Voices Beyond the Spectrum

In this episode Karla Chinen interviews Dr. Lynn R. Larson about Odyssey Inclusive, a program that adapts Odyssey of the Mind for students and adults with significant disabilities. They discuss how adapted scripts, multi-level spontaneous problems, and flexible delivery create opportunities for creativity, teamwork, social skills, and confidence.
Dr. Larson explains how to form teams, access coach training and membership, and schedule performances, and she shares real success stories showing improved participation and belonging. Contact and resource links are available in the episode bio for families, educators, and programs interested in starting Odyssey Inclusive.
https://odysseyofthemind.com/odyssey-inclusive/

Welcome to Voices Beyond the Spectrum Resource Hub Edition. In this episode, host Karla Chinen speaks with Thomas Martin, Executive Director of CalABLE, about how CalABLE helps individuals with disabilities save and invest without jeopardizing public benefits like SSI. They cover eligibility, contribution limits, qualified disability expenses, multilingual access, practical uses for families, and tools like prepaid Visa cards to promote independence and long-term planning.
Thomas shares personal stories and program details to help caregivers and families understand how CalABLE can provide financial protection, flexibility, and greater independence for their loved ones.   
www.calable.ca.gov

En este episodio de Voices Beyond the Spectrum Resource Hub, edición en español, la anfitriona Karla Chinen entrevista a Alicia Prieto de Care Partners para conversar sobre los servicios de cuidado en el hogar y relevo (respite) que la agencia ofrece a familias de niños y adultos con discapacidades.
Alicia comparte su trayectoria, el enfoque de la organización en la empatía, la sensibilidad cultural y lingüística, y la manera en que construyen relaciones de confianza con las familias para brindar apoyos respetuosos y centrados en la persona.
Las y los oyentes aprenderán cómo iniciar el proceso de referencia, cuáles son los tiempos aproximados para la asignación de cuidadores y recibirán consejos prácticos para familias que se sienten abrumadas. Alicia también ofrece un mensaje de tranquilidad y anima a las familias a comunicarse con su centro regional o contactar directamente a Care Partners para recibir apoyo culturalmente competente y servicios confiables de relevo.
https://carepartners.us/
https://carepartners.us/newsletters/

On this Resource Hub edition of Voices Beyond the Spectrum, host Karla speaks with Monique Arredondo, Program Director at Care Partners, about their person-centered respite and disability services across Southern California.
Monique explains how Care Partners matches trained caregivers to diverse family needs, prioritizes continuity and empathy, partners with regional centers and community organizations, and offers resources like a newsletter to connect families with support and services.
https://carepartners.us/
https://carepartners.us/newsletters/

Host Karla Chinen speaks with Leonel Zuno of Options for All about adult services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities — from supported employment and community engagement to tailored day services, independent living supports, and an innovative film & media program.
The episode explains who qualifies, how families can access services, examples of life-changing outcomes, and practical tips for employers and caregivers to create inclusive opportunities.
https://www.facebook.com/Options4All/
 
 
https://twitter.com/OptionsForAll
 
https://www.instagram.com/options4all/
 
 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/options-for-all/
 
 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNqY3gkYTTnXWtSwkNgFraA

In this Spanish-language resource hub episode, host Karla Chinen talks with Leonel “Leo” Zuno of Options for All about services that help autistic and neurodivergent adults live with dignity—supported employment, individualized day services, behavioral supports, community integration, and a unique film and media program.
They explain who qualifies, how families can access services (including regional center referrals and a DDS grant for Spanish-speaking families), share a powerful employment success story, and offer practical guidance and hope for parents and caregivers seeking next steps after high school.
En este episodio en español del Resource Hub, la anfitriona Karla Chinen conversa con Leonel “Leo” Zuno de Options for All sobre los servicios que apoyan a adultos autistas y neurodivergentes para vivir con dignidad. Entre ellos se incluyen el empleo con apoyo, los servicios diurnos individualizados, los apoyos conductuales, la integración comunitaria y un programa único de cine y medios.
Durante la conversación explican quiénes califican, cómo las familias pueden acceder a los servicios —incluyendo referidos a través del Centro Regional y una subvención del DDS dirigida a familias de habla hispana—, comparten una poderosa historia de éxito laboral y ofrecen orientación práctica y esperanza a padres y cuidadores que buscan los próximos pasos después de la escuela preparatoria.
 
https://www.facebook.com/Options4All/
 
 
https://twitter.com/OptionsForAll
 
https://www.instagram.com/options4all/
 
 
https://www.linkedin.com/company/options-for-all/
 
 
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNqY3gkYTTnXWtSwkNgFraA

In this episode of Voices Beyond the Spectrum Research Hub Edition, host Karla Chinen interviews Brooke Wagner, RDI Program Certified Consultant and founder of Therapeutic Approach to Growth. Brooke shares her 22+ years working with autistic individuals and explains how Relationship Development Intervention (RDI) helps families build emotional connection, dynamic intelligence, and everyday competence.
They discuss common misconceptions about RDI, meaningful family breakthroughs, practical connection activities (like a simple balloon toss), services offered by TAG, Brooke’s podcast Finding Hope on the Spectrum, and upcoming online courses—ending with a hopeful message for caregivers.
www.findinghopeonthespectrum.com

Episode one of the Resource Hub introduces Beth Abinya, a bilingual speech-language pathologist, who discusses myths about bilingualism and AAC, and explains why all forms of communication matter.
Listen for practical tips families and schools can use to encourage communication, track progress, and build collaborative, respectful partnerships that empower neurodivergent children.

Host Karla Chinen interviews speech-language pathologist Ashley Ray about her personal and professional journey supporting neurodivergent children, inspired by her nephew Hudson who uses AAC.
They discuss the power of augmentative and alternative communication, presuming competence, working with families and schools, and practical, everyday strategies to make communication functional and meaningful.
Key takeaways: advocate for your child, find community and trained support, and consider hands-on resources and training to help communication thrive at home, school, and in public.

Host Karla Chinen speaks with Tanasha Jackson, a mother of a young autistic daughter, about diagnosis, grief, cultural barriers, and the emotional work of caregiving. Tanisha shares how she found relief, the challenges of navigating schools and services, and the importance of intuition and advocacy.
They also discuss Tanisha's move into social media to uplift families, building supportive communities, and practical struggles around work-life balance. A hopeful episode for parents seeking connection, resources, and encouragement.