OCALI’s Inspiring Change

Simon Buehrer
  • 5.0 (4)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
  • UPDATED BIMONTHLY

Stories and connections from OCALI’s ongoing work of inspiring change and promoting access for people with disabilities.

  1. This Music Will Continue to Play: A Conversation with Autism Center Program Director Amy Bixler Coffin

    APR 27

    This Music Will Continue to Play: A Conversation with Autism Center Program Director Amy Bixler Coffin

    Megan and Simon are joined by Amy Bixler Coffin, program director of the Autism Center at OCALI and program manager of the Multi-System Navigation Center at OCALI. It’s a big and bittersweet moment as Amy retires after a 20-year career at OCALI and 35-year career in education. We share a lot of laughs, a few tears, but mostly we commemorate and celebrate all that her two centers have accomplished over the years while we look forward to the next chapter of their work, services, and offerings. Resources: Autism Center at OCALIMulti-System Navigation Center at OCALIAutism Internet ModulesASD Strategies in Action

    27 min
  2. We Know What Works: Jim Taylor on Learning Styles, Community, Football, and 45+ Years in the Field of Autism

    FEB 11

    We Know What Works: Jim Taylor on Learning Styles, Community, Football, and 45+ Years in the Field of Autism

    In this episode of Connecting the Dots from the Autism Center at OCALI, hosts Megan Trowbridge and Simon Buehrer sit down with long-time friend and autism expert Jim Taylor from Stirling, Scotland. With over 45 years of experience in the field of autism, Jim shares his insights on learning, reflection, and fostering community. A regular attendee of OCALICON since 2007, Jim explains how Columbus, Ohio, has become his second home—highlighting the importance of place in cultivating his professional growth and personal connections. Jim leaves listeners with the inspiring message that change happens when we reflect, engage, and rethink.  Resources: Jim Taylor Knows AutismCeltic FC Accessible Fan FacilitiesOldham Athletic Community Trust Sensory Packs | Carlisle United Sensory PacksAccessibility at Wrexham AFCGoogle Notebook LM (used to create the virtual podcast featured in this episode)United Kingdom Active Streak Running List (Run, Jim, run!)Autism Center at OCALI

    19 min
  3. It’s Not a Celebration of Ohio if All Ohioans Can’t Come: Building a More Inclusive Fair Experience

    08/23/2024

    It’s Not a Celebration of Ohio if All Ohioans Can’t Come: Building a More Inclusive Fair Experience

    Join us for the debut of Connecting the Dots, a new podcast series from the Autism Center at OCALI, aimed at raising awareness about autism and empowering communities. In our first episode, we explore how the 2024 Ohio State Fair is advancing inclusivity through its Sensory-Friendly Morning. Now in its fifth year, this special event lowers noise and lights to create a more accessible environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Through conversations with families attending the fair and insights from key partners like the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and the Autism Society of Central Ohio, we highlight how these efforts are making the fair more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone. Discover how small changes can make a big impact in creating events where everyone feels they belong.  Resources: Autism Center at OCALI  Sensory-Friendly Morning at the Ohio State Fair  Autism Center Grab and Go Resource Gallery of Interventions  Access + Belonging = Community Event Guide

    24 min
  4. Making Change In The World. And Out of It. Dr. Sheri Wells-Jensen on Disability in Space

    03/07/2024

    Making Change In The World. And Out of It. Dr. Sheri Wells-Jensen on Disability in Space

    Intuitive Machine’s Odysseus recently completed the U.S.’s first moon landing in 50 years. As we continue to explore the “final frontier,” how can we leverage disability’s practical, creative, and ingenuous problem-solving skills – and contingency plans – to better prepare for bold new adventures? And how do these noble pursuits help us build better communities here on Earth? Dr. Sheri Wells-Jenson, associate professor of linguistics at BGSU and the Baruch S. Blumberg NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology, Exploration, and Scientific Innovation commands this mission.

    28 min
  5. Grace and Grit: A Conversation with Judy Heumann, Temple Grandin, and Haben Girma

    08/11/2023

    Grace and Grit: A Conversation with Judy Heumann, Temple Grandin, and Haben Girma

    The OCALICON Rewind series continues featuring a conversation with three leaders, legends, and luminaries. Judy, Temple, and Haben come together for the first time to reflect on their work, contributions, and advocacy efforts over the years, and discuss how different ways of thinking, collaborating, and innovating are necessary to building a more inclusive world for everyone.

    49 min

  6. 03/06/2023

    Small Gestures and True Wins: The A + B = C Equation

    OCALI’s Executive Director, Shawn Henry, discusses the necessary components of access and belonging when building community in closing remarks delivered at OCALICON.

    12 min
  7. There Is Strength In Every Community: A Conversation about Special Education in Rural and Urban Settings

    11/06/2022

    There Is Strength In Every Community: A Conversation about Special Education in Rural and Urban Settings

    OCALI's "Rewind" series continues with a dialogue about the current state of disability education in both rural and urban settings. The conversations features leaders from ACRES, an organization focused on rural disability education and members of the Urban Collaborative, an organization focused on urban disability education.

    30 min

  8. 06/29/2022

    It’s Really About Living Your Moments Well With Other People

    How can we build and foster better and more significant relationships? Using a framework grounded in research, Tim Vogt and Danyetta Najoli from Starfire in Cincinnati, and Jill Mays from PSU in Lebanon, OH, shared some thoughts, laughs, experiences, and recommendations for creating and supporting meaningful engagements, intentional connections, and stronger and more inclusive communities. This conversation was originally recorded as part of the 2022 Innovation Series, developed by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and OCALI.

    46 min
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About

Stories and connections from OCALI’s ongoing work of inspiring change and promoting access for people with disabilities.

Information

  • Creator
    Simon Buehrer
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 OCALI’s Inspiring Change
  • Show Website
    OCALI’s Inspiring Change