See Us Hear Us

This week, we meet Angelo, a TBI survivor due to an arterial vein malformation. Angelo had begun feeling sick, passed out after a night out, and was quickly brought to the hospital by his family, unsure of the cause. Once the cause was determined, 2 liters of blood was drained from his brain and he had awoken from his coma, Angelo had been transported to multiple hospitals and facilities that would be able to accommodate his needs,...

This week on See Us, Hear Us, we are speaking with Taylor Darling, NYS Assemblywoman for the 18th District located on Long Island. Taylor is both passionate for helping those with disabilities, as well as becoming an advocate for those in her community. Her  passion for helping those with disabilities shines through her work as she sits on the Committee for People with Disabilities, and recognizes the inequities within the communit...

This week we talk to Samantha, a TBI survivor. Samantha went through a tragic car accident, being hit by an 18-wheeler. She was not breathing after being pulled from the car, technically dead. After being in a coma, followed by months of rehab, Samantha was able to begin what she calls her “rebirth.” Despite the obstacles placed in front of her, she shows what the true meaning of determination and perseverance is. She has been chec...

This week is our season one finale and we wanted to end in a very special way. Our guest is Chris Whirl and he joins Dr. Christopher Long to discuss Traumatic Brian Injuries. It is a topic that he knows very well as he himself suffers from a Brain Injury. This episode was recorded as Chris was getting ready to celebrate ten years since the night of his accident. His ability to stay positive and rehab his way back from his injuries ...

This week’s guest is Tyler. Tyler has an amazing journey that has taken him from the Ukraine, to being adopted by an amazing family in the United States before accomplishing great feats while pushing himself harder than he ever thought possible. Tyler is fully employed, loves his life, helps others like him through advocacy and has even created his very own podcast and music library. 

Timestamps:
00:37 – Born, Adopted ...

Bullying is something that feels like it’s gotten worse over the years than better. In this episode, Chris and Bradley talk about their experiences with bullying, the connection between bullying and people with disabilities and their ideas on how to make things better and possibly educate today’s youth.

Timestamps:
0:26 – Why is Bullying important?

01:30 – What might cause bulling?

02:53 – Bradley’s experience with Bully...

Keystone Human Services is an international human services provider that started in Pennsylvania. From there, the organization has stretched across the United States and across oceans to help create positive change for others. Chris hosts Charlie Hooker; Keystone Chief Executive Officer and Greg Wellems; Keystone Executive Director Intellectual Disability Services for a very informative discussion about where the human services ind...

A growing type of service for those that are able to be extremely independent is the service of Self-Direction. Steve Fleisher is an amazing member of the disabled community that is a voice for the Self-Direction model.  Chris and Bradley explore the world of Self-Direction and how it compares to a group home setting. 

Timestamps:

00:00 – Show Opening

01:33 – Steve Introduction

02:22 – What is Self-Direction

02:48 – What makes Self-Dire...

A huge force for positive change for the disabled community is the Self Advocacy Association of New York State; also known as SANYS. Marisol and Michelle Flood discuss the importance of self-advocacy, how SANYS has created tremendous change in the state of New York and how SANYS is going to the front lines of change to promote self-advocacy.  

Timestamps:
0:00 – Introduction

01:05 – What is SANYS and their mission

03:53 ...

This episode sees Chris and Bradley bring on a special guest. Jessica Campbell is a self-advocate, a teacher at SANYS (Self-Advocacy Association of New York State) and board member of a New York Provider Agency. Jessica discusses her amazing story and accomplishments with Chris and Bradley this week in a can’t miss episode. 

Timestamps:
0:20 – Jessica Intro and Show Mission

01:50 – Background about Jessica

03:12 – Jessic...

Our debut episode is finally here! Join your hosts Chris Long and Bradley as they go over some of their history and their experiences from two very different roads in life. Bradley brings experiences as someone affected by a disability and Chris brings his experience as a service provider leader and father of multiple children. 

Timestamps:
00:36 – Chris’s First Experience in Human Services

02:58 – What makes Chris prou...