20):
Make and wear cosplays to conventions.
Alissa Henry (26:23):
Fun. Is there any certain character you like to
dress up as the most often?
Kassandra Trunk (26:29):
Currently, the one I have the most completed is
an Among us character.
Alissa Henry (26:35):
There's some great conventions in Columbus. There's
Ohio con, all kinds ofconventions. Okay. The next
question is, at what age do youfeel, I'll ask you, Julius, at
what age do you feel would be aresponsible age to drink, and do
you base it on maturity?
Julius Ghee (26:54):
I'll say the legal age of 21 because you can enjoy
drinking in a good way. As longas you prepare yourself, you
know that you might have to eatfirst. You know you may have to
drink some water. Some peoplesome people drink for taste,
some people drink for feeling.
So it depends on whatever yourpreference is. So as long as you
(27:16):
do the proper research andyou're responsible, have at it.
Alissa Henry (27:21):
All right. Legal age of 21 all right. Kass and
Jen, start with you. Kass, canyou give an example of a
misconception that you havefaced?
Kassandra Trunk (27:32):
That just because I don't always
understand everything thateveryone's talking about or I'm
up to speed, doesn't mean I'mnot smart
Alissa Henry (27:43):
I like that one.
What about you, Jen?
Jen Adkins (27:48):
Well, people call me the I'm slow, but I'm not slow,
but at all.
Alissa Henry (27:52):
Important to fight those misconceptions. So this
question said, I like thestatement about meeting people
where they are. How do you startthe conversation by being
respectful and helpful, notassuming and facilitating a
conversation that flows? Do youwant to answer that, Angela?
Angela Bellin (28:10):
Yeah, yeah, of course. Think that's a great
question. How do you be how doyou meet somebody respectfully
where they are? You ask them howto help. How can I support you?
How, what? How? What can I do?
How did we get to this placewhere we're having this
conversation? And how can Ihelp? What can I do to support
you? That's the easiest way toopen the door. And then that
(28:34):
conversation can kind of flow,because nobody's answer is going
to be the same. No one is goingto have the same answer to that,
but that's that's kind of thekey is let, let me know how I
can support you, because that'swhy I'm here.
Ana Santos (28:51):
In order to gain trust. I think that's one of the
most challenging things that wehave in when we in our field,
is, especially when you are newto them, is you have to build
trust, and so I think thatcommunication is key. So filling
them in on things, even thoughthey may not agree with it or
(29:12):
quite understand it or arehesitant themselves, I think you
telling them that, hey, we'regoing to be there to support
them, and we're here to alsosupport you as well. Just
building that bond and thatconnection goes so much further
than hiding or being sneaky andnot communicating. Our whole
goal is, even though your childdoes not live at your home
(29:32):
anymore, we still want you to bea part of their lives.
Angela Bellin (29:37):
That could be the most important thing that if
that was said tonight, honestly.
I think what you said is so spoton, gaining that trust and
having that conversation. Andyes, there are legalities, and
yes, people are guardians, andthere is all that but, but those
people don't exist without theirfamily and and really opening
that and letting. People knowthat we're here to support you,
(30:00):
and it may not look the same wayas it did when they were 18 or
when they were 15 or when theywere in school. Really keeping
that door open, I think, isprobably the most important
thing we've said this evening.
Ana Santos (30:13):
Yeah and then, like, even if you do have a
disagreement or you're notseeing eye to eye as a team,
giving that space and proving tothem whether it's actions or
allowing them to really ponderon it and see the both pros and
cons of whatever the topic is.
Again, not it's their time. Soif it's something that you
presented a week, and you giveit a week or you give it longer,
(30:35):
again, it's just showing themthat you're not just there and
saying, Oh, well, because I'm aprofessional, I know what to do.
No like it has to be acollective group effort.
Alissa Henry (30:46):
Lots of questions for Kass and Jen tonight. So
Jen, I'll start with you. Sharesomething else about yourself
that you want others to know.
Jen Adkins (30:55):
I'm smart and I'm fun.
Alissa Henry (30:58):
Smart and fun. I love that.
Kassandra Trunk (31:00):
I like adventure and trying new things.
Alissa Henry (31:03):
That's awesome. I like that when the other
question was talking about, youknow, starting a conversation
respectful and helpful. And inmy non expert opinion, but in my
expert opinion of talking to allkinds of different people, I
think that you just, you justfind commonalities, and you just
talk to everyone like you wouldtalk to anyone. That's what I
(31:24):
that's something I've learnedjust in my in my line of work,
because you do encounter a lotof people who are different from
you in all kinds of ways,whether that be ability, gender,
race, all kinds of things. Andso I think that you just find
those commonalities, and youjust have a conversation with
the way you talk to anyone isthe way you talk to everyone. So
that would be my and I like I'veenjoyed hearing about hearing
(31:45):
about you, everybody here on thepanel. Okay, so the last
question we have here is,compared to other cities,
similar to Columbus, do youthink Columbus is more
inclusive, about the same, orless inclusive for people with
disabilities? And I don't knowwhat your different experiences
with different cities, butwhoever wants to chime in,
(32:06):
please do start with you,Angela.
Angela Bellin (32:09):
I'm happy to chime in on this one. Columbus
is an incredibly inclusive city,and I have lived in Charleston,
South Carolina, San Francisco,California and Columbus, Ohio.
So I do have a little bit of areference as to what different
cities look like. Columbusprides itself on economics and
(32:32):
economic inclusion, and thereare businesses that are yearning
to and thriving with inclusionas a pillar is, with that in
mind, how do we move forward?
There are businesses coming toColumbus because of the
inclusivity. There arebusinesses in Columbus that are
(32:55):
completely neurodiverse. Thisyou don't see these types of
things in other cities. Iabsolutely applaud Columbus and
kind of the politics behind whathas made it so for us, there's a
lot of opportunity for inclusionin Columbus, and it really does
(33:21):
differ from other cities. It
Ana Santos (33:26):
I would have to definitely agree. I'm not from
really does.
here, but I will say it is milesaway from where I'm originally
from. I think obviously there'sstill always room for growth,
but I think it's really excitingto see how excited Columbus is
and is willing to expand andexperiment and just really take
(33:48):
it on full front, instead ofjust say they're going to do
something, but not really showthat effort.
Angela Bellin (33:55):
I tell you what, we've never had this
conversation in any other cityI've lived in, so I think that's
a really good example. Thisconversation is happening right
here, right now, and I've neverbeen a part of something like
this before. So (music).
Alissa Henry (34:15):
100 points for Columbus.
Angela Bellin (34:16):
Kind of makes it kind of makes the statement on
its own right.
Alissa Henry (34:20):
Well, I do want to give you all an opportunity to
add anything else. If you'vebeen thinking this whole time,
there's something you reallywanted to say, this is your
opportunity to do that. So ifyou, any of you, Jen kass,
Julius, Ana, Angela, if you haveanything else you want to add,
if not, that's okay. I knowwe've gotten to a lot of
different topics. Or if anyonein the audience has another
question they want to ask, thisis the opportunity to do that.
Julius Ghee (34:40):
I think there's been some sort of a stigma, I
guess, placed on the communityregarding interacting with our
individuals. You know, in thecommunity, things of that
nature, what? When I'm out withmy guys, people in general, just
love them like they justattract. These people. People
(35:02):
want to talk to my guys. Um,we're just out doing what we do.
And hey guys, how are you? Um,couple of my guys, we go bowling
once a week. Every Wednesday, wego in. The guy sees is coming.
He knows to set up the lane. Heyguys, the usual business.
They're on a first name basis atthis point in the regular league
(35:24):
bowlers. Hey, how are you guysdoing today? So, and there's a
lot more of our individuals thatare in the community, but
they're just not out, you know?
So, but the experiences thatI've had people are just they
treat them like anybody else,and they don't make them feel
differently because of how theirpersonalities are. Columbus is,
(35:46):
you can't get along in Columbusit's over like we welcome
everybody so, but yeah, that'sjust my experience with, you
know, being in the communitywith individuals. So, yep.
Alissa Henry (36:00):
Well thank you guys all for coming. Thank you
to Boundless for facilitatingthis conversation, the Columbus
Foundation, the Big Table.
Thank you to Scott Lightly.
Thank you for all the podcastlisteners. This has been a great
conversation. How can thecommunity be more inclusive for
adults with disabilities? Thankyou.
(Music) Hello everyone, and welcome to the Boundless big
table. Thanks to everyone forcoming out tonight. Land Grant
brewing is honored to host thisBig Table event and invite
community members here to haveimportant conversations. We are
partnering with I am Boundless.
Boundless is a nonprofit who isthe largest service provider in
(00:20):
Ohio for individuals withintellectual and developmental
disabilities and behavioralhealth challenges. The Boundless
mission is to build a world thatrealizes the boundless potential
of all people. For more than 42years, boundless has provided
people with IDD and behavioralhealth challenges the freedom
and opportunity to liveboundless lives. From
residential support and jobtraining to counseling and
(00:42):
autism services, we proudlyoffer person centered care that
celebrates each individual andencourages them to become active
participants in the communitieswhere they live, work and play.
Let me introduce you to ouremcee for the evening, Alissa
Henry. Alissa is the host ofgood day extra on Fox 28 and is
the host of The Cash ExplosionShow airing weekly statewide.
(01:03):
Born and raised in Columbus,Alissa graduated from Ohio
University in Athens, and sheloves great conversations.
Connect with her on her socialpages @AlissaHenryTV. Give her a
warm welcome, y'all.
Alissa Henry (01:20):
Thank you, Bobo.
Hello, everyone! Hello. This isso exciting. I am very, very
honored to be a part of this BigTable talk tonight on such an
important topic with suchamazing panelists. So let me
introduce you to them. The Big
Table topic is (01:35):
How can the community be more inclusive for
adults with disabilities? And Icannot think of a more important
conversation that we could allbe having to give our input, but
also to learn a lot tonightalso. And so this is also part
of a monthly Boundless podcast,which is Boundless Abilities.
And you can visit that podcast,listen to some previous
(01:58):
episodes, really, really greatinformation. And just, you know,
listening to it, and this willbe a part of it. So tonight, we
hope to break some of thestigmas that exist regarding
adults with intellectual anddevelopmental disabilities.
We're going to mainly talk aboutthree areas that everyone has a
voice to choose. So adults withdisabilities have the right to
choose whether they want todrink alcohol or not. Our second
(02:22):
topic will be adults withdisabilities have the right to
choose whether they want to dateor not. Adults with disabilities
have the right to choose whetherthey want to work and what they
want to do for work. So let'smeet our panelists. I'll
introduce them one by one. Soraise your hand when I call your
name. It's Ana Santos. She isthe Boundless residential
manager for supported livinghomes. She's been at Boundless
(02:44):
for nearly five years. Then wehave Julius Ghee. He also works
at Boundless in a residentialhome and works with many adults
with disabilities every singleday. Jen Adkins. Jen is 49 and
does not look it at all. You'rebeautiful. And serves as her own
guardian at a Boundlesssupported living home. Jen can
(03:05):
share examples of when peoplemade her feel bad or told her
when she couldn't do something.
Angela Bellin works at Boundlessas an economic connection
specialist. She comes with awealth of knowledge serving
transition age adults withdisabilities. She oversees the
adults and their EconomicConnections Econ Group. And
speaking of econ group, KassTrunk, last but not least, she
(03:27):
is a part of the Boundless econgroup. She currently works full
time at Barks and Rec and helpswith boarding, pet care and
basic grooming. Give it up forour panelists. Okay, so
tonight's format is we're gonnaget the conversation started by
listening to the panelists.
Listen carefully because then wewant you to talk about the
(03:50):
topics at your table, hence thebig table, and then when they're
done, hopefully, as a group,you'll have some questions. We
have these cards on the tables,so you can fill out these cards,
and I'll read your questions,and we'll get the answers from
the panelists. So listen to whatthey're saying, talk amongst
yourself, write on the card, andit's gonna be a great night. And
(04:13):
we're gonna hope it does notrain on us. It's a perfect night
though. It's been so hot inColumbus, and this is, like, the
best night for thisconversation. I'm super excited.
All right, so first I'm going tostart with Ana. Ana, there's an
assumption that adults withdisabilities can't do what other
adults do, and sometimes thatleads to situations where an
adult with intellectual ordevelopmental disabilities is
(04:36):
treated like a child, forexample, learning to ride a bike
at an older age.
Ana Santos (04:42):
Yes, so we do have it to where a lot of our
individuals, because of theirlearning abilities and just
their personalities, can betreated not appropriately. So if
you- some of the misconceptionsis they only want to watch
Disney, or they only want towatch cartoons. Or they, but
they're adults, so we're notgiving them the opportunity to
(05:04):
explore like you and I would.
When it comes to things that wehave, I would say experience as
a young child like riding abike, they may have not been
able to do it, and so part ofour role is to encourage them
and empower them to learn thosethings at any age.
Alissa Henry (05:21):
Great answer. All right, Julius, I'll start with
you, then I'll open it up toeveryone else. How can we all be
more sensitive to the rights andchoices of those adults?
Julius Ghee (05:30):
I'll speak for myself. Being a caretaker,
protector, things of thatnature, I always want to make
sure our individuals are beingtaken care of to the best of how
we should have them be takencare of. With that being said,
there may be some times wherethings might be considered I'm
(05:54):
not sensitive to their rightsand choices because I'm so
concerned about what's best forthem, but I have to realize they
are adults. They have the rightto make choices, and they have
to have the right to learn fromthe mistakes they may make, you
know from those choices. Sobeing sympathetic, and we have
(06:17):
to understand that a lot oftimes they have not been allowed
to make choices on their own.
We've made choices for them,whether it's dinner, whether you
want to drink, you have to go today program today, we have to
allow them to make those choicesbecause they are grown adults
who just happen to have adisability.
Alissa Henry (06:38):
So important, allow them to make their own
choices. I want to open that upto everyone else. I'll start
with you. You can tell us, inyour opinion, how can we all be
more sensitive to the rights andchoices of those adults?
Angela Bellin (06:50):
I kind of want to piggyback on what was just said
about young adults, kind ofhitting milestones at a
different time. A lot of youngadults with disabilities or with
whatever they may not be able tohit those milestones at the same
(07:12):
time as their peers, but itdoesn't mean they're not going
to hit them. So maybe they don'tdrive at 16, or maybe they don't
move out of the house at 18, butmaybe they do it at 26 or maybe
they do it at 28. The fact thatit doesn't happen on the same
timeline as their peers doesn'tmean it doesn't happen, and I
(07:38):
think having conversationsaround what it looks like can
help us develop that kind of newnormal, or to have more
realistic expectations that justbecause it didn't happen doesn't
mean it's not going to.
Alissa Henry (07:55):
I like that. Just because it didn't happen yet
doesn't mean it's not going to.
That's great. What about you?
I'll ask you again, how can weall be more sensitive to the
rights and choices of thoseadults?
Kassandra Trunk (08:06):
Communication and patience and listening.
Because sometimes people justlike assume they know things,
but they haven't stopped to ask.
Ana Santos (08:18):
What do you need to be successful? Do you need
someone to show you how it'sdone and encourage you? Or do
you need someone to help youwhen you don't think you can do
it well?
Jen Adkins (08:34):
I need like help. I need like help. People can help
me stuff like that.
Ana Santos (08:41):
I think on our field, we just have to
understand that it is on theirtime. We can encourage and
there's times where we've evenlike worked for years to teach
someone even how to like zip upa jacket, and then when they
reach that milestone, it justmakes all that effort and just
like patience, like worth it. Sojust understanding it's on their
(09:02):
time, not ours.
Alissa Henry (09:03):
It's on their time. I like that.
Angela Bellin (09:05):
You have to meet people where they are.
Alissa Henry (09:08):
Jen, another question for you, how do you
feel when someone oversteps andtries to decide something for
you or limits your options?
Jen Adkins (09:20):
Yeah, because I like to when I like to do it.
Alissa Henry (09:23):
Because you want to do it for yourself.
Jen Adkins (09:25):
Yes.
Alissa Henry (09:25):
Absolutely. Anna, you work with adults with
disabilities and get to knowtheir families really well. What
should the mainstream publicknow about their world that
maybe they don't know?
Ana Santos (09:37):
That every day is an adventure. You can literally
have an outline, you know, eventhe simple going to a grocery
store or going down the streetto go see the family, it
sometimes does not always happenas planned. So just
understanding that there's a lotof flexibility. There has to be
a lot of compassion. And if youdon't understand, I encourage
(09:59):
you to look at their lives, orthat person's life through their
perspective, and really just notjudge and just have an open
mind.
Alissa Henry (10:09):
Keeping an open mind, so important. Julius, what
do you hear from adults that youwork with? What do they say
about the dating scene? Is therean age or ages that seem to be
more challenging than others? Imean, dating is a hot topic for
everybody, right?
Julius Ghee (10:27):
Well, the gentleman that I currently work with- one
is in a relationship, so I havehis example. But of course, he
loves his woman and everythingwhen he gets a chance to see
her. But it's not, I think wecould do a better job as far as
(10:48):
getting our individuals out, youknow, into the community, you
know, things like that, far ascoming to Land Grant or
whatever, um, but there's reallynot much. Like I said, he's,
he's fine seeing his woman whenhe wants to. I'm sure there's
others that are interested inhaving relationships and
boyfriends, girlfriends, whathave you. But just the the task
(11:11):
of making it happen. How do youmeet up? What interests do you
have? Just things like that. Andplus, we're so overprotective,
we don't want our individuals toget heartbroken and things like
that. So, yeah.
Alissa Henry (11:26):
But don't you think getting heartbroken is
just a part of dating?
Julius Ghee (11:29):
Yeah, but if you can avoid it, why not? You know,
especially when you live life,you learn experiences. We don't
want our individuals to gothrough that. You know, even
though a lot of them are a lotolder than us. We don't want
them to go through thosesituations we've gone through,
because it can make a shift aproblem. So we don't want that
(11:49):
happen. So
Alissa Henry (11:51):
All right, so Ana, Ana, I'm sorry, can you talk
about the benefits and growthopportunities for adults with
disabilities dating. Share yourexamples of Carol and Oscar with
us.
Ana Santos (12:02):
So I'm pigging back on Julius's story. We take care
of a gentleman who is in love.
He is actually dating anotherindividual in our program. They
met at his birthday party, andthey have just had a beautiful
relationship. It's we've had tokind of mentor them on
(12:23):
appropriate settings for likePDA and not calling each other
excessively. But we do, we dohave to think outside the box.
So we plan like monthly dates,sometimes two to three times a
month. He's taken her on somepretty extravagant dates. He
took her to like the Lion King.
(12:46):
He buys her gifts. He buys herflowers. So just seeing those
two is just you can't help butlike, feel love and just like,
smile like, it's such abeautiful thing. And I think it
just shows that he's in his 70s,and she's in her 60s, and it's
like their first love. It'sjust, it's beautiful. So I think
(13:09):
understanding that they want thesame things as us. They want to
be in love, they want to getmarried, they want to have their
first kiss. I mean, we all takethat so granted, like for
granted, and I think justunderstanding that they have the
same rights and feelings as youand I would.
Angela Bellin (13:29):
I have a great story to tell. Just this week, a
young man had his first kiss,and this was a conversation that
he had with me and he wasthrilled about it. He just loves
his girlfriend and is goingthrough these kind of emotions.
(13:52):
And it was such a precious andtender moment to have someone
share. But it just reminds youthat this, we're- this is the
human experience. This is whatwe're all going through
together. What 22 year olddoesn't kiss someone and think,
what happens? What you know,what happens next? It's just a
(14:14):
really precious thing to be apart of with these young adults,
and no matter what it looks liketo them. It's individual. And
that's the important thing is.
Like I said a minute ago, islike to meet people where they
are. What that experience forthem is, what that is.
Alissa Henry (14:33):
Well, switching from dating, we're going to talk
about Econ. So Angela, tell uswhat Econ is. How do you work
with adults to find themsustainable employment? And what
barriers and misconceptions doemployers sometimes have when
they talk about and they thinkabout hiring someone with
intellectual or developmentaldisabilities?
Angela Bellin (14:53):
That is such a good question. So there, there
are a few parts to that. Thefirst part of the question was,
what is Economic Connections? SoEconomic Connections is a
program that is unique toBoundless, which is the largest
statewide organization to eventackle the subject and to have
(15:17):
this type of programming.
Economic Connections works withyoung adults who are mid 20s,
who want to get in the workforcein a real way. They want to be
employed full time. They can getthemselves from place to place.
They're ready to really makethose economic connections that
are sustainable. They learnabout budgeting, they learn
(15:40):
about moving out on their own.
They learn about, you know,getting their first kiss and and
having these conversations. Butthat's the young adult
population I work with. The nextpart of that question that you
asked is (15:55):
What is a barrier? And I think this kind of goes back
to what we've kind of touched ona lot, is that infantilizing
concept of you didn't do it atthis time, so it can't happen,
or it didn't happen at this age,so it's not going to happen. And
(16:19):
that's a huge barrier, becausethat's not the case.
Transportation is a big thing.
It's a huge barrier in thispopulation, and I'm going to
highlight Kass for a minute.
When Kass and I first met, shewas working full time, but she
was using COTA to get aroundfrom place to place, and within
(16:41):
the last year, has been able toget her driver's license and get
a larger full time position. Shehas a car now she can get
herself from place to that's ahumongous barrier. Yeah, yeah,
no, yeah. Well, and she's doneall the work. But those are the
kind of steps, those are thekind of barriers that just
(17:04):
because it didn't happen at 16doesn't mean it didn't can't
happen at 26 and you can accessthe community, and you can tap
into the economy, and that'skind of what Boundless has
really pledged itself to supportthis age group in doing.
Alissa Henry (17:24):
Congratulations, Cass, on getting your license
and a car. That's fantastic. Howhas being a part of Econ helped
you in your work and in yourlife? And you could talk a
little bit about where you worknow.
Kassandra Trunk (17:36):
Being a part of Econ has been fun. I get to meet
everyone else that's a part ofEcon, and we get to learn and
grow off each other. I've got todo some things I didn't think
I'd get to do that I've donewith Econ. I work at Barks and
Rec. It's a doggy daycare, and Ireally like working there,
(18:00):
because even though it's realfaded on the door, they have a
sticker that says it's a safespace, and it really is. It
really feels safe. I got todisplay and sell art because
I've done art practically all mylife, but I've never actually
tried to sell it or show it offbefore. So that was definitely
(18:21):
an adventure and fun.
Alissa Henry (18:23):
What kind of art do you do?
Kassandra Trunk (18:25):
Currently do watercolor and digital.
Ana Santos (18:29):
Oh, cool.
Alissa Henry (18:30):
That's great.
Fantastic. Very talented. Okay,Angela, you spend a lot of time
with the adults that you workwith. What is one of their
biggest frustrations? And dothey talk to you about other
people making choices for them?
I know we touched on this just alittle bit earlier.
Angela Bellin (18:46):
That could be the biggest frustration. Honestly, I
think you just hit on it. Thebiggest frustration is that
other people make choices orhave a voice for them. I can't
tell you how many times a week Ihave this conversation, and and
kudos to Boundless because thesupervisors support autonomy so
(19:08):
hard that's one of the biggestthings. When young adults come
into their own, they start toreach this maturity, from 18 to
20 to 22 to 24 they can say,hey, mom, dad, step back, or
hey, team of however many peoplestep back, like I'm starting to
(19:33):
find my voice. That's probablythe biggest challenge, I think.
And it also is on the other sideof that. It's the biggest
reward, because once that voiceis found it, you can't stop it.
I mean, you can't, you can'tclose it up.
Alissa Henry (19:51):
I like that. Well, I'll talk to Jen and Kass next.
Jen. I'll start with you, Jen,can you please share a piece of
advice for our audience and howthey can make adults with
disabilities feel morecomfortable?
Jen Adkins (20:06):
Well, people have been nice to me and believe in
me. I do have a job too. I workat doggy daycare too. Yeah,
right by the Boundless office.
The new Boundless office. I likeworking with the dogs.
Alissa Henry (20:21):
Yeah.
It seems like thepets are in great hands with
Jen Adkins (20:22):
Yes.
you.
Yeah they are.
Alissa Henry (20:26):
Kass, can you please share a piece of advice
for our audience and how youfeel they can make adults with
disabilities feel morecomfortable?
Kassandra Trunk (20:34):
Since everyone's a little different
from each other, not everysolution fits all. So we like
communicate like a task orsomething you're gonna
accomplish, if it makes someonecomfortable, if they need help
with it, basically where theystand on completing this task
and stuff, for example.
Alissa Henry (20:54):
That's great. Are there times that you felt like,
valued and included? And howdoes that make you feel?
Kassandra Trunk (21:01):
It makes me feel real good. Makes me feel
appreciated and glad I was ableto help.
Alissa Henry (21:08):
I think all of us can agree that when you feel
valued and you feel included,and whether you're with people
that you know, we don't knowthat well or in a new situation,
I mean all of that, I think allof us can agree that it makes
you feel good when you areincluded. So I want to ask this
is a question for the entiregroup, but I'll start with you,
Ana. Awareness is huge whenwe're talking about all of this.
(21:29):
And there have been TV showslike Love on the Spectrum and
Down With Love that starredadults with disabilities. Now do
you, have you seen these shows?
Do you think these shows arerealistic? Do they help the
general public understandbetter, or do you think they
cause more misinformation?
Ana Santos (21:47):
So I would I have seen both of them. I do think
that they are really, reallygreat shows. I think they do
show, you know, the funny sideof it, but I also do think that
they show both perspectives fromthe families as well as the
adults that are trying to date.
I think it's interesting to seethe different dynamics. Because,
you know, saying that you want aboyfriend or a girlfriend, but
(22:07):
not truly understanding, like,what does that mean? Does that
mean I like a tall guy? Doesthat mean I like a short guy?
Like, so what we try to do forsome of our folks is we really
try to narrow it down. Like,what is your preference in male
or female? And if you don't,let's let's see what's out
there. So yeah.
Alissa Henry (22:27):
What about you, Julius? Have you seen these
shows? You have any thoughts onthem? Have you heard any
conversations around theseshows?
Julius Ghee (22:32):
I have not seen the shows, but I think if we take
the disability part out of it, Ithink we all probably could fit
those whatever's going on in theshow, regarding our decision
making, regarding choosing amate spouse, how we interact
with one another, as far asgenders and everything like
that. I mean, at the end of theday, I think everyone wants to
(22:56):
be treated regularly, regardlessof a disability, you know,
mental capacity. It doesn'tmatter. People love what they
want to love. And, you know,whatever makes people happy,
that's what makes them happy, sobut yeah, whatever
Alissa Henry (23:11):
makes them happy.
Angela, have you seen theseshows? You have anything you
want to say about them?
Angela Bellin (23:15):
I have, I think they're adorable. I'm all about
those kind of shows, I think themore light you can shine in
corners or darker spaces, themore conversations you can have,
which is why we're here today. Ithink it's great. I think
they're hilarious andentertaining. And I also, I also
(23:35):
think that they've done a nicejob with casting. I think
there's a diversity in thecasting, and it's entertaining
enough that it gets the pointacross, but it's not
exploitative. So I think they'vedone a nice job. Yeah, are they
casting for the next season?
Alissa Henry (23:56):
We'll let you know. We'll find out. We'll find
out. Let you guys know. Gotanybody interested in Love on
the Spectrum and Down With Love?
Okay, so at this time, we justtalked about a lot of different
topics, and we're not done yet,so please take one of these
cards that are on your table.
Talk about what you learnedtonight, and then write down any
(24:17):
questions you have for any ofthe panelists. We would like at
least one question from eachgroup. So we're putting you on
the spot there, but we'll giveyou a few minutes to shout
amongst yourselves, come up withyour questions, and then we will
talk a little bit more (music).
All right, thank you all forsubmitting your questions.
(24:39):
That's the great thing about TheBig Table is that it is a
conversation, and so thank youfor taking the time to have some
conversation amongst yourselvesand then also submit some
questions for our panel. Theyhaven't read these, so let's see
how it goes. All right. Where doyou intervene when you feel a
relationship is toxic or ifguardians won't approve of it? I
(25:02):
think that's a question for Ana,maybe Julius, Angela, if you
have something you want to say.
Ana Santos (25:09):
I think the one thing to remember is no matter
how uncomfortable thatconversation can be about it
being toxic or hindering thegrowth that the person can have
and possibly violating therights is our sole purpose,
besides making sure individualsare safe and healthy, is we are
(25:31):
their advocate. So they look tous to be their voice, especially
when it's not being heard, aswell as being their number one
fan.
Alissa Henry (25:42):
Yeah, the number one fan. I like that. This next
one is for Jen and Kass. What'ssomething you enjoy doing that
may surprise people? I'll startwith you, Jen, something you may
enjoy doing that may surprisepeople?
Jen Adkins (25:58):
Go on a date.
Alissa Henry (25:59):
Go on a date. I love it. What's your ideal date
like? Is it a restaurant andmovies? Where do you want to go
on a date?
Jen Adkins (26:09):
I like to do both restaurant in the movies too.
Alissa Henry (26:13):
Like it, dinner and a movie. Love it. What about
you, Kass? What's something youenjoy doing that may surprise
people?
Kassandra Trunk (26:20):
Make and wear cosplays to conventions.
Alissa Henry (26:23):
Fun. Is there any certain character you like to
dress up as the most often?
Kassandra Trunk (26:29):
Currently, the one I have the most completed is
an Among us character.
Alissa Henry (26:35):
There's some great conventions in Columbus. There's
Ohio con, all kinds ofconventions. Okay. The next
question is, at what age do youfeel, I'll ask you, Julius, at
what age do you feel would be aresponsible age to drink, and do
you base it on maturity?
Julius Ghee (26:54):
I'll say the legal age of 21 because you can enjoy
drinking in a good way. As longas you prepare yourself, you
know that you might have to eatfirst. You know you may have to
drink some water. Some peoplesome people drink for taste,
some people drink for feeling.
So it depends on whatever yourpreference is. So as long as you
(27:16):
do the proper research andyou're responsible, have at it.
Alissa Henry (27:21):
All right. Legal age of 21 all right. Kass and
Jen, start with you. Kass, canyou give an example of a
misconception that you havefaced?
Kassandra Trunk (27:32):
That just because I don't always
understand everything thateveryone's talking about or I'm
up to speed, doesn't mean I'mnot smart
Alissa Henry (27:43):
I like that one.
What about you, Jen?
Jen Adkins (27:48):
Well, people call me the I'm slow, but I'm not slow,
but at all.
Alissa Henry (27:52):
Important to fight those misconceptions. So this
question said, I like thestatement about meeting people
where they are. How do you startthe conversation by being
respectful and helpful, notassuming and facilitating a
conversation that flows? Do youwant to answer that, Angela?
Angela Bellin (28:10):
Yeah, yeah, of course. Think that's a great
question. How do you be how doyou meet somebody respectfully
where they are? You ask them howto help. How can I support you?
How, what? How? What can I do?
How did we get to this placewhere we're having this
conversation? And how can Ihelp? What can I do to support
you? That's the easiest way toopen the door. And then that
(28:34):
conversation can kind of flow,because nobody's answer is going
to be the same. No one is goingto have the same answer to that,
but that's that's kind of thekey is let, let me know how I
can support you, because that'swhy I'm here.
Ana Santos (28:51):
In order to gain trust. I think that's one of the
most challenging things that wehave in when we in our field,
is, especially when you are newto them, is you have to build
trust, and so I think thatcommunication is key. So filling
them in on things, even thoughthey may not agree with it or
(29:12):
quite understand it or arehesitant themselves, I think you
telling them that, hey, we'regoing to be there to support
them, and we're here to alsosupport you as well. Just
building that bond and thatconnection goes so much further
than hiding or being sneaky andnot communicating. Our whole
goal is, even though your childdoes not live at your home
(29:32):
anymore, we still want you to bea part of their lives.
Angela Bellin (29:37):
That could be the most important thing that if
that was said tonight, honestly.
I think what you said is so spoton, gaining that trust and
having that conversation. Andyes, there are legalities, and
yes, people are guardians, andthere is all that but, but those
people don't exist without theirfamily and and really opening
that and letting. People knowthat we're here to support you,
(30:00):
and it may not look the same wayas it did when they were 18 or
when they were 15 or when theywere in school. Really keeping
that door open, I think, isprobably the most important
thing we've said this evening.
Ana Santos (30:13):
Yeah and then, like, even if you do have a
disagreement or you're notseeing eye to eye as a team,
giving that space and proving tothem whether it's actions or
allowing them to really ponderon it and see the both pros and
cons of whatever the topic is.
Again, not it's their time. Soif it's something that you
presented a week, and you giveit a week or you give it longer,
(30:35):
again, it's just showing themthat you're not just there and
saying, Oh, well, because I'm aprofessional, I know what to do.
No like it has to be acollective group effort.
Alissa Henry (30:46):
Lots of questions for Kass and Jen tonight. So
Jen, I'll start with you. Sharesomething else about yourself
that you want others to know.
Jen Adkins (30:55):
I'm smart and I'm fun.
Alissa Henry (30:58):
Smart and fun. I love that.
Kassandra Trunk (31:00):
I like adventure and trying new things.
Alissa Henry (31:03):
That's awesome. I like that when the other
question was talking about, youknow, starting a conversation
respectful and helpful. And inmy non expert opinion, but in my
expert opinion of talking to allkinds of different people, I
think that you just, you justfind commonalities, and you just
talk to everyone like you wouldtalk to anyone. That's what I
(31:24):
that's something I've learnedjust in my in my line of work,
because you do encounter a lotof people who are different from
you in all kinds of ways,whether that be ability, gender,
race, all kinds of things. Andso I think that you just find
those commonalities, and youjust have a conversation with
the way you talk to anyone isthe way you talk to everyone. So
that would be my and I like I'veenjoyed hearing about hearing
(31:45):
about you, everybody here on thepanel. Okay, so the last
question we have here is,compared to other cities,
similar to Columbus, do youthink Columbus is more
inclusive, about the same, orless inclusive for people with
disabilities? And I don't knowwhat your different experiences
with different cities, butwhoever wants to chime in,
(32:06):
please do start with you,Angela.
Angela Bellin (32:09):
I'm happy to chime in on this one. Columbus
is an incredibly inclusive city,and I have lived in Charleston,
South Carolina, San Francisco,California and Columbus, Ohio.
So I do have a little bit of areference as to what different
cities look like. Columbusprides itself on economics and
(32:32):
economic inclusion, and thereare businesses that are yearning
to and thriving with inclusionas a pillar is, with that in
mind, how do we move forward?
There are businesses coming toColumbus because of the
inclusivity. There arebusinesses in Columbus that are
(32:55):
completely neurodiverse. Thisyou don't see these types of
things in other cities. Iabsolutely applaud Columbus and
kind of the politics behind whathas made it so for us, there's a
lot of opportunity for inclusionin Columbus, and it really does
(33:21):
differ from other cities. It
Ana Santos (33:26):
I would have to definitely agree. I'm not from
really does.
here, but I will say it is milesaway from where I'm originally
from. I think obviously there'sstill always room for growth,
but I think it's really excitingto see how excited Columbus is
and is willing to expand andexperiment and just really take
(33:48):
it on full front, instead ofjust say they're going to do
something, but not really showthat effort.
Angela Bellin (33:55):
I tell you what, we've never had this
conversation in any other cityI've lived in, so I think that's
a really good example. Thisconversation is happening right
here, right now, and I've neverbeen a part of something like
this before. So (music).
Alissa Henry (34:15):
100 points for Columbus.
Angela Bellin (34:16):
Kind of makes it kind of makes the statement on
its own right.
Alissa Henry (34:20):
Well, I do want to give you all an opportunity to
add anything else. If you'vebeen thinking this whole time,
there's something you reallywanted to say, this is your
opportunity to do that. So ifyou, any of you, Jen kass,
Julius, Ana, Angela, if you haveanything else you want to add,
if not, that's okay. I knowwe've gotten to a lot of
different topics. Or if anyonein the audience has another
question they want to ask, thisis the opportunity to do that.
Julius Ghee (34:40):
I think there's been some sort of a stigma, I
guess, placed on the communityregarding interacting with our
individuals. You know, in thecommunity, things of that
nature, what? When I'm out withmy guys, people in general, just
love them like they justattract. These people. People
(35:02):
want to talk to my guys. Um,we're just out doing what we do.
And hey guys, how are you? Um,couple of my guys, we go bowling
once a week. Every Wednesday, wego in. The guy sees is coming.
He knows to set up the lane. Heyguys, the usual business.
They're on a first name basis atthis point in the regular league
(35:24):
bowlers. Hey, how are you guysdoing today? So, and there's a
lot more of our individuals thatare in the community, but
they're just not out, you know?
So, but the experiences thatI've had people are just they
treat them like anybody else,and they don't make them feel
differently because of how theirpersonalities are. Columbus is,
(35:46):
you can't get along in Columbusit's over like we welcome
everybody so, but yeah, that'sjust my experience with, you
know, being in the communitywith individuals. So, yep.
Alissa Henry (36:00):
Well thank you guys all for coming. Thank you
to Boundless for facilitatingthis conversation, the Columbus
Foundation, the Big Table.
Thank you to Scott Lightly.
Thank you for all the podcastlisteners. This has been a great
conversation. How can thecommunity be more inclusive for
adults with disabilities? Thankyou.
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