Say It Louder

The Sibling Experience in the Disability Community: Voices and Perspectives In this heartfelt episode, we delve into the often-overlooked voices of siblings who grow up alongside brothers and sisters with high support needs. Lily and Grace share their personal stories, insights, and the lessons they've learned about connection, advocacy, and understanding within their families. Key topics: Persona...

In this episode of "Say It Louder," Courtney Burnett hosts a heartfelt discussion with Kim and Brandi Coon about dyslexia and finding root cause solutions. Kim shares her journey of discovering her daughter Brandi's struggles with reading and how it led her to become a dyslexia specialist. The conversation highlights the challenges and triumphs of navigating the education system, the importance of...

Discover how grassroots advocates are using anecdotal and formal data to influence legislation, protect rights, and ensure the voices of families are heard at every level. We break down: which types of data truly influence policymakers, how to turn feelings into concrete evidence, and the critical mistake of assuming lawmaker familiarity with complex research or policy language. You’ll learn simpl...

Amy Haley’s Advocacy Journey and Leadership Insights Hear from Amy Haley, the new Director of Communications and Public Relations at Raising Voices Coalition, as she shares her inspiring journey from navigating her child's complex diagnoses to leading impactful advocacy efforts. Discover how her personal experiences, strategic communication style, and belief in relationship building are shaping ef...

In this episode of the Raising Voices Coalition podcast, we explore the importance of community, especially during the holiday season, and discuss the challenges faced by families in the disability community. We delve into mental health supports, the pressure of holiday routines, and the significance of recognizing grief. The conversation emphasizes the value of community and offers insights into...

In this heartfelt episode of 'Say It Louder,' Courtney Burnett shares her journey as a mother and advocate for her daughter, Hannah, who was initially diagnosed with cerebral palsy. The episode delves into the challenges faced by parents navigating the medical system, the importance of community support, and the emotional journey of accepting a rare genetic disorder diagnosis. Courtney emphasizes...

In this heartfelt episode of the "Say It Louder" podcast, host Courtney Burnett interviews co-host BrandI about the emotional journey of Diagnosis Day. They delve into Brandy's experience with her son Tyson, who was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis at six months old. The episode explores the challenges of navigating the healthcare system, the importance of advocacy, and the support needed for f...

In this episode of "Say It Louder," hosts Courtney Burnett and Brandi Coon discuss the new assessment tool announced by AHCCCS and DDD, which impacts individuals with disabilities in Arizona. The episode highlights concerns over the lack of transparency in the policy rollout, which introduces age-based caps on services like attendant care and habilitation. The hosts emphasize the need for person-c...

The podcast episode "Back to School Tips" from "Say It Louder" features hosts Courtney Burnett and Brandi Coon discussing strategies for parents to effectively manage their children's Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) as the new school year begins. They emphasize the importance of proactive communication with teachers and school staff, documenting conversations, and maintaining a positive r...

Hey everyone, welcome to the very first episode of Say It Louder, the podcast where disability voices rise, systems get changed, and real people get empowered. We are so glad that you're here. We created this podcast because we know what it feels like to sit in rooms where voices are ignored, dismissed, or misunderstood, especially when it comes to disability rights, services, and inclusion. We ar...