Quillo Pod

This QuilloPod episode previously aired in August 2025 In this episode of Quillo Pod, hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson explore the importance of listening deeply and seeing people beyond their labels or diagnoses. They discuss the practice of sharing “birth stories” as a powerful way to understand identity, build connection, and uncover common ground. Through personal reflections and real-l...

Cynthia and John are hosting a new episode this week with Lynda Anderson, Ph. D. Research Associate with the Institute of Community Integration at the University of Minnesota. The episode is dedicated to discussing the 2023 Community Report of Family & Individual Needs for Disability Supports. During the show, they will be reviewing the survey findings and discussing the impact of the research...

In this week's episode, John and Cynthia go over some of the latest headlines about family caregiving and budget cuts impacting IDD families throughout the nation. John explains the history of family caregiving and all that goes into it for families, self-advocates, and the IDD community.  This episode is for everyone, whether you're a family caregiver, a provider, a policy advocate, or simply som...

If your loved one is on a Medicaid waiver, it's time to get informed and get involved. In this episode, Cynthia and John break down what's actually in a waiver budget, why understanding it matters more than ever, and the three steps families can take right now to prepare. In this conversation, they explore why a good life isn't just about dollars and services,  it's about community and connection....

In this week's episode, John and Cynthia discuss the power of words and their impact on the disability community, exploring how language can both harm and heal. Resources mentioned in the episode: To learn more about Positive Exposure, visit positiveexposure.org To learn more about Cody Clark's magic shows, visit https://www.codyclarkmagic.com/ Episode Transcript Want to share stories with us? Ema...

In this episode, Cynthia and John tackle the overwhelming moment so many families, self-advocates, and organizations are living through and explore how community connection can fuel action. Together, they discuss why hope isn't passive, and how tools and resources like MyQuillo are helping people move from survival mode to advocacy. To learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com Episode Transcrip...

During this week's episode, John and Cynthia discuss the many ways organizations can use MyQuillo as a tool to help families and self-advocates learn, discover, and connect. To learn more about MyQuillo, visit MyQuillo.com  Episode Transcript Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about MyQuillo  visit MyQuillo.com

During this week's episode, John and Cynthia discuss the many ways families can use MyQuillo as a tool to learn, connect, and discover.  To learn more about MyQuillo, visit MyQuillo.com  Episode Transcript Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about MyQuillo  visit MyQuillo.com

In this episode of QuilloPod, Cynthia and John discuss sexual abuse prevention, response, and survivorship.   Research suggests that three out of four adults with an intellectual disability will experience sexual abuse in their lifetime. Yet it remains widely underreported, misunderstood, and underprepared for by the very organizations and families meant to provide support. John and Cynthia break...

Special guest Lisa Drennan joins John Dickerson and Cynthia Morraz to discuss the importance of inclusion and community. “Inclusion is not a destination it's a journey.” Connect with Lisa Drenan on LinkedIn or Facebook Learn more about the Merge Inclusion Project or visit her website Pathway to Friendship Project : www.mergeconsulting.orglisadrennan@mergeconsulting.orghttps Episode Transcript Want...

You might have heard the term "natural supports" in meetings or in IDD spaces — but what does it actually mean in everyday life? In this episode, Cynthia and John break down the concept of natural supports: what they are, where the term comes from, and why they matter for people with IDD and their families. Together, they explore how finding your "village" starts with one simple question: What bri...

  In this week's episode, join John and Cynthia  explore the building blocks of friendship and tools to make it happen. They dive into MyQuillo's content by Karyn Harvey, unpacking her insights on friendship and strategies for fostering real connection. For parents and caregivers who worry about social isolation this episode is a resource.   To learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com  Episode...

In this episode of Quillo Pod, hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson sit down to reflect on a powerful webinar conversation with families, self-advocates, and professionals from coast to coast. They dig into what people said worries them most right now — and more importantly, how they're choosing to feed hope anyway. From hiking groups to theater troupes to circles of support, this episode is a...

In this episode, hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson have a conversation about mainintaining a positive outlook and keeping hope alive. Tune in to learn more about their upcoming webinar with Special Guests Dr. Karyn Harvey and Dr. Robert Naseef.  📅 Webinar Date: March 3rd | Afternoon & Evening Sessions Available 🔗 Register below:  Register Here - Afternoon Session ➡️ bit.ly/overwhelm1pm...

In this episode, hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson have a conversation about what that overwhelm looks like on the ground — and why, even in the hardest of times, hope and community are still within reach. John shares a powerful reminder that budget cuts don't just reduce dollars — they reduce hope. And hope, for families who have never had an easy road, is everything. Cynthia and John also...

In this week's episode, John and Cynthia celebrate Black History Month by remembering Betty Williams, a self-advocate leader in Indiana.  Learn more about Betty Williams  Betty Williams Interview Early Leaders: Betty Williams · Self-Advocates of Indiana   Want to share your stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

In this week's episode, we  explore what happens after the transition years end—when adults with IDD in their 20s, 30s, and 40s are navigating work, friendships, and where to live. The transition period can feel uncertain. How do you avoid feeling stuck at home? How do you find meaningful work and real friendships? We discuss how to reframe the job search, build authentic connections, and create a...

In this episode, hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson explore the high school transition years for students with IDD and their families. This period brings big decisions and even bigger questions: Who will help? What do we do? How do we get ready for what comes next? Cynthia and John discuss how to build community, find your circle of support, and use this time to prepare for life after high sc...

Big news from hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson: My Quillo is here! The app is now available nationwide to anyone who wants to build their circle of support—no waiver required. ✨ Why Families asked for MyQuillo ✨ The story behind the name ✨ How to try it for FREE for a month  Episode Transcript Learn more about MyQuillo

In this episode, hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson talk with Nate Beers, founder of IDD Leader, about why communication skills matter for frontline supervisors in the IDD field. Direct support professionals and supervisors play a vital role in supporting people with disabilities to live fulfilling lives, making strong leadership and retention essential. In this episode: 💬 Nate introduces a...

Big news from hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson: My Quillo is here! The app is now available nationwide to anyone who wants to build their circle of support—no waiver required. ✨ Why Families asked for MyQuillo ✨ The story behind the name ✨ How to try it for FREE for a month  Episode Transcript Learn more about MyQuillo

This episode was originally published in 2022. In this week's episode, John and Cynthia are doing something different for November. They explore the topic of gifts all people have and how we can help them use those gifts in building a good life. Check out our Quillo Connect video   Episode Transcript To learn more about Quillo Connect, visit MyQuillo.com

Big news from hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson: My Quillo is here! The app is now available nationwide to anyone who wants to build their circle of support—no waiver required. ✨ Why Families asked for MyQuillo ✨ The story behind the name ✨ How to try it for FREE for a month  Episode Transcript Learn more about MyQuillo

In this week's episode, John and Cynthia discuss community gathering and its impact. Resources mentioned in the episode: Benefits of Community Episode Transcript Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

In this week's episode, John and Cynthia chat with Kathy Hardy about discovering hidden superpowers in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and shifting from deficit-based thinking to strength-based perspectives. Kathy shares her personal journey as a mother of a son on the autism spectrum and her work helping overlooked talent find meaningful career opportunities through h...