Shining Brighter

Fort St John Association for Community Living
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We are putting a spotlight on success stories and solutions to the problems of exclusion and apathy in the world of people living with developmental disabilities and complex needs. To learn more about FSJACL visit www.fsjacl.com. Join the Inclusion Collective as a monthly donor to support mental health and wellness, www.fsjacl.com/inclusioncollective.

  1. 2D AGO

    Rethinking “Challenging Behaviour”

    In this episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, host Jared sits down with Penny Dover, a Behavioural Consultant, to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in the world of developmental disabilities: behaviour.As part of our Myths & Misinformation series, this conversation challenges deeply rooted assumptions—revealing that what we often label as “bad behaviour” is actually something much more human: communication.“Misinformation: Can You Stop It?”This episode is part of a series supported by the BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner, focused on confronting harmful myths and replacing them with truth, empathy, and lived experience. Learn more at www.bchumanrights.ca.In This Episode:Why behaviour is communication—not defianceThe myth that people act “on purpose” or “against” othersHow trauma, environment, and unmet needs shape behaviourWhy support plans are about empowerment, not controlThe importance of autonomy, dignity, and choiceHow small changes—like visual schedules—can transform daily lifeThe impact of stigma and labels like “aggressive”What real progress in support looks like todayKey Insight:One of the biggest myths?That behaviour needs to be “fixed.”In reality, the work is about changing how we listen, how we support, and how we show up.As Penny shares, meaningful support starts with one simple but powerful shift:➡️ Moving from judgment to curiosity➡️ From control to collaboration➡️ From reaction to understandingWhy This Matters:When behaviour is misunderstood, it creates barriers—to housing, to relationships, to dignity.But when we understand behaviour as communication, we open the door to:Better supportStronger relationshipsMore inclusive communitiesA Better Way Forward:This episode is an invitation to pause and reflect:What assumptions do we carry?Where did they come from?And what could change if we chose empathy instead?Listen now and be part of building a community where everyone is seen, heard, and supported.

    1h 1m

  2. 2D AGO

    Breaking Myths About Disability & Work

    What happens when we stop assuming—and start listening?In this powerful episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, we dive into the real stories behind employment, inclusion, and the myths that hold people back. Host Jared is joined by Jacia, a supported employee, and Tara, an employer and board member, for an honest and inspiring conversation about what inclusion truly looks like in the workplace.This episode is part of our Myths & Misinformation mini-series, supported by the BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner’s campaign:“Misinformation: Can You Stop It?” Learn more at www.bchumanrights.caEpisode Highlights:The truth about supported employment and why it worksHow Jacia went from isolation to thriving in a professional workplaceWhy employers’ biggest fears (supervision, risk, confidentiality) are often mythsThe real impact of invisible disabilities and why they’re often misunderstoodHow inclusive hiring can transform workplace cultureWhat meaningful employment really means: growth, purpose, and belongingKey Takeaways:People with developmental disabilities are capable, skilled, and ready to contributeInclusion is not charity—it’s smart, human-centered leadershipAccommodations are often simple and benefit everyone in the workplaceMisinformation creates barriers that impact confidence, mental health, and opportunityWhen given the chance, supported employees often become some of the most reliable and dedicated team membersWhy This Matters:Jacia’s story challenges the myth that people with disabilities can’t work independently. Today, she manages confidential files, contributes to workplace initiatives, and plays an active role in shaping a more inclusive environment.Tara’s experience as an employer shows that inclusive hiring isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a better way to build strong teams.Final Thought:Don’t assume—create opportunity.When we challenge misinformation, we don’t just change minds—we change lives.Subscribe to the Shining Brighter Podcast for more real stories of inclusion, advocacy, and impact.

    49 min

  3. 2D AGO

    Rethinking Disability in the Workplace

    In this episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, host Jared is joined by Jilly-ann and Deborah from the Fort St. John Association for Community Living’s Careers Program for an honest, eye-opening conversation about employment, inclusion, and the myths that hold people back.This episode is part of a special mini-series focused on challenging misinformation, supported by the BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner’s campaign: “Misinformation: Can You Stop It?”. Learn more at www.bchumanrights.ca. Together, they explore how common assumptions about people with developmental disabilities—especially in the workplace—can quietly limit opportunity before it even begins.Episode Highlights:The truth about supported employment and how it builds real independenceWhy hiring people with disabilities is not charity—but a smart business decisionHow job carving and job coaching create meaningful, sustainable rolesThe difference between accessibility and true inclusion in the workplaceHow misinformation prevents people from even getting a chance to prove themselvesWhy supported employees are often loyal, reliable, and long-term team membersKey Takeaways:People with developmental disabilities are capable, motivated, and ready to contributeEmployment provides more than income—it creates purpose, connection, and belongingSupport is designed to fade over time, building independence—not dependenceEmployers gain dedicated staff, stronger culture, and long-term stabilityThe biggest barrier is often not ability—but assumptionGet Involved:Interested in becoming a supported employer or learning more about inclusive hiring?📧 Reach out to our Careers team: careers@fsjacl.com🌐 Visit: https://fsjacl.com

    41 min

  4. 2D AGO

    Challenging Myths About Disability & Independence

    In this episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared and Kelly sit down with Evelyn, Community Services Manager at the Fort St. John Association for Community Living, to unpack some of the most persistent myths about developmental disabilities, independence, and support.From frontline realities to system-level challenges, Evelyn shares a powerful perspective on how misinformation shapes attitudes, limits opportunities, and impacts the lives of the people we support every day.This episode is part of our Myths & Misinformation mini-series, supported by the BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner’s Misinformation: Can You Stop It? campaign. Learn more at www.bchumanrights.caEpisode Highlights:Why assumptions about “inability” create real barriersThe truth behind “do with, not for” supportHow trauma and unmet needs are often misunderstood as behaviourThe complexity and skill behind support workWhy community awareness is key to real inclusionCore Message:Instead of assuming someone can’t—start by assuming they can.This conversation is a reminder that inclusion begins with understanding, and that every person deserves dignity, autonomy, and the opportunity to live a full, meaningful life.Listen, learn, and help challenge misinformation in your community.Subscribe for more real stories of inclusion, advocacy, and impact.

    50 min

  5. 2D AGO

    Don't Count Us Out

    In this powerful episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared and Kelly sit down with Marion, a long-time community member who shares her lived experience navigating life with developmental disabilities and complex needs.Through honest and heartfelt conversation, Marion challenges some of the most harmful myths and misconceptions—especially the idea that people with disabilities can’t speak for themselves, make decisions, or live meaningful lives.This episode is part of our Myths & Misinformation mini-series, supported by the BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner’s Misinformation: Can You Stop It? campaign. Learn more at www.bchumanrights.ca. Episode Highlights:The impact of being underestimated and spoken overWhy communication goes far beyond wordsLiving with resilience through changing abilities and painThe importance of dignity, respect, and being truly includedHow passions like horseback riding and music continue to inspire purposeMarion’s Message:“Don’t count us out. We’re just as important.”Her story is a reminder that inclusion begins with listening, respect, and recognizing the full humanity of every person.Listen, learn, and help challenge misinformation in your community.Subscribe for more real stories of strength, inclusion, and impact from the Fort St. John Association for Community Living.

    42 min

  6. 2D AGO

    Breaking Myths: A Parent’s Powerful Perspective

    In this powerful episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared and Kelly are joined by Liz, a longtime Fort St. John resident, educator, and parent of Alicia—an individual living with cerebral palsy and complex needs.Through honest storytelling and lived experience, Liz shares what it really looks like to navigate systems, advocate for inclusion, and challenge the everyday myths and misconceptions that still exist around developmental disabilities.This episode is part of our Myths & Misinformation mini-series, supported by the BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner’s Misinformation: Can You Stop It? campaign. (learn more at www.bchumanrights.ca)Episode Highlights:The hidden impact of everyday misconceptions about disabilityWhat true inclusion looks like beyond just “being present”Challenges in school, employment, and community lifeWhy small actions—like how we communicate—matter deeplyThe importance of seeing the whole person, not the disabilityA powerful reminder:“Being in the community is not the same as being part of the community.”Liz’s story brings both heart and clarity to the conversation—highlighting the importance of dignity, advocacy, and connection in building a more inclusive world.Listen, learn, and help challenge misinformation in your community.Subscribe for more real stories of inclusion, resilience, and impact from the Fort St. John Association for Community Living.

    51 min

  7. 2D AGO

    Breaking Myths About Disability & Independence

    In this episode of the Shining Brighter Podcast, hosts Jared and Kelly sit down with Sanchitt, a support worker in Supported Independent Living (SIL), to challenge common myths about people living with developmental disabilities and complex needs.Together, they unpack harmful misconceptions about independence, employment, and inclusion—and replace them with real stories, lived experiences, and honest insights from the frontlines.Episode Highlights:Why independence looks different for everyone—and still mattersThe truth about “dignity of risk” and making your own choicesWhat support workers actually do (it’s more than you think)How stigma and misinformation impact daily lifeThe strengths, resilience, and contributions often overlookedThis episode is part of our Myths & Misinformation mini-series, supported by the BC Office of the Human Rights Commissioner’s Misinformation: Can You Stop It? campaign. Learn more at www.bchumanrights.ca. Core Message:People with disabilities are not defined by limitations—they are individuals with goals, strengths, and the right to live full, meaningful lives.Listen, learn, and help us challenge misinformation—because understanding leads to inclusion.

    42 min

  8. 2D AGO

    From Hospitality to Human Services: Kenda’s Journey of Inclusion & Empowerment

    In this episode, hosts Jared and Kelly sit down with Kenda, a long-time staff member and Program Manager, whose journey from the hospitality industry to human services has shaped her unique approach to supporting people with developmental disabilities and complex needs.Kenda shares:How her nightclub, tourism, and customer service background unexpectedly prepared her for this fieldThe importance of seeing the person first—not the disabilityWhy autonomy, visibility, and inclusion are central to meaningful supportThe realities of resource limitations and creative problem-solvingThe emotional impact of staff turnover and the importance of relational consistency Her hopes for community inclusion, better mental health supports, and the future Terrace CentreThis conversation is filled with honesty, warmth, and practical wisdom for anyone working in support roles, raising a child with complex needs, or wanting to better understand inclusion.Mission Reminder:At FSJACL, we support individuals with developmental disabilities and complex needs to live full, meaningful lives in community. Empowering people to design their own lives and shine their unique light truly makes the world brighter.Like, share, and subscribe to help spread awareness and amplify these important voices.

    45 min
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About

We are putting a spotlight on success stories and solutions to the problems of exclusion and apathy in the world of people living with developmental disabilities and complex needs. To learn more about FSJACL visit www.fsjacl.com. Join the Inclusion Collective as a monthly donor to support mental health and wellness, www.fsjacl.com/inclusioncollective.

Information

  • Creator
    Fort St John Association for Community Living
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Fort St John Association for Community Living
  • Show Website
    Shining Brighter