In Other Words

Tarjan Center

The UCLA Tarjan Center’s podcast features Q&A-style discussions with speakers from our Distinguished Lecture Series. Hosted by Kecia Weller, Senior Disability Rights Advocate, and Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate, the podcast aims to make this content more accessible to our community. The lecture series is designed to expand awareness of emerging research and interventions, highlight disparities impacting underserved populations, and explore how public policies and practices influence the inclusion and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

  1. Oct 23

    How Autism and Mental Health are Connected

    In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. This special forum edition of the podcast takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Annual Forum in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion. This episode features Dr. Tony Attwood, Clinical Psychologist and Professor at Griffith University. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Dr. Attwood about mental health and well-being in neurodevelopmental disabilities and explores experiences that can shape mental health across the lifespan through a neurodiversity informed lens. Together, they discuss: What mental health means in the lives of people with neurodevelopmental disabilitiesWhy people with neurodevelopmental disabilities might be at higher risk for anxiety, depression and other mental health challengesCommon misunderstandings about mental health and disabilityThe role friendships and community play in good mental health Show Notes: To view this podcast with captions, visit: https://youtu.be/HNuA9B8kYg8 Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan View recordings and slides from the Annual Forum on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/ucla-tarjan-center-forum-neurodevelopmental-disabilities

    How Autism and Mental Health are Connected

  2. Oct 23

    How Do You Find the Truth About Disabilities?

    In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. This special forum edition of the podcast takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Annual Forum in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion. This episode features Andy Imparato, Chief Executive Officer at Disability Rights California. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Andy about trust, misinformation, lived experience, and the different sources of information that shape decisions in disability communities. Together, they discuss: • How false information about people with disabilities can be harmful • Where to go to find accurate information and what sources are trustworthy • How false messages on social media can spread quickly• How we can build trust in our communities Show Notes: To view the entire podcast with subtitles, visit: https://youtu.be/wJ5ZtCf6a7o Learn more about Disability Rights California: https://www.disabilityrightsca.org/ More of Andy Imparato's trusted resources: Association of University Centers on Disability: https://www.aucd.org/ The American Association of People with Disabilities: https://www.aapd.com/ Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan View recordings and slides from the Annual Forum on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/ucla-tarjan-center-forum-neurodevelopmental-disabilities

    How Do You Find the Truth About Disabilities?

  3. Oct 23

    How to Build Better Disability Services

    In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. This special forum edition of the podcast takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Annual Forum in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion. This episode features Pete Cervinka, Director of California’s Department of Developmental Services (DDS). Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Pete about how we can turn advocacy into action to improve disability services. Together, they discuss: How individuals with lived experience and their families have helped change the DDS programHow disability advocates can work together with DDS to improve services The role that data plays in improving disability services Exciting new projects and goals for the future Watch now to hear how bringing different voices to the table is a key component to building better disability services. Show Notes: To view the entire podcast with subtitles, visit: https://youtu.be/ELAAcPrB8yI Learn more about DDS: https://www.dds.ca.gov/ Sign up for BRIDGES Newsletter: https://www.dds.ca.gov/category/newsletter/ For more information about DDS's services and programs, email: info@dds.ca.gov Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan View recordings and slides from the Annual Forum on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/ucla-tarjan-center-forum-neurodevelopmental-disabilities

    How to Build Better Disability Services

  4. Oct 23

    Supporting Mental Health for People with Disabilities

    In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. This special forum edition of the podcast takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Annual Forum in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion. This episode features Dr. Kashia Rosenau, Training Director at UC-LEND, who is a featured panelist on the Mental Health and Lived Experience panel at this year's Annual Forum. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Dr. Rosenau about how systems, services, relationships and communities influence the mental health and well-being of individuals with disabilities. Together, they discuss: What we should know about mental health and wellness in people with disabilitiesHow we can support the well-being of people with disabilitiesWhere we might be missing the mark in supporting individuals with disabilities Show Notes: Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan Learn more about UC-LEND: https://uc-lend.med.ucla.edu/ The AASPIRE Healthcare Toolkit: https://researchautism.org/healthcaretoolkit View recordings and slides from the Annual Forum on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/ucla-tarjan-center-forum-neurodevelopmental-disabilities

    Supporting Mental Health for People with Disabilities

  5. Oct 23

    Teaching Teachers to Help Students with Disabilities

    In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. This special forum edition of the podcast takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Annual Forum in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion. This episode features Dr. Jan Blacher, Distinguished Research Professor at UC Riverside's School of Education and UCLA Department of Psychology. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Dr. Blacher about neurodiversity affirming education for K-12 and beyond and practices that support neurodivergent learners .Together, they discuss: Why teachers should support neurodiversity affirming practices in the early yearsHow strong Student-teacher relationships affect neurodivergent studentsWhat Smooth Sailing, a teacher-focused, professional development program designed to build positive relationships between general education teachers and their young students on the autism spectrum, has taught usHow the film Autism Goes to College explores the lived experiences of autistic students navigating higher education Show Notes: To listen to this podcast with captions, visit: https://youtu.be/h7iMZu952Rs To learn more about Smooth Sailing: https://smoothsailing.org/ To learn more about the documentary Autism Goes to College: https://www.autismgoestocollege.org/ Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan View recordings and slides from the Annual Forum on Neurodevelopmental Disabilities: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/ucla-tarjan-center-forum-neurodevelopmental-disabilities

    Teaching Teachers to Help Students with Disabilities

  6. Oct 19

    Easier Access to HPV Vaccines for People with Disabilities

    In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Community Lecture Series and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion. This episode features Dr. Dorothy Wiley, Professor at the UCLA School of Nursing. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Dr. Wiley about creating better access to HPV vaccines for people with disabilities. Together, they discuss: What the HPV virus is and why it is important to get vaccinatedThe groups at the greatest risk for under-vaccinationThe importance of building community trust How to educate parents and caregivers about the risk of HPV related cancers Show Notes: To view the entire presentation “ From Under-Vaccination to Trust & Engagement: A Community-Partnered Pathway to Vaccine Equity", visit: https://youtu.be/TGxhY3ceX7g To view this entire podcast with captions, visit: https://youtu.be/RgoO97H5Kj8 Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center:  https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan Human Papillomavirus (HPV) American Academy of Pediatrics   Human Papillomavirus (HPV): Infection and Vaccination | ACOG American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists   National HPV Vaccination Roundtable – 2026 HPV Vaccination Toolkit   National HPV Vaccination Roundtable – Repository of Resources   California HPV Vaccination Roundtable – Repository of Resources   An Action Guide for Oral Health Professionals – National HPV Vaccination Roundtable

    Easier Access to HPV Vaccines for People with Disabilities

  7. Aug 18

    A Path to Work: Helping Autistic Adults Find Jobs

    In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Community Lecture Series and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion. This episode features Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, Director of the UCLA Tarjan Center, University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities, and Founder and Director of the UCLA PEERS Clinic, which is an outpatient hospital-based program providing parent-assisted social skills training for individuals from preschool to adulthood. Host Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Dr. Laugeson about a new partnership between the UCLA Tarjan Center and the California Department of Developmental Services that is aimed at preparing autistic adults for employment. Together, they discuss: How the DDS-UCLA Partnership helps autistic adults prepare for and get a jobThe benefits of learning advocacy skillsThe Advocacy Academy and PEERS for Careers program and how they play a part in this partnership Show Notes: To view the entire presentation “ Building Pathways to Employment: the DDS-UCLA Partnership for Autistic Adults" , visit: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/2026-2027-presentations To view this podcast with captions, visit: https://youtu.be/tNfU1iAU8yo Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center:  https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan Learn more about the UCLA PEERS Clinic:  https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/peers Learn more about the California Department of Developpmental Services: https://www.dds.ca.gov/

    A Path to Work: Helping Autistic Adults Find Jobs

  8. Jun 24

    Brothers, Sisters, and Autism: Why Sibling Relationships Matter

    In Other Words is a podcast from the UCLA Tarjan Center where people with intellectual and neurodevelopmental disabilities interview researchers, policymakers, and experts in the field of developmental disabilities. Each episode takes presentations from the Tarjan Center Distinguished Lecture Series and turns them into clear, plain-language conversations so everyone can understand and join the discussion. This episode features Dr. Nicole Rosen, a postdoctoral fellow at the UCLA Semel Institute. Dr. Rosen received a postdoctoral fellowship through the Autism Science Foundation to lead Next Gen Sib where she researches the relationships between autistic individuals and their siblings. Host Kecia Weller, Senior Disability Rights Advocate at the UCLA Tarjan Center, talks with Dr. Rosen about the importance of sibling relationships in autism and how those relationships change as siblings grow and age.Together, they discuss: • The role of sibling relationships in autism• Why siblings are so important to autistic individuals • What happens when siblings reach adulthood • The Next Gen Sibs Project• Advice for sibling caregivers Show Notes: To view the entire presentation “ Exploring the Role of Siblings in Autism" with captions, visit: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan/2025-2026-presentations To view this podcast with captions, visit: https://youtu.be/3rmOu3Moeww⁠ To learn more about Next Gen Sibs or apply to be a part of the research study, you can visit https://nextgensibs.org or email Dr. Rosen at Info@nextgensibs.org. To learn about participating in other Autism Science Foundation research, visit https://autismsciencefoundation.org/participate-in-research/Learn more about the UCLA Tarjan Center: https://teams.semel.ucla.edu/tarjan

    Brothers, Sisters, and Autism: Why Sibling Relationships Matter
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About

The UCLA Tarjan Center’s podcast features Q&A-style discussions with speakers from our Distinguished Lecture Series. Hosted by Kecia Weller, Senior Disability Rights Advocate, and Holly Oliver, Disability Rights Advocate, the podcast aims to make this content more accessible to our community. The lecture series is designed to expand awareness of emerging research and interventions, highlight disparities impacting underserved populations, and explore how public policies and practices influence the inclusion and well-being of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.

Information

  • Creator
    Tarjan Center
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    40
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Tarjan Center
  • Show Website
    In Other Words