Welcome to the POSABILITY Podcast! POSABILITY is a nonprofit creating positive opportunities for families in the disability community.

Today’s episode is a little different — and really special. We don’t have a guest joining us this time. Instead, Wayne and I are taking a moment to slow down, breathe, and talk about something that so many families in our community experience every year… the holidays.

Because let’s be honest — for families raising children or adults with disabilities, the holidays can look very different. Most families wake up to a whirlwind of wrapping paper and warm cinnamon rolls. But for many of us, Christmas morning may still include medications, G-tube feeds, challenging behaviors, sensory overload, rigid routines, or simply the kind of exhaustion that doesn’t take a holiday break.

But here’s the truth we’ve learned after years of living this life alongside our daughter and this community: you can still create joy-filled, meaningful, festive memories — they just might look different. And that’s okay.

Today, we’ll share tips, encouragement, creative ideas, and some real honesty about celebrating the holidays with flexibility, grace, and a whole lot of self-compassion. You deserve that. Your family deserves that.

So take a deep breath, grab a cup of cocoa, and celebrate this season with us — exactly as you are.

To learn more about POSABILITY and what we do, visit www.posability.life

If you would like to support the Posability Podcast financially or to donation of any amount at www.donorbox.org/posabilitypodcast

Welcome to the POSABILITY Podcast! POSABILITY is a nonprofit creating positive opportunities for families in the disability community.

In today’s episode, we are honored to sit down with Sarah Goldman, a powerful self-advocate, leader, and changemaker. Sarah is a Tallahassee resident with a Master of Social Work in Social Policy and Administration from Florida State University. She serves as the public policy chair for the Florida Developmental Disabilities Council and uses both her education and her lived experience with cerebral palsy to push for change in policy and access for people with disabilities. Sarah is also deeply invested in leadership development through the Florida Youth Leadership Forum, and she serves as co-visionary of Even If Ministries, which empowers women with disabilities through faith.

To learn more about POSABILITY and what we do, visit www.posability.life

If you would like to support the Posability Podcast financially or to donation of any amount at www.donorbox.org/posabilitypodcast

Welcome to the POSABILITY Podcast! POSABILITY is a nonprofit creating positive opportunities for families in the disability community.

In this episode of the Posability Podcast, Wayne Cordova speaks with Stacey Hoaglund, an advocate for water safety, particularly for children with autism. They discuss the heightened risk of drowning for children with autism, the importance of swim lessons, and the need for multiple layers of protection to prevent drowning incidents. Stacey shares her personal journey into water safety advocacy, the significance of training swim instructors to work with children with disabilities, and the challenges of underreporting drowning incidents. The conversation emphasizes the importance of community awareness, practical safety measures, and the impact of language on perceptions of drowning. Stacey also highlights her future initiatives in advocacy and support for families.

To learn more about POSABILITY and what we do, visit www.posability.life

If you would like to support the Posability Podcast financially or to donation of any amount at www.donorbox.org/posabilitypodcast

Welcome to the POSABILITY Podcast! POSABILITY is a nonprofit creating positive opportunities for families in the disability community.

Today, we're excited to dive into the topic of Partners in Policymaking, a transformative leadership training program. Partners in Policymaking prepares adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, along with family members and legal guardians, to be effective advocates at all levels of government. Graduates of the program learn essential leadership skills and techniques to develop positive partnerships with elected officials and other decision-makers. Our guests today, Alexsis and Nicole, are recent graduates of Partners in Policymaking. They'll be sharing their experiences with us and shedding light on the impact of the program.

Learn More and Apply for Partners in Policymaking at www.fddc.org/partners-in-policymaking

Check out Ausome Announcements at www.facebook.com/groups/2745944335554305

Heard for Colt at www.facebook.com/heardforcolt

To learn more about POSABILITY and what we do, visit www.posability.life

If you would like to support the Posability Podcast financially or to donation of any amount at www.donorbox.org/posabilitypodcast

Welcome to the POSABILITY Podcast! POSABILITY is a nonprofit creating positive opportunities for families in the disability community.

For today’s episode we wanted to share with you our story. This is part 2 of the origin story of Posability and also, The Cordova Family and why we do what we do.

To unlock extra resources and downloadable make a donation of any amount at www.donorbox.org/posabilitypodcast

To learn more about POSABILITY and what we do, visit www.posability.life

In today's episode, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Greg Valcante and Tracy Cox, who represent University of Florida Center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UF CARD). Dr. Greg Valcante is the former Director of the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities and a Research Assistant Professor at the University of Florida in Gainesville, FL. He has a wealth of experience in the field of autism, having worked as a teacher, administrator, and researcher for over 40 years.

And Tracy Cox is an Education/Training Specialist at UF CARD, where they provide essential services and support to individuals with autism and related disabilities, as well as their families. UF CARD offers consultation, technical assistance to schools and agencies, training, resource referral, and public education across 14 Florida counties.

Helpful links from today’s interview:

UF CARD - card.ufl.edu

CARD conference - cardconference.info

Autism Society of Florida - https://www.autismfl.org/

Today, we're going to explore the critical topic of transitioning children with disabilities into adulthood and learn from Stacey Hoaglund's wealth of knowledge and experience.

Stacey Hoagland is a dedicated advocate and leader in the field of disability rights and empowerment. With over two decades of experience, Stacey has been at the forefront of efforts to support individuals with disabilities and their families in navigating the transition from childhood to adulthood.

Throughout her career, Stacey has been a driving force in promoting positive opportunities and support for families affected by disability. She has played a pivotal role in empowering parents, individuals, and communities to advocate for the rights and well-being of those with developmental disabilities.

As a facilitator of the Partners in Policymaking Program, Stacey has helped individuals with developmental disabilities and parents become community leaders and catalysts for systems change. Her work focuses on teaching advocacy, leadership, and effective policymaking to create meaningful improvements in the lives of Floridians with developmental disabilities.

Stacey's commitment to the disability community extends beyond her role as a facilitator. She has also shared her expertise through presentations, articles, and resources, helping families understand their rights, access available resources, and plan for successful transitions into adulthood for their children.

With her passion, knowledge, and dedication, Stacey Hoagland continues to be a respected advocate, educator, and supporter of individuals with disabilities and their families, making a positive impact on countless lives.

Helpful links from today’s interview:

Project 10 - http://project10.info

Pacer Center - https://www.pacer.org

Think College - https://thinkcollege.net/resources/whats-happening-in-your-state/states/florida

APSE - https://apse.org

Vocational Rehabilitation - https://www.rehabworks.org

Standing Up for Me Curriculum - Here is a link to a training presentation for the curriculum: https://floridadcdt.org/uploads/3/5/7/1/35718381/self_det_self_adv_training_visions_42618.pdf

If you would like to support the Posability Podcast financially or to donation of any amount at www.donorbox.org/posabilitypodcast

To learn more about POSABILITY and what we do, visit www.posability.life

Welcome to the POSABILITY Podcast! POSABILITY is a nonprofit creating positive opportunities for families in the disability community.

For today’s episode we wanted to share with you our story. This is part 1 of the origin story of Posability and also, The Cordova Family and why we do what we do.

To unlock extra resources and downloadable make a donation of any amount at www.donorbox.org/posabilitypodcast

To learn more about POSABILITY and what we do, visit www.posability.life