The Better Together Podcast

Welcome to this week's episode of The Better Together Podcast! In this episode, hosts Jacob Espinoza and David Neely discuss: Making public spaces more welcoming for the IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) community. Simple ways businesses and individuals can improve interactions with people with disabilities. How being inclusive benefits both the IDD community and businesses. And mu...

In this episode of the Better Together Supports Podcast, host Jacob interviews Danika Kennedy about the essential qualities needed to be an exceptional Direct Support Professional (DSP). Danika shares her top five qualities: passion for helping people, compassion and patience, flexibility, the ability to make things fun, and celebrating small wins. The discussion delves into each quality, providin...

In this episode of the Better Together Supports Podcast, host Jacob interviews Danika Kennedy, an experienced DSP who now trains new hires. Danika shares her journey into the field, discussing her initial expectations versus the realities of the job. She highlights the importance of comfort over professionalism in dress, the need for patience in seeing results, and the critical skills of setting b...

In this episode of the Better Together Supports Podcast, host Jacob interviews Randi Cravens, a mother and DSP with invaluable experience in the world of intellectual disabilities. Randi shares her 19-year journey raising her son Jacob, who has Down syndrome, discussing the challenges, growth, and unexpected joys along the way. She offers practical advice for supporting individuals with disabiliti...

In this episode of the Better Together Podcast, host Jacob interviews Rhonda Rhodes, Principal of CTEC Career Technical Education Center in Salem. Rhonda introduces CTEC, a public-private partnership with Mountain West Investment Corporation, providing career technical education in a state-of-the-art facility. She shares insights into the center's newest mental health program, which integrates Eng...

Join hosts Jacob and David Neely as they explore the crucial role of community integration for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In this engaging episode, they discuss: Why community integration is a key focus for Better Together Supports The challenges IDD individuals and their families face in everyday activities How Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) foster co...

In this enlightening episode of Better Together Supports, we dive deep into the crucial role of Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) in developing personalized plans for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Our hosts explore how DSPs, drawing from their extensive experience in the IDD community, work tirelessly to help clients not just exist, but truly thrive in their...

In this inaugural episode of the Better Together Supports Podcast, hosts Jacob, David Neely (founder and director), and Sarah Martinez (relations unit supervisor) discuss the company's origin story and its mission to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals in the IDD (Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities) community. David shares his personal connection to the IDD community, havin...