OCALI’s Inspiring Change

The words "providing opportunities and promoting independence" guide the efforts of two social purpose enterprises to empower people with disabilities in their community. Mitsi and Temple from Art & Clay on Main and Square 7 Coffee House share how their social purpose enterprises contribute to "bringing about a vibrant community where people lead fulfilling lives and make meanin...

Discover how families and professionals can support the people they care for with creating a vision for a good life. "All people have the right to live, love, work, play, and pursue their life aspirations'…". Celia and LaDonna share more through their personal and professional experiences with supporting others with living their best lives, and how Charting the LifeCourse provides t...

With efforts underway to enhance the political power of people with disabilities by increasing voter registration and engagement, Starr shares her personal experience with accommodations and access to election information and voting options. She also offers tips and ideas to support others, including exploring resources from the The Arc and the American Association of People with Disabilities (AAP...

"Follow your heart. I knew something else was going on with my son. As a mother, you have that instinct'…". Katwai shares her journey as a mother and advocate for her son and how this journey took many paths in finding the diagnosis, services, and resources, including a few from OCALI, to support her son with living his best life. A life where he is welcomed, heard, accepted, and lo...

As we find ourselves taking on new roles and approaches to our daily lives during COVID-19, addressing your basic self-care needs is especially important to maintain a strong, healthy foundation. Julie, Dee, and Jen share their experiences as parents of young adults with disabilities and offer some simple tips and ideas to support others with their own self-care practices.

OCALI's original podcast – From My Perspective – is moving. But don't worry – it's not going far! All 13 episodes are now available under the Inspiring Change banner. Jen Bavry and Simon Buehrer chat about this exciting new chapter in the Inspiring Change audio journey. Inspiring Change Podcast

In this episode, Kelli shares her experience as an autistic woman who received a diagnosis after college. She describes her process and why she uses "identify first' language. She also shares thoughts on relationships and work, who's books she reads and blogs she follows, and wraps up with some great advice.

Julie is a deaf woman, a mother and a teacher. She shares how her daughter's experience has been different than her own, her passion for language access, and got us all crying.

Jeff is the dad of two young boys with disabilities. In this short interview, he'll share a proud parenting moment, and his hopes for one of his sons.

Straight off the stage at OCALICON 2017, our keynote speakers share some additional insight and encouragement for families.

Michelle is a young adult woman who shares her story of going blind and losing her hearing. She talks about the importance of family and why she's so passionate about self-advocacy.

Ginny is a parent of a young adult with autism. She also provides support for families and individuals with autism. Ginny shares what self-care means to her, why it is vital for parents and caregivers, and how it has strengthened her well-being, happiness, and ability to conquer the world.

Maria is a Special Education Transition and Vocational Coordinator supporting young adults with autism. She is also a parent of two boys with autism. Maria shares her thoughts on self-care, why it is important to find something that works for you, and how enjoying quiet time together has become a weekend ritual to support the health and well-being of her family.

Each person's journey with self-care and finding a more balanced life is unique. Inspiration can often be found in the experiences of others. This episode features interviews from the OCALICON 2019 session "A Better Me, A Better You." Attendees were invited to share their self-care journey, each offering a unique perspective on how he or she recognizes and approaches self-care. By s...

In this episode of Connecting the Dots , hosts Megan Trowbridge and Simon Buehrer welcome singer-songwriter and student Jalyn Short for a heartfelt conversation about sibling connection, communication, and creativity. Jalyn shares her experience growing up with her sister Carlin, who is nonspeaking and on the autism spectrum, reflecting on how their relationship has shaped her understanding of pat...

This episode of Connecting the Dots takes listeners inside a panel discussion recorded during OCALICONLINE, OCALI’s annual conference. Hosts Megan Trowbridge and Simon Buehrer explore what truly happens after professional development by diving into the practical realities of implementing interoception in schools. Following a 13‑part interoception series hosted by the Autism Center, this episode br...

Live sports are about more than the game; they’re about connection, excitement, and shared community experiences. In this episode of Connecting the Dots, OCALI hosts Megan Trowbridge and Simon Buehrer sit down with Tim O’Connell, Senior Vice President of Facilities and Operations of the Cincinnati Reds and Mackenzie Williams, Director of Event Services of the Columbus Blue Jackets to explore what...

Megan and Simon are joined by Amy Bixler Coffin, program director of the Autism Center at OCALI and program manager of the Multi-System Navigation Center at OCALI. It’s a big and bittersweet moment as Amy retires after a 20-year career at OCALI and 35-year career in education. We share a lot of laughs, a few tears, but mostly we commemorate and celebrate all that her two centers have accomplished...

In this episode of Connecting the Dots from the Autism Center at OCALI, hosts Megan Trowbridge and Simon Buehrer sit down with long-time friend and autism expert Jim Taylor from Stirling, Scotland. With over 45 years of experience in the field of autism, Jim shares his insights on learning, reflection, and fostering community. A regular attendee of OCALICON since 2007, Jim explains how Columbus, O...

Join us for the debut of Connecting the Dots , a new podcast series from the Autism Center at OCALI, aimed at raising awareness about autism and empowering communities. In our first episode, we explore how the 2024 Ohio State Fair is advancing inclusivity through its Sensory-Friendly Morning. Now in its fifth year, this special event lowers noise and lights to create a more accessible environment...

Intuitive Machine’s Odysseus recently completed the U.S.’s first moon landing in 50 years. As we continue to explore the “final frontier,” how can we leverage disability’s practical, creative, and ingenuous problem-solving skills – and contingency plans – to better prepare for bold new adventures? And how do these noble pursuits help us build better communities here on Earth? Dr. Sheri Wells-Jenso...

The OCALICON Rewind series continues featuring a conversation with three leaders, legends, and luminaries. Judy, Temple, and Haben come together for the first time to reflect on their work, contributions, and advocacy efforts over the years, and discuss how different ways of thinking, collaborating, and innovating are necessary to building a more inclusive world for everyone.

OCALI’s Executive Director, Shawn Henry, discusses the necessary components of access and belonging  when building community in closing remarks delivered at OCALICON .

OCALI's "Rewind" series continues with a dialogue about the current state of disability education in both rural and urban settings. The conversations features leaders from ACRES , an organization focused on rural disability education and members of the Urban Collaborative, an organization focused on urban disability education.

How can we build and foster better and more significant relationships? Using a framework grounded in research, Tim Vogt and Danyetta Najoli from Starfire in Cincinnati, and Jill Mays from PSU in Lebanon, OH, shared some thoughts, laughs, experiences, and recommendations for creating and supporting meaningful engagements, intentional connections, and stronger and more inclusive communities. This co...