Voices Beyond the Spectrum

Karla Chinen
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Personal Journals
  • Updated Biweekly

Voices Beyond the Spectrum is a weekly podcast created by parents and caregivers, for parents and caregivers raising disabled and neurodivergent children. No degrees. No professionals. Just real people, real stories, and real emotions. Each episode features unfiltered conversations between the host and a fellow parent or caregiver, diving into the messy, beautiful, and often isolating world of disability. From late-night worries to small wins that feel like miracles—we talk about it all. This podcast is a safe space for connection, validation, laughter, and even tears. Because when the world doesn’t get it, we do. Come as you are. Your voice matters here.

  1. Apr 29 ·  Video

    Legacy Bridges Foundation: Melanee A. Stovall

    In this episode of Voices Beyond the Spectrum Resource Hub Edition, host Karla Chinen speaks with Melanee A. Stovall — mother, author of The Life Heist, and founder of Legacy Bridges Foundation — about navigating her daughter's epilepsy, the emotional toll of caregiving, and the faith and resilience that inspired her advocacy work. Melanie discusses building community through support groups, resource navigation, seizure first-aid education, and programs like Snoop Special Stars, and she shares how listeners can connect, volunteer, or support families affected by epilepsy. Melanee A. Stovall, MBA Executive Director  Legacy Bridges Foundation, Inc. 951-374-0933 www.legacybridgesfoundation.org LinkTree link: https://linktr.ee/Legacybridges Snoop Special Stars is kicking off their 2026 Flag Football and Cheer season on June 1st, creating an inclusive and empowering space for athletes of all abilities across OC, LA, and the Inland Empire. Registration opens March 9, so families are encouraged to sign up early and be part of this incredible community focused on inclusion, teamwork, and fun. For more information or to register, you can email SpecialStars20@gmail.com.

    31 min

  2. Apr 13 ·  Video

    Blue Envelope Program: Dr. C.J. Cook from Inland Regional Center, Audrey Maqueira from the Autism Society Inland Empire, and Corporal Ermes Maqueira from the Ontario Police Department

    In this episode of Voices Beyond the Spectrum, Resource Hub Edition, we bring together powerful voices from systems, community advocacy, and law enforcement to discuss an initiative that is helping bridge a critical gap between individuals with autism and first responders. Joined by Dr. C.J. Cook from Inland Regional Center, Audrey Maqueira from the Autism Society Inland Empire, and Corporal Ermes Maqueira from the Ontario Police Department, this conversation explores the purpose, impact, and real life application of the Blue Envelope initiative. The Blue Envelope is not a mental health program. It is a safety and communication tool designed to support individuals with autism and other developmental differences during interactions with law enforcement. It helps provide immediate awareness, reduce misunderstandings, and create safer, more informed exchanges for everyone involved. Through both professional expertise and lived experience, our guests share how this initiative came to life, why it is so needed, and how collaboration across communities is making a difference. This episode includes a powerful and important conversation around real world challenges, the importance of training, and the role we all play in creating safer and more inclusive communities. To learn more, access resources, and connect with the organizations featured in this episode, visit Empathy for Autism California or explore the links provided. OPD Blue Envelope Page Blue Envelope Program | City of Ontario, California   Blue Envelope Trainings: IRC Blue Envelope Training – Ontario | Inland Regional Center and IRC Blue Envelope Training – Riverside | Inland Regional Center. No RSVP required. Inland Regional Center Autism Society Inland Empire: 2026 Autism Acceptance Walk Autism Society Inland Empire City of Ontario Southern California Police

    57 min

  3. Apr 1 ·  Video

    ADR and Due Process: Devon Rios, Special Education and Civil Rights Attorney

    In this episode of Voices Beyond the Spectrum Resource Hub Edition, Karla Chinen invites Devon Rios, Special Education and Civil Rights Attorney, into the conversation to break down ADR and due process in special education. Together, they walk through what happens when disagreements arise between families and schools, what each option looks like, and how families can navigate these moments with clarity and confidence. Blending professional insight with lived experience, this conversation offers practical guidance, honest reflection, and empowering strategies for families advocating for their children. https://www.devonriosapc.com/

    48 min

  4. Mar 22 ·  Video

    Family Resource Network: TeiYana Muse

    Host Karla Chinen interviews TeiYana Muse from Family Resource Network about the organizations family-centered services that guide caregivers of autistic and neurodivergent children through early intervention, special education (IEPs), community navigation, and Spanish-language supports. The episode highlights Early Start (03), the Family Empowerment Center (ages 322), trainings, and practical resources—showing how lived experience and peer support help families access services, build trust, and find community. Find links to FRN trainings, events, and support resources in the episode link tree. https://www.esfrn.org/

    15 min

  5. Mar 21 ·  Video

    Family Resource Network: Vicky Murillo

    Host Karla Chinen speaks with Vicky Murillo of Family Resource Network about the programs that support families of children and adults with disabilities, including Early Start, the Family Empowerment Center, community navigation, and IEP workshops. The episode highlights bilingual, culturally sensitive services, practical guidance for accessing resources like IHSS and Social Security, and the importance of community, training, and emotional support so families know they are not alone. https://www.esfrn.org/

    16 min

  6. Mar 6 ·  Video

    Odyssey Inclusive: Dr. Lynn R. Larsen

    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/

    33 min

  7. Feb 15 ·  Video

    CalABLE: Promoting Independence and long-term planning—Thomas Martin Executive Director

    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

    37 min

  8. Jan 17 ·  Video

    Care Partners: Alicia Prieto (Spanish)

    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/

    15 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

Voices Beyond the Spectrum is a weekly podcast created by parents and caregivers, for parents and caregivers raising disabled and neurodivergent children. No degrees. No professionals. Just real people, real stories, and real emotions. Each episode features unfiltered conversations between the host and a fellow parent or caregiver, diving into the messy, beautiful, and often isolating world of disability. From late-night worries to small wins that feel like miracles—we talk about it all. This podcast is a safe space for connection, validation, laughter, and even tears. Because when the world doesn’t get it, we do. Come as you are. Your voice matters here.

Information

  • Creator
    Karla Chinen
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Voices Beyond the Spectrum