THINK+change Podcasts THINK+change

It can be tough to find the right balance between respecting the rights and needs of people with IDD who commit sex offenses and keeping the community safe. But it is important to support them in a way that leads to growth, reduces risk, and improves their quality of life.

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Kyle Lucas, PhD, is a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in helping people with developmental disabilities. With years of experience in treating individuals with problematic sexual behavior, Dr. Lucas sits down with us to discuss the strategies and approaches to create lasting change.

Disabilities are not always going to be obvious to others! The decision to share one’s disability is also highly personal and it can be a difficult one as they may face skepticism, disbelief, or stigma from others who cannot understand the extent of their disability or needs.  

In this insightful podcast/vodcast episode, we sit down with a remarkable young adult, entrepreneur, and self-advocate, who explains the reality of growing up with an invisible disability. Even at a young age, he is determined to have a voice, as he speaks up for himself and others with disabilities. Join us for a story of resilience, creativity, and living life to the fullest!

The journey of raising a child with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) may require unwavering support from parent advocates who champion their children’s rights, voices, inclusion, and overall needs. For parents of children, both adults and youth, navigating this advocacy path often becomes a lifelong commitment. In this THINK+change podcast episode, join us as we sit down with Cindy, a seasoned parent advocate in Colorado. With over 30 years of experience advocating for her son, Cindy shares invaluable insights for fellow parents on their own advocacy journeys.

A bonus episode within the multi-part series about Substance Use Disorders and People with Developmental Disabilities. This episode reviews Systemic Gaps and Policy Solutions with Senator Dafna Michaelson Jenet.
Treatment gaps for people with co-occurring disorders and disabilitiesHarm Reduction policy in ColoradoLived experiences and data needed to reduce stigma and improve policyPolicy change needed to address barriers and discrimination in treatment servicesReach out to your legislators to tell them the barriers you or someone you know is facing when it comes to substance use and having a disability.

The third epiosde within the multi-part series about Substance Use Disorders and People with Developmental Disabilities. This episode reviews Treatment, Recovery, and the Barriers Featuring Dr. Chad Johnston, MD, Medical Director of Urban Peaks Rehab.
The process of treatment and being in recovery;Overview of harm reduction;Communication between disability and addiction service systems;Barriers to seeking treatment for people with IDD; andImproving access to treatment.

The second epiosde within the multi-part series about Substance Use Disorders and People with Developmental Disabilities. This episode talks about the Prevalence of Substance Abuse among People with IDD Featuring Erika Spraker, LSW, ACA, Program Director of Lifelong Inc.
Research around SUD and IDD;Reasons for high prevalence;Prescription medication management; andSigns of SUD to look out for.