LIVEfor Empowering Kids Kathryn

Annie Heathcote is a voice all need to hear. As a young 22 year old just graduating from college, she has a vision for a more inclusive world. Don’t miss this episode where she shares how you can get involved in various ways and make a real impact in the lives of people with a disability. Find Annie on Instagram @annieheathcote and on her website annieheathcotedesigns.com If you’d like to check your website for accessibility, check out webaim.org Annie’s recommendations: Movies Featuring Disability To Watch:
Soul Surfer
7 Yards
Walk, Ride, Rodeo
Crip Camp
Breathe
The Fundamentals of Caring
Peanut Butter Falcon
Clouds
The Ultimate Gift
Run The Race
Christmas Ever After
The Curious Case of Benjamin Button

Disability Influencers To Follow:
@shaneburcaw
@megandejarnett
@tess.daly
@wheel.life.in.the.wheel.world
@wecarrykevan
@role.with.cole
@misstalisha
@presuttiadvocacy
@alyssaksilva
@letsdothisheather
@rollin_with_tonye
@ridingeverest
@trickynikkidee
@sav.huff
@maythesunrise
@amber.bosselman.coaching
@lifebeyondmywheels
@andrea.hanson.82
@walking.on.wheels

Join us as we talk to a school Occupational Therapist, Diana Amend, as she shares how play is the best thing you can do with your kids to get them ready for 4K and Kindergarten. Worried your 4 or 5 yo is not writing or getting dressed on their own? Is this normal? What can you do to help? Listen in and find out the best ways to help prepare your kids for school in the fall. 

This month, we continue to spread stories of inspiration through connection with individuals who have overcome unexpected obstacles and challenges in their lives. Today, we are so lucky to have Megan Hufton join us and share her story.
She is a single mom, parenting 2 boys, aged 9 and 10, with nonverbal autism and hypotonia. Megan is currently in grad school to receive her Autism Specialist Certification. She is an Advocacy Ambassador for the state of WI and Madison Walk Chair, both of which are with the Autism Organization.
I have been so eager to talk with Megan and have her share her story because she truly is an advocate for her children in all areas of life.  She demonstrates constant gratitude and chooses kindness even in the toughest of situations. Her ability to support her kids while pushing them to be the very best versions of themselves, and maintain her grace and kindness while doing it as as a working mom and student, makes her such an inspiring role model for so many, including myself.

John Boie is an athlete at the highest level. He is a member of the US Men's National Wheelchair Basketball team and has his eye set on the 2021 Paralympics in Tokyo this August. A native of WI, he grew up on a farm, but when he was involved in a tractor accident at the age of 2 resulting in an incomplete spinal cord injury, it didn’t mean his parents would go easy on him. Join us, as John talks about how he got to where he is today, the obstacles he continues to overcome, and how to not be afraid of failing.

Join us as we talk to Damian Buchman about how to inspire kids to try something new, in a new pair of shoes, the sport wheelchair! A one-in-a-billion survivor of his childhood bone cancer, Damian has endured dozens of surgeries. But, that never stopped him. He is the founder of The Ability Center and the Wisconsin Adaptive Sports Association. He is also the vision behind the RampUp movement. He has a passion for helping people realize their best self, delivering his message of hope. In his words, “The work I do is simply my way to honor my survivorship and those who lost their battle. Everybody deserves an equal opportunity to play – together!”. You can find more out about him and his missions at www.damianbuchman.com www.tacwi.org and on Facebook as Damian Buchman.

Today, I am talking with Jeff Mason on gaining kids trust in times of uncertainty. Jeff is a father to two wonderful boys, and is a pediatric physical therapist who has been working his dream job at Children’s Minnesota for the last 10 years. His work integrates his love for mental health, working with pediatric cancer patients and a growing interest in hospice care. Over the last 8 years, he has been meeting kids and their families shortly after their initial cancer diagnosis and is working almost exclusively in the pediatric oncology inpatient department. Jeff’s super power is the true connection he makes with kids and their families and finding creative ways to empower kids in challenging times.