Finding Common Ground

Join hosts Heather and Steve on Finding Common Ground as they sit down with two powerful voices for the IDD community: dedicated social worker Carrie Corby and university expert Dr. John Keesler. Despite not having a personal connection to IDD, both have chosen to devote their careers to supporting those with autism and other developmental differences, bringing fresh perspectives on systemic gaps...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mai Pham, CEO and President of IEC, as she shares her personal and professional journey in transforming a healthcare system that often leaves people with disabilities behind. Despite years of medical experience, it wasn’t until her own child was diagnosed that Dr. Pham faced the frustrations families experience navigating a broken system. If she struggled, wha...

Have you ever watched someone you care about spiral down a dark path, struggling with addiction and searching for a way out? If so, you will want to tune into this episode of Finding Common Ground. In this compelling episode, we delve into a reality that is often hidden behind closed doors with our guest, Theresa Bolos. She courageously shares her journey of hitting rock bottom when her drinking e...

In this must-see episode, we sit down with Regina Conti, a Colgate professor, renowned researcher, and proud mom to a neurodivergent child. Regina’s groundbreaking work in motivation, resilience, and social inclusion for individuals with IDD is deeply informed by her personal journey as a mother. She brings a wealth of expertise and heart to this conversation, making her a guest you won't want to...

Join us on an inspiring episode, where we explore the transformative power of presuming competence in nontraditional communicators. In this episode, we feature Otto Lana, an exceptional advocate, poet, entrepreneur, and award-winning self-advocate who considers himself a "multi-modal communicator."  Otto is more than just resilient. While many become bitter when it feels like society has written t...

This episode dives deep into the harsh realities facing home care in New York State while dispelling common misconceptions about those who need caregiving. You'll meet Jose, a resilient individual whose life changed forever just before his 15th birthday when a tragic swimming accident left him with a broken neck. His recovery was grueling, but the tougher lesson was discovering how people who need...

In this powerful episode of Finding Common Ground, Steve and Heather sit down with Tristian, a young man whose journey through foster care is both heart-wrenching and inspiring. Tristian opens up about the abuse he endured early in life, the struggles of being shuffled between family members, and the challenges of navigating the foster care system. He shares how he "admitted himself into foster ca...

 In this captivating episode, we sit down with Teena, an adult with Cerebral Palsy, who shares her journey of resilience and determination. Placed in an institution as a child, Teena did everything she could to get kicked out and succeeded. Listen to her powerful story of breaking free from institutionalization, navigating life with disabilities, and achieving milestones like marriage and motherho...

Welcome to our latest episode! Today, we introduce NYS Assembly Member Marianne Buttenschon from District 119.  Before taking office, Dr. Buttenschon was the Dean of Public Service and Emergency Preparedness at Mohawk Valley Community College. She and her husband, Don, a retired school psychologist, have deep roots in their community. They have three grown children, six grandchildren, and for the...

Welcome to our first episode – This is your backstage pass into the lives of our hosts, Heather and Steve! Heather, a Rochester native, discovered her passion for advocacy through supporting her sister with autism. Now a mother of four children with varying disabilities, Heather is known for her compassionate, tenacious approach, and is affectionately referred to as the "polite, but effective bada...

Many families feel like they're treading water, especially those living with autism and other developmental differences. As your hosts, we get it, and we know this frustration all too well. In response, we've created tried-and-true strategies that help everyday people achieve extraordinary things. Even those who might have doubted themselves can borrow our confidence, follow one of our "blueprints...