March 8, 2023 • 39 mins
"Awkward Moments" is being launched in March 2023, featuring two female storytellers with international stories in recognition of International Women's Day. For the first time, we feature a member of our multi-talented working group as storyteller and host. Host Kamand Alaghehband opens the episode with "London Calling", by storyteller Jennifer McKinney, about an awkward moment with her cane when riding the tube during her first trip to London, that in retrospect, reveals her ability to be independent.
Jennifer becomes the host for our second story “Matu Bird” by storyteller Alisha Momen. Alisha shares her ongoing battle with her beloved African Grey Parrot “Matu.” Alisha’s favorite religious and cultural events include her favorite Indian dishes. Since Matu loves the same dishes, Alisha has to figure out a way to avoid the awkward moment of Matu stealing her food at these family celebrations. Can she and Matu find a way to coexist peacefully, that honors them both?
Did you know March 19th is Awkward Moments Day. Awkward Moments Day is our chance to embrace those embarrassing or awkward moments from our past and learn from them, and hopefully laugh about them too.
The great thing about us humans is that we are all a beautiful tapestry of individuality and commonality. The great thing about awkward moments is that they are a bridge between our individual and shared experiences, they connect us, everyone has them, and they are part of being human. Awkward moments can be embarrassing but when we recognize everyone has them we can turn them into playful stories that build connections. We hope this episode highlights the gifts and resilience an awkward moment can offer us all.
Storyteller and Host Jennifer McKinney was born legally blind. She has always enjoyed reading and writing. Some of her work has been published in Soupstone Literary Anthology. Despite the challenge of being visually impaired, Jennifer graduated from American Broadcasting School. She went on to work for KOOP 91.7 FM, a community radio station in Austin. An active member of her community for the past nineteen years, Jennifer joined Art Spark Texas in the Spring of 2014. She was introduced to OMOD by a friend. In her spare time, Jennifer loves traveling abroad and singing along with the radio poorly.
Storyteller Alisha Momin is from a Muslim, Ismaili Hindi family living in Houston, Tx. She is a writer, artist, musician, singer, and dancer. She studies theatre arts at The River inclusive arts program.
Host Kamand Alaghehband - My name is Kamand Alaghehband. I was born in Austin Texas and I have autism. In 2020 the CDC reported approximately 1 in 54 children in the U.S. diagnosed with autism ratio is more than all cancer patients combined. But what about us? what happens to our future? What kind of jobs and lifestyle is available to support us? I am me, I am Kamand. I love Special Olympics. My favorite sports are swimming, basketball, and Track. I am a member of the executive committee of Special Olympics athletes leadership in Texas. I created podcasts and videos of various health activities during the pandemic to keep the athletes' minds occupied in a healthy way. My mission with my population is to bring peace for today and create a vision for tomorrow. I feel grateful for what I have. I choose to be thankful. I choose to be happy.
For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Kristen (00:11):
Welcome to True Tales by Disability Advocates.
Authentic voices of peoplethriving with disabilities.
Were individuals use the art ofstorytelling to change the
world.
True Tales by DisabilityAdvocates podcast is produced by
Art Spark Texas SpeakingAdvocates Program.
(00:32):
Keep listening to hear how liveschallenges can spark a desire to
speak out and advocate forourselves and others.
MsBoye (00:49):
Welcome to Season two of True Tales by Disability
Advocates, the podcast whereadvocates harness the power of
storytelling to build communitywith their peers and hope to
develop empathy in others.
A team of Disability Advocatescreates True Tales to give
disabled storytellers theopportunity to share their
personal stories and livedexperience in their authentic
(01:12):
voices.
We offer our unique and oftenunderrepresented perspective to
the growing community of podcastlisteners worldwide.
Did you know that according tothe CDC, one in four Americans
are disabled?
That's about 61 million adultswith 61 million experiences and
points of view about what itmeans to live in a world not
(01:34):
designed for them.
Recognizing that everyone's lifeis enriched by the inclusion of
multiple voices, Art Spark Texashas been training Disability
Advocates as storytellers forover twenty years.
"Awkward Moments" is beinglaunched in March, 2023,
featuring two femalestorytellers with international
(01:54):
stories in recognition ofInternational Women's Day.
For the first time, we feature amember of our multi-talented
working group as bothstoryteller and host.
Host Kamand Alaghehband opensthe episode with"London
Calling", by storytellerJennifer McKinney, about an
awkward moment with her canewhen riding the tube during her
(02:16):
first trip to London, that inretrospect, reveals her ability
to be independent.
Jennifer becomes the host of oursecond story,"Matu Bird" by
Storyteller, Alisha Momen.
Alisha shares her ongoing battlewith her beloved African Gray
Parrot"Matu".
Alicia's favorite religious andcultural events include her
(02:37):
favorite Indian dishes and since"Matu" loves the same dishes,
Alisha has to find a way toavoid the awkward moments that
happen when Matu steals her foodat these family celebrations.
Can she and Matu find a way topeacefully coexist that honors
them both?
Jennifer uses extra large printto read while Alisha uses
(03:00):
braille and vocal prompts fromher mother.
Reading this way can result inlonger silences than us sighted
folks are used to, especiallyduring an audio broadcast where
long silences are traditionallydiscouraged.
Throughout the editing process,we have attempted to balance
honoring their natural rhythmswith the limitations of us
(03:20):
sighted listeners.
Now, many people associate Marchwith St.
Patrick's Day, but did you knowMarch 19th is Awkward Moments
Day?
Awkward Moments Day is ourchance to embrace those
embarrassing or awkward momentsfrom our past, learn from them
and hopefully laugh about'emtoo.
You know, the great thing aboutus humans is that we are all a
(03:42):
beautiful tapestry ofindividuality and commonality.
And the great thing aboutawkward moments is that they are
a bridge between our individualand shared experiences.
They connect us, everyone hasthem.
They're part of being human.
Awkward moments can beembarrassing, but when we
recognize everyone has'em, maybewe can turn them into playful
stories that build connections?
(04:04):
We hope this episode highlightsfor you the gifts and resilience
an awkward moment can offer usall.
Kamand (04:20):
Welcome to True Tales by Disability Advocates.
Our storyteller, today isJennifer McKinney.
Jennifer is a long-term friendof mine.
We met in public speaking andwriting class in Austin, Texas.
I guess we are the only twostudents they have had since day
(04:42):
one, however, Jennifer hasshared more stories than me.
Today Jennifer is here to talkabout her experience with
traveling abroad for fun.
Her story's called"LondonCalling." This was her first
experience traveling to England.
(05:02):
Neither lack of experience norher Disability prevented her to
pursue her dream.
Her courage and curiosity madeher determined to go without
anyone's support.
I'm a second generation ofmigrated people from the Middle
East.
(05:22):
I've been obligated to travelabroad with my parents so many
times just because my parentsrelatives were living overseas.
There are so many obstacles andstages to go overseas, which
none of them was easy for me.
I'm very inspired by yourdetermination and I can't wait
(05:48):
to hear your story.
But before you start your story,can you tell us a little bit
about yourself?
Jennifer (05:56):
Hi, I was born legally blind and I've always enjoyed
reading and writing.
Some of my work has beenpublished in"Soup Stone Literary
Anthology".
Despite the challenges of beingvisually impaired, I graduated
from American BroadcastingSchool.
(06:18):
I went on to work at K O O P91.7 fm, a community radio
station here in Austin.
I have been an active member ofthe community for the past
nineteen years.
Then I joined Art Spark Texas inthe spring of 2014.
(06:40):
In my spare time, I lovetraveling abroad and singing
poorly with the radio
Kamand (06:45):
Kamand Laughs) Wow.
I didn't know you were workingfor a radio station.
What did you do for them?
Jennifer (06:54):
I did many things at the station as it was run by
members of the community.
Mainly though I was an on-airpersonality with another girl
for a show about World Music.
Kamand (07:08):
Wow, I didn't know that.
I just learned something newabout my friend.
Thank you for sharing yourexperience working at a radio
station.
Okay.
Here is Jennifer and her storyabout traveling abroad,"London
Calling".
Jennifer (07:43):
I am Jennifer McKinney and my story is called"London
Calling".
In 2001, Tony Blair was PrimeMinister of England.
After the foot and mouth scaredue to meat that was
contaminated, Blair addressedhis country.
In his speech, he said somethingto the extent of"What the
(08:05):
tourist industry needs now istourists." What a concept! Prior
to the foot and mouth scare, myfriend Anna and I were planning
a trip to Washington DC.
She had been there before, but Inever had.
We were listening to the BBCfrom our respective cities and
(08:29):
heard a little snippet of thisspeech that I mentioned above.
As a result, we changed ourplans to help the tourist
industry in England.
While our parents were a littlehesitant to let us go off on our
own at first, we managed to getthrough to them.
(08:50):
In late July of 2001, I met Annain her home state of New York at
LaGuardia Airport.
I spent the night on Anna'scouch, and the next day we were
off in a cab to LaGuardiaAirport again.
This time though, we hadpassports in hand and London was
(09:12):
calling.
The picture that stands out inmy mind extremely well is of
Anna and I hurrying across AbbeyRoad in the City of Westminster.
We took a day trip out there,and let me tell you, it was a
long ride on the LondonUnderground.
While boarding and departing thetube, as the underground is also
(09:35):
known, a recorded female voicerepeats"Mind the gap!" The gap
that she speaks of is the spacebetween the station platform and
the train doors.
Eventually, I blocked out thisrecording, the way we all do
when we listen to something overand over again.
(09:57):
At one point on our way out tothe City of Westminster, I was
rushing off one train to catchanother, and apparently not
holding onto my cane tightenough.
As I stepped across thethreshold, it fell through that
gap.
After retrieving mydiscombobulated cane, I threw it
(10:19):
in the trash.
It was useless.
From then on, Anna and I walkedslower, and she helped me out by
telling me about curbs andtraffic for the next few days.
In Westminster, we watched quitea few people hold up traffic at
noon on a weekday to get theirpicture taken in the famous
(10:42):
Abbey Road album cover poses.
After a while, Anna and I got upthe nerve to try and do our own
version of the Beatles AbbeyRoad cover crossing.
A nice girl, a stranger reallyoffered to take our picture for
(11:03):
us as we crossed the street.
As we began to cross Abbey Roadon foot, the cars came to a halt
before the zebra crossing, whichis the fancy British term for a
crosswalk.
We paused for a split second forthe photograph to be taken, at
which point someone honked.
(11:26):
Also a woman was walking aroundus in the opposite direction,
talking on her cell phone, Iguess she was local and used to
people stopping for a photoopportunity because she said
nothing to us as she passed by.
As it turned out, the photocaught the wind in my hair as I
(11:47):
started moving again.
Anna was still very much frozenin the picture.
We both looked a lot liketourists with our backpacks on
and dressed in vibrant colors.
Anna and I traveled aroundLondon for three days without my
cane, and we did well.
(12:09):
When I got back to OklahomaCity, I didn't receive the usual
parental"Hi! How was your trip?"Instead, the first thing my
parents said was,"Hi, where'syour cane?" I didn't realize
exactly how independent I couldbe and how little credit I was
(12:30):
given for it.
While I rely more on the whitecane today than I did in my
younger years, I am stillindependent.
I heard London calling and Ihaven't stopped traveling since.
Thank you.
Kamand (12:58):
Welcome back.
I'm here with Jennifer.
Thank you for sharing your storywith us.
I'm very inspired by your storybecause it shows so clearly the
importance of following yourheart, no matter how little you
know what the outcome will be.
(13:20):
I have a funny experience abouthaving a ride with an
underground.
When I traveled with my parentsto Germany, we got lost so many
times using the underground.
It was very difficult to readthe map and understand if the
(13:41):
station was a right destination,which turned out to be a
disaster.
I can't imagine how stressful itwas not knowing the area, but
also losing my cane.
I'm pretty sure you have a greatamount of confidence and
(14:01):
independence to overcome thesituation.
Jennifer, you mentioned you havetraveled since then.
Where else did you go besidesLondon and what have you learned
from your other trips?
Jennifer (14:19):
I've never been to Germany, that sounds like an
interesting trip.
Kamand (14:23):
Yes.
Jennifer (14:25):
Regarding my other trips, I've been to Dublin,
Ireland, and the Netherlands.
In both countries I learned toask for the"lift", called an
elevator on this side of theAtlantic.
Stairs are not my friend.
Also, when the herd ofbicyclists come at you in
(14:47):
Amsterdam, just stand still,they will go around you.
Kamand (14:55):
I have a cousin in Amsterdam.
They don't have a speed limit ontheir highways.
When the cars were crossing byours, I remember it felt like
the car was shaking so hard fromtheir speed.
My cousin had a friend who wasin a car accident on that
highway and almost died from avery minor collision.
(15:20):
I'm so glad I don't live there.
Do you have any advice forpeople with disabilities who
desire to travel, but are soafraid just because they don't
know how to start?
Jennifer (15:35):
Good question Kamand.
Traveling abroad with family andfriends can be daunting, but
there are ways to do so safelyand have fun too.
My advice would be to takewalking or rolling slowly,
especially on wet cobble stones.
(15:56):
Also go with people you know andtrust.
My final advice is to have funand be polite when you're
visiting another country, asmile is universal and can go a
long way.
Kamand (16:12):
What great advice, Jennifer.
I'm so glad you are my friend.
I'll make sure if I ever travelalone that I share my to do-do
list with you to make sure I'mdoing the right thing.
It's amazing how advocating forourselves becomes advocating for
others and we can change theworld.
Jennifer (16:36):
I agree entirely I, I couldn't say it better myself.
Kamand (16:43):
Great chatting with you.
Jennifer (16:45):
It's been great talking to you Kamand.
Thank you for having me on theshow.
Kamand (16:50):
Thank you for spending time with us.
Thank you.
Thanks for listening to TrueTales by Disability Advocates.
"London Calling" was hosted byme, Kamand Alaghehband,produced
by Brittany Sessum and KayeLove, and edited by MsBoye.
Special thanks to our guest,Jennifer McKinney.
Jennifer (17:23):
Welcome back to True Tales by Disability Advocates,
changing the world one story ata time.
I'm Jennifer McKinney, and I'myour host.
Our second storyteller in thisepisode is Alisha Momen.
She will share her story,"MatuBird" with us today.
Hello and welcome Alisha.
Alisha (17:47):
Hello.
Jennifer (17:48):
You know, Alisha, you wrote this story for an Opening
Minds Opening Doors Showcase.
Why do you enjoy the OMODclasses?
Alisha (18:00):
Um, well, I, it gives me opportunity, gosh, to, to, uh,
to communicate my emotions andthoughts.
Jennifer (18:17):
Thank you so much, Alisha.
That that is a very good answer.
I can't wait to hear your story.
Alisha (18:27):
Give me a moment...
We're trying to pull it up.
MsBoye (18:31):
Hey Alisha, what did you do this summer?
Alisha (18:34):
Oh, you, oh, yeah.
You know what, uh, this summer Iwent, uh, I went to mentoring
the summer, and, uh, you knowwhat, uh, so the last, so this
was the last class, and, andthen, uh, then I came home and
I, uh, um, was, you know,feeling, you know, feeling a
(18:56):
bit, you know, uh, you sad that,oh, we don't have any of weekly,
you know, there's no weekdayclasses left.
It's this is it.
So, so what I was thinking isthat, um, Miss Eileen, uh, told
us about the, did not tell usabout the Day Program, but, but
(19:19):
I expecting mom to register mefor the Day Program for the
first week of September.
Which is gonna happen onSaturday.
So this...
MsBoye (19:31):
Cool!
Alisha (19:31):
Ms.
Eileen told us the classes forSaturday.
It's, it's, it's all for agegroups.
It's all for age groups.
So they, so we switch, Um, theclass, The River class to, to,
uh, The River class is toSaturday.
It's not on weekdays anymore.
(19:53):
It's not on Mondays or Tuesdaysor Wednesdays or Thursdays or
Friday.
This is it.
Now, the classes are startingback on Saturday, starting in
September 1st.
MsBoye (20:05):
All right.
Alisha (20:06):
Here at the West Gray River.
So I am looking forward to themonth of September.
Going to the Day Program.
you know, having a good time atThe River, you know.
Doing, doing the, you know, thechoreography is music, acting
and art and dance class with Ms.
(20:27):
Maya and, you know, doing theDay Program activity for...
doing the Day Program for theall ages.
And it is for little kids andteens and young adults.
So, then...
And including the, the men andthe, you know, the, the guys and
(20:49):
the girls.
The guys and the girls are doingthe Day Program.
Everybody's doing it on thefirst week of September, which
is a Saturday.
MsBoye (21:00):
That sounds fun.
Alisha (21:02):
Because the classes are switched to Saturday.
It's not day, it's not, uh,mentoring anymore.
It's the gonna be the dayprogram.
Which is gonna start onSaturday.
Jennifer (21:15):
Very good.
MsBoye (21:17):
Were you being a mentor, Alisha?
Alisha (21:20):
Well, I, I was being a mentor for the summer.
I was a mentor.
Yeah.
I was alone, but, but I was, uh,you know, doing, you know, doing
what?
Doing what I, what I can.
In order for me to, to be amentor, but, but you know what?
(21:45):
I, but I just, uh, stopped.
But, uh, this was the last weekof, of mentoring for the, for
the weekdays.
We don't have it anymore, butthe classes.
But now on Saturday, the 1st ofSeptember is the Day Program,
which is gonna start on thefirst week of September.
(22:09):
And that's what...
MsBoye (22:10):
Right!
Alisha (22:10):
...Ms.
Eileen, Ms.
Rosie said.
It's like, oh, I'm ready.
I'm ready.
I'm ready for my"Matu Bird"story.
(22:41):
This is Met, Matu Bird fromAlisha Momin.
Hello, I'm Alisha with my"MatuBird Story"..
I am from a Muslim, IsmailiHindi family.
(23:05):
We have many special traditionsthat I enjoy.
Most of all I love thecelebrations with all of the
delicious foods.
(23:26):
I especially loved ButterChicken and Samosa.
This is my favorite at theengagement, weddings and
restaurants.
But no one makes better ButterChicken and Samosas than my mom.
(23:52):
Unfortunately I cannot, I cannotalways enjoy the food because of
Matu.
Matu, Matu is a South AfricanParrot, and where I am from,
where I am from it, it is okayto let him out of his cage and
(24:21):
be free.
But Matu has no respect forButter Chicken or Samosas.
When I am trying to eat, he, heflies around, he pecks my hand.
(24:43):
Even though I leave cashews atMatu's tray, he flies around,
and still pecks at my hand.
Where I am from, we, we like tokeep animals happy.
(25:04):
I like to let him out of thecage and be free, but what makes
me happy, happiest Matu does notunderstand.
(25:25):
I like to be called GeorgieLalilu.
I like to be called Georgie whenI do, what I love most, like
practicing for track and sports,but Matu still pecks my hand.
(25:48):
Where I am from that is okay forthis little bird from Africa to
bite me on the finger and on mythumb when I am doing my
exercises to get ready fortrack.
(26:09):
I do the long jump and sprintingand many sports.
Where I'm from maybe noteveryone understands that is,
um, that is why I'm GeorgieLalilu, because Georgie listens
to the coach, she does herexercises to prepare for track,
(26:35):
to prepare for the SpecialOlympics.
She's not afraid of Matu.
She's a winner.
Where I am from is a place ofwinning at sports, eating Butter
Chicken and, and keeping Matuaway from Mom's Samosas.
Jennifer (27:28):
Welcome back.
I'm here with Alisha.
Thanks for sharing your storywith us today.
I have to tell you that I alsolove samosas, but I don't think
I've had any as good inrestaurants as your mom's, I
bet.
I bet she makes the best ones.
Alisha (27:48):
Oh yeah.
Jennifer (27:49):
Hey, don't parrots have really long lives?
How long has Matu been a part ofyour family?
Alisha (27:57):
Oh, good question.
Two 20 years and they live up to40 years.
Jennifer (28:11):
Wow! That is a very long time.
I guess Matu is a true familymember, it's like having a
sibling without feet or hands.
Alisha (28:24):
Yes and we do have Matu in our house.
Yeah.
And Matu is also..., but Matusays all kinds of words.
Jennifer (28:35):
In the story you mentioned keeping Matu away from
the food, have you found anytricks that help keep Matu away
from the buttered chicken andsamosas?
Alisha (28:48):
Well, first of all, he, he, first of all, he is a bird.
He likes to eat what I eat.
I like to eat.
So, I found, I found out that, Ifound out that Matu likes
(29:12):
almonds and lentils that I put,that I put in the cage.
and he really enjoys it reallywell.
Better than Butter, chicken, andsamosas.
Jennifer (29:31):
Great.
It seems like you've learnedsome really good tricks.
I don't think I told you yet,but I have another friend who
lives with a African Gray Parrotnamed Baby.
And Baby is a ham, let me tellyou.
He's always playing aroundchanting,"Cookie, cookie,"
Alisha (29:55):
OH!
Jennifer (29:55):
"Cookie!" And of course he gets one, which, well,
they aren't really cookies,they're just Cheerios.
But he gets one anyway for being
Alisha (30:04):
Just...
Jennifer (30:05):
funny.
Alisha (30:05):
Just like Matu.
Jennifer (30:07):
Exactly, but parrots are really smart and can do lots
of tricks.
What are Matu's favorite tricks?
Does he talk?
What does he say?
Alisha (30:17):
Oh yeah.
Matu.
Oh, good question.
Matu always says,"Cookie.
Cookie." Matu always says,"Cookie.
Cookie." Whenever Matu wants acookie, but, but we give Matu
peanuts.
That's what, that's what Matumeans by cookie.
(30:38):
And Matu says"Kiss.
Say Kiss." And we give Matupeanuts.
Jennifer (30:48):
That is so awesome.
I'm not really a bird person,but I'm an animal lover, like
all around animal lover.
So I think that's pretty cool.
You know what I love the mostabout Parrots, though?
I really love the ones in thevideos of them dancing to music
(31:11):
and they bop their little heads.
It's so adorable.
It makes me laugh.
Anyway, that's enough aboutparrots.
I wanna know more about you.
In the story you say you areMuslim.
Recently you celebrated Eid.
Can you tell us about thatholiday?
Alisha (31:30):
Um, Eid we go, uh, it, it is a, it is, it is all about
where we dress up and ourtradition, traditional clothes,
and we go to the, the mo...
(31:51):
uh, the mosque.
And we say our prayers and we,and we give, uh, hugs for
brotherhood and sisterhood, andeveryone is happy.
(32:13):
And we wish everyone a goodwill, prosperity, a lot more
happiness in the future, for thenext day, for the next Eid.
Jennifer (32:33):
How often does Eid come around and is there a big
feast?
Alisha (32:40):
Well, It come, it comes around four times a year.
Jennifer (32:47):
Wow! That's a lot of, a lot of, um, good cheer.
I love that.
That's so peaceful.
Is there a big feast after that?
Alisha (33:01):
Oh yeah.
Like, like everyone invitestheir family and friends to
their homes with their, withtheir special foods, and they
gather and they sit and eat.
(33:25):
So it's a very, it's a veryspecial time.
Jennifer (33:32):
It sounds very special, and the food sounds
delicious.
Alisha (33:39):
Oh, oh yeah.
Jennifer (33:42):
What are your favorite treats?
Alisha (33:46):
We, we usually do dry fruits.
We give each another dry fruits.
We give small gifts of sweets,which are, which are made of dry
fruits.
Jennifer (34:06):
And why the, um, dried fruit gifts for everyone.
What does it represent?
Alisha (34:16):
It.
It represents, it.
It represents to to live theSpirit with of what the Mother
Earth offers, offers to humankind.
Jennifer (34:37):
Cool.
Very nice.
Thank you, Alisha.
I have one final question foryou.
I know through the grapevinethat you're a writer painter and
that you're a musician too.
What are you creating now?
Alisha (34:57):
Oh, you, I, I am getting to know myself.
That is, that is, that is mymost important interesting,
(35:17):
interesting topic right now.
The most important interesttopic for right now is a
self-expression through singing.
Yeah.
You know, know, knowing the, theself-expression through singing
(35:41):
and acting and music and, uh,and art and dance.
So, um,(coughs) I like it a lot.
I mean, I, I do, um, I do a lotat The River.
Jennifer (36:02):
So you are creating yourself as a work of art?
Alisha (36:06):
Yes.
Jennifer (36:07):
That is fabulous.
I am a writer as well, and Iknow that it is a long journey,
but it's worth it.
Um, it was great chatting withyou today, Alisha.
Thank you for sharing your partof your day with us.
Alisha (36:27):
Thanks.
Jennifer (36:29):
And, um, please give Matu a cashew from all of us on
the podcast team.
Alisha (36:37):
Yeah.
Matu, Cockcoo! Oh yeah, Matu.
I mean, you know, Matu soundslike, uh, sounds like a South
African Gray Parrot, but Matu,you know, kind of talks in a, I
mean, you know, talks in a, um,in a birdie voice, but Matu
(37:02):
talks like,"Cookie!Cookie!"Tweet, tweet! Cheep,cheep!,
Jennifer (37:09):
Oh.
Alisha (37:11):
(Laughs) Matu! No, no, no.
Matu says,"Ishiqa!" wheneverMatu wants a wants a treat like
an almond.
Matu!
Jennifer (37:23):
Awesome.
Alisha (37:25):
Okay.
Thank you.
Ms.
Boye.
Thank you.
Jennifer (37:27):
Bye, Alisha!
Alisha (37:28):
Bye, Ms.
Jennifer McKinney.
MsBoye (37:30):
Bye!
Alisha (37:31):
Bye, Ms.
Boye.
Jennifer (37:43):
Matu Bird" was produced by Brittany Sessum and
Kaye Love.
Editing and mixing by Msboye.
The production team alsoincludes Kamand Alaghehband.
Special thanks to Alisha Momen.
I'm your host, JenniferMcKinney, and you've been
listening to True Tales byDisability Advocates.
(38:04):
Thanks for listening, we hopeyou've enjoyed our storytellers
and learned something new.
If you have enjoyed thisepisode, you can check out our
other episodes atwww.ArtSparkTx.org/truetalespodcast.
(38:24):
If you relate to the topicstouched on in this episode, we'd
love to hear from you, pleasegive us your feedback and share
your stories with us on theFacebook Page at
www.facebook.com/truetalespodcast.
Don't forget to share us withyour friends and follow us on
(38:47):
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, andTwitter.
Kristen (38:59):
All episodes of True Tales by Disability Advocates
are free on Apple podcast,Spotify and anywhere you get
your podcast this program isfunded in part by a grant from
the Texas State IndependentLiving Council, the
Administration for CommunityLiving and individuals like you.
(39:22):
To learn more about The SpeakingAdvocates Program, sign up for
our newsletter atartsparktexas.org, that's A R T
S P A R K T X dot O R G.
This free virtual trainingprogram is open to people of all
(39:42):
disabilities, no matter whereyou live.
Welcome to True Tales by Disability Advocates.
Authentic voices of peoplethriving with disabilities.
Were individuals use the art ofstorytelling to change the
world.
True Tales by DisabilityAdvocates podcast is produced by
Art Spark Texas SpeakingAdvocates Program.
(00:32):
Keep listening to hear how liveschallenges can spark a desire to
speak out and advocate forourselves and others.
MsBoye (00:49):
Welcome to Season two of True Tales by Disability
Advocates, the podcast whereadvocates harness the power of
storytelling to build communitywith their peers and hope to
develop empathy in others.
A team of Disability Advocatescreates True Tales to give
disabled storytellers theopportunity to share their
personal stories and livedexperience in their authentic
(01:12):
voices.
We offer our unique and oftenunderrepresented perspective to
the growing community of podcastlisteners worldwide.
Did you know that according tothe CDC, one in four Americans
are disabled?
That's about 61 million adultswith 61 million experiences and
points of view about what itmeans to live in a world not
(01:34):
designed for them.
Recognizing that everyone's lifeis enriched by the inclusion of
multiple voices, Art Spark Texashas been training Disability
Advocates as storytellers forover twenty years.
"Awkward Moments" is beinglaunched in March, 2023,
featuring two femalestorytellers with international
(01:54):
stories in recognition ofInternational Women's Day.
For the first time, we feature amember of our multi-talented
working group as bothstoryteller and host.
Host Kamand Alaghehband opensthe episode with"London
Calling", by storytellerJennifer McKinney, about an
awkward moment with her canewhen riding the tube during her
(02:16):
first trip to London, that inretrospect, reveals her ability
to be independent.
Jennifer becomes the host of oursecond story,"Matu Bird" by
Storyteller, Alisha Momen.
Alisha shares her ongoing battlewith her beloved African Gray
Parrot"Matu".
Alicia's favorite religious andcultural events include her
(02:37):
favorite Indian dishes and since"Matu" loves the same dishes,
Alisha has to find a way toavoid the awkward moments that
happen when Matu steals her foodat these family celebrations.
Can she and Matu find a way topeacefully coexist that honors
them both?
Jennifer uses extra large printto read while Alisha uses
(03:00):
braille and vocal prompts fromher mother.
Reading this way can result inlonger silences than us sighted
folks are used to, especiallyduring an audio broadcast where
long silences are traditionallydiscouraged.
Throughout the editing process,we have attempted to balance
honoring their natural rhythmswith the limitations of us
(03:20):
sighted listeners.
Now, many people associate Marchwith St.
Patrick's Day, but did you knowMarch 19th is Awkward Moments
Day?
Awkward Moments Day is ourchance to embrace those
embarrassing or awkward momentsfrom our past, learn from them
and hopefully laugh about'emtoo.
You know, the great thing aboutus humans is that we are all a
(03:42):
beautiful tapestry ofindividuality and commonality.
And the great thing aboutawkward moments is that they are
a bridge between our individualand shared experiences.
They connect us, everyone hasthem.
They're part of being human.
Awkward moments can beembarrassing, but when we
recognize everyone has'em, maybewe can turn them into playful
stories that build connections?
(04:04):
We hope this episode highlightsfor you the gifts and resilience
an awkward moment can offer usall.
Kamand (04:20):
Welcome to True Tales by Disability Advocates.
Our storyteller, today isJennifer McKinney.
Jennifer is a long-term friendof mine.
We met in public speaking andwriting class in Austin, Texas.
I guess we are the only twostudents they have had since day
(04:42):
one, however, Jennifer hasshared more stories than me.
Today Jennifer is here to talkabout her experience with
traveling abroad for fun.
Her story's called"LondonCalling." This was her first
experience traveling to England.
(05:02):
Neither lack of experience norher Disability prevented her to
pursue her dream.
Her courage and curiosity madeher determined to go without
anyone's support.
I'm a second generation ofmigrated people from the Middle
East.
(05:22):
I've been obligated to travelabroad with my parents so many
times just because my parentsrelatives were living overseas.
There are so many obstacles andstages to go overseas, which
none of them was easy for me.
I'm very inspired by yourdetermination and I can't wait
(05:48):
to hear your story.
But before you start your story,can you tell us a little bit
about yourself?
Jennifer (05:56):
Hi, I was born legally blind and I've always enjoyed
reading and writing.
Some of my work has beenpublished in"Soup Stone Literary
Anthology".
Despite the challenges of beingvisually impaired, I graduated
from American BroadcastingSchool.
(06:18):
I went on to work at K O O P91.7 fm, a community radio
station here in Austin.
I have been an active member ofthe community for the past
nineteen years.
Then I joined Art Spark Texas inthe spring of 2014.
(06:40):
In my spare time, I lovetraveling abroad and singing
poorly with the radio
Kamand (06:45):
Kamand Laughs) Wow.
I didn't know you were workingfor a radio station.
What did you do for them?
Jennifer (06:54):
I did many things at the station as it was run by
members of the community.
Mainly though I was an on-airpersonality with another girl
for a show about World Music.
Kamand (07:08):
Wow, I didn't know that.
I just learned something newabout my friend.
Thank you for sharing yourexperience working at a radio
station.
Okay.
Here is Jennifer and her storyabout traveling abroad,"London
Calling".
Jennifer (07:43):
I am Jennifer McKinney and my story is called"London
Calling".
In 2001, Tony Blair was PrimeMinister of England.
After the foot and mouth scaredue to meat that was
contaminated, Blair addressedhis country.
In his speech, he said somethingto the extent of"What the
(08:05):
tourist industry needs now istourists." What a concept! Prior
to the foot and mouth scare, myfriend Anna and I were planning
a trip to Washington DC.
She had been there before, but Inever had.
We were listening to the BBCfrom our respective cities and
(08:29):
heard a little snippet of thisspeech that I mentioned above.
As a result, we changed ourplans to help the tourist
industry in England.
While our parents were a littlehesitant to let us go off on our
own at first, we managed to getthrough to them.
(08:50):
In late July of 2001, I met Annain her home state of New York at
LaGuardia Airport.
I spent the night on Anna'scouch, and the next day we were
off in a cab to LaGuardiaAirport again.
This time though, we hadpassports in hand and London was
(09:12):
calling.
The picture that stands out inmy mind extremely well is of
Anna and I hurrying across AbbeyRoad in the City of Westminster.
We took a day trip out there,and let me tell you, it was a
long ride on the LondonUnderground.
While boarding and departing thetube, as the underground is also
(09:35):
known, a recorded female voicerepeats"Mind the gap!" The gap
that she speaks of is the spacebetween the station platform and
the train doors.
Eventually, I blocked out thisrecording, the way we all do
when we listen to something overand over again.
(09:57):
At one point on our way out tothe City of Westminster, I was
rushing off one train to catchanother, and apparently not
holding onto my cane tightenough.
As I stepped across thethreshold, it fell through that
gap.
After retrieving mydiscombobulated cane, I threw it
(10:19):
in the trash.
It was useless.
From then on, Anna and I walkedslower, and she helped me out by
telling me about curbs andtraffic for the next few days.
In Westminster, we watched quitea few people hold up traffic at
noon on a weekday to get theirpicture taken in the famous
(10:42):
Abbey Road album cover poses.
After a while, Anna and I got upthe nerve to try and do our own
version of the Beatles AbbeyRoad cover crossing.
A nice girl, a stranger reallyoffered to take our picture for
(11:03):
us as we crossed the street.
As we began to cross Abbey Roadon foot, the cars came to a halt
before the zebra crossing, whichis the fancy British term for a
crosswalk.
We paused for a split second forthe photograph to be taken, at
which point someone honked.
(11:26):
Also a woman was walking aroundus in the opposite direction,
talking on her cell phone, Iguess she was local and used to
people stopping for a photoopportunity because she said
nothing to us as she passed by.
As it turned out, the photocaught the wind in my hair as I
(11:47):
started moving again.
Anna was still very much frozenin the picture.
We both looked a lot liketourists with our backpacks on
and dressed in vibrant colors.
Anna and I traveled aroundLondon for three days without my
cane, and we did well.
(12:09):
When I got back to OklahomaCity, I didn't receive the usual
parental"Hi! How was your trip?"Instead, the first thing my
parents said was,"Hi, where'syour cane?" I didn't realize
exactly how independent I couldbe and how little credit I was
(12:30):
given for it.
While I rely more on the whitecane today than I did in my
younger years, I am stillindependent.
I heard London calling and Ihaven't stopped traveling since.
Thank you.
Kamand (12:58):
Welcome back.
I'm here with Jennifer.
Thank you for sharing your storywith us.
I'm very inspired by your storybecause it shows so clearly the
importance of following yourheart, no matter how little you
know what the outcome will be.
(13:20):
I have a funny experience abouthaving a ride with an
underground.
When I traveled with my parentsto Germany, we got lost so many
times using the underground.
It was very difficult to readthe map and understand if the
(13:41):
station was a right destination,which turned out to be a
disaster.
I can't imagine how stressful itwas not knowing the area, but
also losing my cane.
I'm pretty sure you have a greatamount of confidence and
(14:01):
independence to overcome thesituation.
Jennifer, you mentioned you havetraveled since then.
Where else did you go besidesLondon and what have you learned
from your other trips?
Jennifer (14:19):
I've never been to Germany, that sounds like an
interesting trip.
Kamand (14:23):
Yes.
Jennifer (14:25):
Regarding my other trips, I've been to Dublin,
Ireland, and the Netherlands.
In both countries I learned toask for the"lift", called an
elevator on this side of theAtlantic.
Stairs are not my friend.
Also, when the herd ofbicyclists come at you in
(14:47):
Amsterdam, just stand still,they will go around you.
Kamand (14:55):
I have a cousin in Amsterdam.
They don't have a speed limit ontheir highways.
When the cars were crossing byours, I remember it felt like
the car was shaking so hard fromtheir speed.
My cousin had a friend who wasin a car accident on that
highway and almost died from avery minor collision.
(15:20):
I'm so glad I don't live there.
Do you have any advice forpeople with disabilities who
desire to travel, but are soafraid just because they don't
know how to start?
Jennifer (15:35):
Good question Kamand.
Traveling abroad with family andfriends can be daunting, but
there are ways to do so safelyand have fun too.
My advice would be to takewalking or rolling slowly,
especially on wet cobble stones.
(15:56):
Also go with people you know andtrust.
My final advice is to have funand be polite when you're
visiting another country, asmile is universal and can go a
long way.
Kamand (16:12):
What great advice, Jennifer.
I'm so glad you are my friend.
I'll make sure if I ever travelalone that I share my to do-do
list with you to make sure I'mdoing the right thing.
It's amazing how advocating forourselves becomes advocating for
others and we can change theworld.
Jennifer (16:36):
I agree entirely I, I couldn't say it better myself.
Kamand (16:43):
Great chatting with you.
Jennifer (16:45):
It's been great talking to you Kamand.
Thank you for having me on theshow.
Kamand (16:50):
Thank you for spending time with us.
Thank you.
Thanks for listening to TrueTales by Disability Advocates.
"London Calling" was hosted byme, Kamand Alaghehband,produced
by Brittany Sessum and KayeLove, and edited by MsBoye.
Special thanks to our guest,Jennifer McKinney.
Jennifer (17:23):
Welcome back to True Tales by Disability Advocates,
changing the world one story ata time.
I'm Jennifer McKinney, and I'myour host.
Our second storyteller in thisepisode is Alisha Momen.
She will share her story,"MatuBird" with us today.
Hello and welcome Alisha.
Alisha (17:47):
Hello.
Jennifer (17:48):
You know, Alisha, you wrote this story for an Opening
Minds Opening Doors Showcase.
Why do you enjoy the OMODclasses?
Alisha (18:00):
Um, well, I, it gives me opportunity, gosh, to, to, uh,
to communicate my emotions andthoughts.
Jennifer (18:17):
Thank you so much, Alisha.
That that is a very good answer.
I can't wait to hear your story.
Alisha (18:27):
Give me a moment...
We're trying to pull it up.
MsBoye (18:31):
Hey Alisha, what did you do this summer?
Alisha (18:34):
Oh, you, oh, yeah.
You know what, uh, this summer Iwent, uh, I went to mentoring
the summer, and, uh, you knowwhat, uh, so the last, so this
was the last class, and, andthen, uh, then I came home and
I, uh, um, was, you know,feeling, you know, feeling a
(18:56):
bit, you know, uh, you sad that,oh, we don't have any of weekly,
you know, there's no weekdayclasses left.
It's this is it.
So, so what I was thinking isthat, um, Miss Eileen, uh, told
us about the, did not tell usabout the Day Program, but, but
(19:19):
I expecting mom to register mefor the Day Program for the
first week of September.
Which is gonna happen onSaturday.
So this...
MsBoye (19:31):
Cool!
Alisha (19:31):
Ms.
Eileen told us the classes forSaturday.
It's, it's, it's all for agegroups.
It's all for age groups.
So they, so we switch, Um, theclass, The River class to, to,
uh, The River class is toSaturday.
It's not on weekdays anymore.
(19:53):
It's not on Mondays or Tuesdaysor Wednesdays or Thursdays or
Friday.
This is it.
Now, the classes are startingback on Saturday, starting in
September 1st.
MsBoye (20:05):
All right.
Alisha (20:06):
Here at the West Gray River.
So I am looking forward to themonth of September.
Going to the Day Program.
you know, having a good time atThe River, you know.
Doing, doing the, you know, thechoreography is music, acting
and art and dance class with Ms.
(20:27):
Maya and, you know, doing theDay Program activity for...
doing the Day Program for theall ages.
And it is for little kids andteens and young adults.
So, then...
And including the, the men andthe, you know, the, the guys and
(20:49):
the girls.
The guys and the girls are doingthe Day Program.
Everybody's doing it on thefirst week of September, which
is a Saturday.
MsBoye (21:00):
That sounds fun.
Alisha (21:02):
Because the classes are switched to Saturday.
It's not day, it's not, uh,mentoring anymore.
It's the gonna be the dayprogram.
Which is gonna start onSaturday.
Jennifer (21:15):
Very good.
MsBoye (21:17):
Were you being a mentor, Alisha?
Alisha (21:20):
Well, I, I was being a mentor for the summer.
I was a mentor.
Yeah.
I was alone, but, but I was, uh,you know, doing, you know, doing
what?
Doing what I, what I can.
In order for me to, to be amentor, but, but you know what?
(21:45):
I, but I just, uh, stopped.
But, uh, this was the last weekof, of mentoring for the, for
the weekdays.
We don't have it anymore, butthe classes.
But now on Saturday, the 1st ofSeptember is the Day Program,
which is gonna start on thefirst week of September.
(22:09):
And that's what...
MsBoye (22:10):
Right!
Alisha (22:10):
...Ms.
Eileen, Ms.
Rosie said.
It's like, oh, I'm ready.
I'm ready.
I'm ready for my"Matu Bird"story.
(22:41):
This is Met, Matu Bird fromAlisha Momin.
Hello, I'm Alisha with my"MatuBird Story"..
I am from a Muslim, IsmailiHindi family.
(23:05):
We have many special traditionsthat I enjoy.
Most of all I love thecelebrations with all of the
delicious foods.
(23:26):
I especially loved ButterChicken and Samosa.
This is my favorite at theengagement, weddings and
restaurants.
But no one makes better ButterChicken and Samosas than my mom.
(23:52):
Unfortunately I cannot, I cannotalways enjoy the food because of
Matu.
Matu, Matu is a South AfricanParrot, and where I am from,
where I am from it, it is okayto let him out of his cage and
(24:21):
be free.
But Matu has no respect forButter Chicken or Samosas.
When I am trying to eat, he, heflies around, he pecks my hand.
(24:43):
Even though I leave cashews atMatu's tray, he flies around,
and still pecks at my hand.
Where I am from, we, we like tokeep animals happy.
(25:04):
I like to let him out of thecage and be free, but what makes
me happy, happiest Matu does notunderstand.
(25:25):
I like to be called GeorgieLalilu.
I like to be called Georgie whenI do, what I love most, like
practicing for track and sports,but Matu still pecks my hand.
(25:48):
Where I am from that is okay forthis little bird from Africa to
bite me on the finger and on mythumb when I am doing my
exercises to get ready fortrack.
(26:09):
I do the long jump and sprintingand many sports.
Where I'm from maybe noteveryone understands that is,
um, that is why I'm GeorgieLalilu, because Georgie listens
to the coach, she does herexercises to prepare for track,
(26:35):
to prepare for the SpecialOlympics.
She's not afraid of Matu.
She's a winner.
Where I am from is a place ofwinning at sports, eating Butter
Chicken and, and keeping Matuaway from Mom's Samosas.
Jennifer (27:28):
Welcome back.
I'm here with Alisha.
Thanks for sharing your storywith us today.
I have to tell you that I alsolove samosas, but I don't think
I've had any as good inrestaurants as your mom's, I
bet.
I bet she makes the best ones.
Alisha (27:48):
Oh yeah.
Jennifer (27:49):
Hey, don't parrots have really long lives?
How long has Matu been a part ofyour family?
Alisha (27:57):
Oh, good question.
Two 20 years and they live up to40 years.
Jennifer (28:11):
Wow! That is a very long time.
I guess Matu is a true familymember, it's like having a
sibling without feet or hands.
Alisha (28:24):
Yes and we do have Matu in our house.
Yeah.
And Matu is also..., but Matusays all kinds of words.
Jennifer (28:35):
In the story you mentioned keeping Matu away from
the food, have you found anytricks that help keep Matu away
from the buttered chicken andsamosas?
Alisha (28:48):
Well, first of all, he, he, first of all, he is a bird.
He likes to eat what I eat.
I like to eat.
So, I found, I found out that, Ifound out that Matu likes
(29:12):
almonds and lentils that I put,that I put in the cage.
and he really enjoys it reallywell.
Better than Butter, chicken, andsamosas.
Jennifer (29:31):
Great.
It seems like you've learnedsome really good tricks.
I don't think I told you yet,but I have another friend who
lives with a African Gray Parrotnamed Baby.
And Baby is a ham, let me tellyou.
He's always playing aroundchanting,"Cookie, cookie,"
Alisha (29:55):
OH!
Jennifer (29:55):
"Cookie!" And of course he gets one, which, well,
they aren't really cookies,they're just Cheerios.
But he gets one anyway for being
Alisha (30:04):
Just...
Jennifer (30:05):
funny.
Alisha (30:05):
Just like Matu.
Jennifer (30:07):
Exactly, but parrots are really smart and can do lots
of tricks.
What are Matu's favorite tricks?
Does he talk?
What does he say?
Alisha (30:17):
Oh yeah.
Matu.
Oh, good question.
Matu always says,"Cookie.
Cookie." Matu always says,"Cookie.
Cookie." Whenever Matu wants acookie, but, but we give Matu
peanuts.
That's what, that's what Matumeans by cookie.
(30:38):
And Matu says"Kiss.
Say Kiss." And we give Matupeanuts.
Jennifer (30:48):
That is so awesome.
I'm not really a bird person,but I'm an animal lover, like
all around animal lover.
So I think that's pretty cool.
You know what I love the mostabout Parrots, though?
I really love the ones in thevideos of them dancing to music
(31:11):
and they bop their little heads.
It's so adorable.
It makes me laugh.
Anyway, that's enough aboutparrots.
I wanna know more about you.
In the story you say you areMuslim.
Recently you celebrated Eid.
Can you tell us about thatholiday?
Alisha (31:30):
Um, Eid we go, uh, it, it is a, it is, it is all about
where we dress up and ourtradition, traditional clothes,
and we go to the, the mo...
(31:51):
uh, the mosque.
And we say our prayers and we,and we give, uh, hugs for
brotherhood and sisterhood, andeveryone is happy.
(32:13):
And we wish everyone a goodwill, prosperity, a lot more
happiness in the future, for thenext day, for the next Eid.
Jennifer (32:33):
How often does Eid come around and is there a big
feast?
Alisha (32:40):
Well, It come, it comes around four times a year.
Jennifer (32:47):
Wow! That's a lot of, a lot of, um, good cheer.
I love that.
That's so peaceful.
Is there a big feast after that?
Alisha (33:01):
Oh yeah.
Like, like everyone invitestheir family and friends to
their homes with their, withtheir special foods, and they
gather and they sit and eat.
(33:25):
So it's a very, it's a veryspecial time.
Jennifer (33:32):
It sounds very special, and the food sounds
delicious.
Alisha (33:39):
Oh, oh yeah.
Jennifer (33:42):
What are your favorite treats?
Alisha (33:46):
We, we usually do dry fruits.
We give each another dry fruits.
We give small gifts of sweets,which are, which are made of dry
fruits.
Jennifer (34:06):
And why the, um, dried fruit gifts for everyone.
What does it represent?
Alisha (34:16):
It.
It represents, it.
It represents to to live theSpirit with of what the Mother
Earth offers, offers to humankind.
Jennifer (34:37):
Cool.
Very nice.
Thank you, Alisha.
I have one final question foryou.
I know through the grapevinethat you're a writer painter and
that you're a musician too.
What are you creating now?
Alisha (34:57):
Oh, you, I, I am getting to know myself.
That is, that is, that is mymost important interesting,
(35:17):
interesting topic right now.
The most important interesttopic for right now is a
self-expression through singing.
Yeah.
You know, know, knowing the, theself-expression through singing
(35:41):
and acting and music and, uh,and art and dance.
So, um,(coughs) I like it a lot.
I mean, I, I do, um, I do a lotat The River.
Jennifer (36:02):
So you are creating yourself as a work of art?
Alisha (36:06):
Yes.
Jennifer (36:07):
That is fabulous.
I am a writer as well, and Iknow that it is a long journey,
but it's worth it.
Um, it was great chatting withyou today, Alisha.
Thank you for sharing your partof your day with us.
Alisha (36:27):
Thanks.
Jennifer (36:29):
And, um, please give Matu a cashew from all of us on
the podcast team.
Alisha (36:37):
Yeah.
Matu, Cockcoo! Oh yeah, Matu.
I mean, you know, Matu soundslike, uh, sounds like a South
African Gray Parrot, but Matu,you know, kind of talks in a, I
mean, you know, talks in a, um,in a birdie voice, but Matu
(37:02):
talks like,"Cookie!Cookie!"Tweet, tweet! Cheep,cheep!,
Jennifer (37:09):
Oh.
Alisha (37:11):
(Laughs) Matu! No, no, no.
Matu says,"Ishiqa!" wheneverMatu wants a wants a treat like
an almond.
Matu!
Jennifer (37:23):
Awesome.
Alisha (37:25):
Okay.
Thank you.
Ms.
Boye.
Thank you.
Jennifer (37:27):
Bye, Alisha!
Alisha (37:28):
Bye, Ms.
Jennifer McKinney.
MsBoye (37:30):
Bye!
Alisha (37:31):
Bye, Ms.
Boye.
Jennifer (37:43):
Matu Bird" was produced by Brittany Sessum and
Kaye Love.
Editing and mixing by Msboye.
The production team alsoincludes Kamand Alaghehband.
Special thanks to Alisha Momen.
I'm your host, JenniferMcKinney, and you've been
listening to True Tales byDisability Advocates.
(38:04):
Thanks for listening, we hopeyou've enjoyed our storytellers
and learned something new.
If you have enjoyed thisepisode, you can check out our
other episodes atwww.ArtSparkTx.org/truetalespodcast.
(38:24):
If you relate to the topicstouched on in this episode, we'd
love to hear from you, pleasegive us your feedback and share
your stories with us on theFacebook Page at
www.facebook.com/truetalespodcast.
Don't forget to share us withyour friends and follow us on
(38:47):
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, andTwitter.
Kristen (38:59):
All episodes of True Tales by Disability Advocates
are free on Apple podcast,Spotify and anywhere you get
your podcast this program isfunded in part by a grant from
the Texas State IndependentLiving Council, the
Administration for CommunityLiving and individuals like you.
(39:22):
To learn more about The SpeakingAdvocates Program, sign up for
our newsletter atartsparktexas.org, that's A R T
S P A R K T X dot O R G.
This free virtual trainingprogram is open to people of all
(39:42):
disabilities, no matter whereyou live.
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