See Us Hear Us

We are joined on this episode with Angel Athenas! Angel won 4 gold medals in powerlifting at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi. Prior to her feats at the World Games, Angel broke the women’s deadlifting record at the 2018 New York Special Olympics in Albany. She speaks on her huge list of achievements as well as what motivates her to keep going. 

Join us for a conversation about the importance and benefits of continuing education with Marsha, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Family Residences and Essential Enterprises (FREE) Inc. Marsha has a graduate degree and recently completed a new micro-credential program available at SUNY Farmingdale. Listen on to hear her experience with returning to the classroom and her advice for new and r...

We are privileged and honored to have Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo on See Us, Hear Us! Assemblyman Gandolfo represents the 7th Assembly District on Long Island, and is the ranking member on the Committee of Mental Health. Listen on to hear more about services for mental health in schools, staffing challenges faced in our industry, and the integration of the Office of Addiction Services and Supports...

We are so thankful to be speaking with Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz about issues currently facing our community! On this episode, we speak about employment for those with disabilities, employment issues facing Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), housing on Long Island, and more. Assemblyman Blumencranz represents New York's 15th State Assembly district.

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 woul...

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...

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...

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 re...

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:...

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...

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...

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 Sel...

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...

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...

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 abou...

Welcome to episode zero for See Us Hear Us. This podcast will be place for the disabled community to have meaningful conversations. We will explore the challenges faced by the community and examine how we can come together to overcome barriers and work towards positive change. Dr. Christopher Long is here to let you know what to expect in this Season 1 tease.