See Us Hear Us

Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc.
  • 5.0 (15)
  • MENTAL HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

See Us, Hear Us is a place for the disabled community to have meaningful conversation. We will explore the challenges faced by the disabled community and how we can come together to overcome obstacles, raise awareness and work toward positive social change.

  1. 02/13/2025

    Lifting Limits: Angel Athenas on Breaking Records & Defying Odds

    We are joined on this episode with Angel Athenas! Angel won 4 gold medals in powerlifting at the 2019 Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi. Prior to her feats at the World Games, Angel broke the women’s deadlifting record at the 2018 New York Special Olympics in Albany. She speaks on her huge list of achievements as well as what motivates her to keep going.

    20 min

  2. 01/08/2025

    The Importance of A Lifetime of Learning with Marsha

    Join us for a conversation about the importance and benefits of continuing education with Marsha, a Direct Support Professional (DSP) at Family Residences and Essential Enterprises (FREE) Inc. Marsha has a graduate degree and recently completed a new micro-credential program available at SUNY Farmingdale. Listen on to hear her experience with returning to the classroom and her advice for new and returning students.

    28 min

  3. 01/31/2024

    Season 2 - Demystifying Mental Health Services with Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo

    We are privileged and honored to have Assemblyman Jarett Gandolfo on See Us, Hear Us! Assemblyman Gandolfo represents the 7th Assembly District on Long Island, and is the ranking member on the Committee of Mental Health. Listen on to hear more about services for mental health in schools, staffing challenges faced in our industry, and the integration of the Office of Addiction Services and Supports into mental health services.

    29 min

  4. 01/24/2024

    Season 2 - Speaking About Solutions with Jake Blumencranz

    We are so thankful to be speaking with Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz about issues currently facing our community! On this episode, we speak about employment for those with disabilities, employment issues facing Direct Support Professionals (DSPs), housing on Long Island, and more. Assemblyman Blumencranz represents New York's 15th State Assembly district.

    29 min

  5. 09/19/2023

    Season 2 - Keep Pushing On with Angelo

    This week, we meet Angelo, a TBI survivor due to an arterial vein malformation. Angelo had begun feeling sick, passed out after a night out, and was quickly brought to the hospital by his family, unsure of the cause. Once the cause was determined, 2 liters of blood was drained from his brain and he had awoken from his coma, Angelo had been transported to multiple hospitals and facilities that would be able to accommodate his needs, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, cognitive therapy and speech therapy. Through this process Angelo experienced sadness, but knew he had to push through for his family. His goal was to leave his last facility walking with a cane, no wheelchair, and he did just that, making his promise to his mother come true.

    23 min

  6. 09/05/2023

    Season 2 - Advocating For Our Community with Taylor Darling

    This week on See Us, Hear Us, we are speaking with Taylor Darling, NYS Assemblywoman for the 18th District located on Long Island. Taylor is both passionate for helping those with disabilities, as well as becoming an advocate for those in her community. Her  passion for helping those with disabilities shines through her work as she sits on the Committee for People with Disabilities, and recognizes the inequities within the community of people with disabilities. Taylor Darling will discuss her views on streamlining access to resources, training needed to work with people with disabilities, and the importance of paying the proper wages for those who work with those with disabilities and their families.

    32 min

  7. 08/29/2023

    Season 2 - Ready For New Challenges with Sam

    This week we talk to Samantha, a TBI survivor. Samantha went through a tragic car accident, being hit by an 18-wheeler. She was not breathing after being pulled from the car, technically dead. After being in a coma, followed by months of rehab, Samantha was able to begin what she calls her “rebirth.” Despite the obstacles placed in front of her, she shows what the true meaning of determination and perseverance is. She has been checking off goals that she has wanted to accomplish since before the accident, and today, Samantha says “I am ready for the next challenge to come my way.”

    26 min

  8. 08/24/2022

    Traumatic Brain Injury and Positivity 10 Years Later

    This week is our season one finale and we wanted to end in a very special way. Our guest is Chris Whirl and he joins Dr. Christopher Long to discuss Traumatic Brian Injuries. It is a topic that he knows very well as he himself suffers from a Brain Injury. This episode was recorded as Chris was getting ready to celebrate ten years since the night of his accident. His ability to stay positive and rehab his way back from his injuries to re-enter the education system, have a job and be a role model for others is truly inspiring.  Timestamps:  00:30 - Chris Whirl Introduction 01:04 - What is a Traumatic Brain Injury 02:32 - Chris’ Injury 04:29 - How life changed after Chris’ injury 07:10 - The night of the injury 09:30 - Rehab and the journey back 13:59 - TBI Waiver Services and Goals  17:08 - How to improve services 19:00 - Current Challenges for Chris 21:00 - Re-Entering the Education System 26:48 - Setting Goals/Using the SMART System 30:20 - Future Goals for Chris 35:10 - Chris on relationships and marriage To learn more about the services that Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc. offer, please visit https://www.familyres.org to learn more.

    41 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

See Us, Hear Us is a place for the disabled community to have meaningful conversation. We will explore the challenges faced by the disabled community and how we can come together to overcome obstacles, raise awareness and work toward positive social change.

Information

  • Creator
    Family Residences and Essential Enterprises, Inc.
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 See Us Hear Us
  • Show Website
    See Us Hear Us