Flattening the Curb: Recent Episodes
Disability Advocates
A podcast hosted by Disability Advocates to highlight the life experiences of living with disabilities in west Michigan.
It's been a great season so far and we will be taking a short break for the Summer, but we will be back in the Fall, but in the mean time, here's a sneak peek of what's to come! Thank you all for joining us and listening this season
We’re joined by Jeff Light, from Inclusive Futures, a resource focused on supporting families through the challenges of planning for loved ones with disabilities and aging family members.
We’re joined by Dalia Torres, as she shares her experiences with disability and experiencing higher education.
Episode 7 is here! We’re joined by Jackson Botsford, DAKC’s accessibility specialist, to talk about the ADA, inclusive design, and what it really takes to make spaces accessible for everyone.
✈️ This week’s episode features Gerald R. Ford International Airport and their new sensory room — a calming, thoughtfully designed space for travelers with sensory sensitivities. We talk about why spaces like this matter, how they came to be, and what true accessibility looks like in busy public environments. Because inclusion should be built into every journey.
The curtain rises on another powerful episode, spotlighting incredible stories and inspiring voices in the world of disability inclusion. 💪✨
🎙️ This week, we’re joined by Broadway Grand Rapids to talk all things accessibility in the performing arts — because inclusion deserves a standing ovation!
We’re back with more incredible stories and inspiring voices in the world of disability inclusion. 💪
✨ 🎙️Tune in to hear from Jen VanSkiver, Chief Officer of Strategic Growth with Special Olympics Michigan!
Tune in to hear from Scott Ford, camp director of Michigan Blind Athletic Association’s Sports camp! Give it a listen and be sure to visit https://buff.ly/sgpc3k2 for more information and camp registration!
🚨Season 2, Episode 2 is here! 🚨
We’re back with more incredible stories and inspiring voices in the world of disability inclusion. 💪✨
🎙️ Tune in to hear from Casey Dutmer and Michael Williams as they discuss Unstoppable Kent and accessible transportation in our community! You won’t want to miss this important conversation.
🚨Season 2, Episode 1 is here! 🚨
We’re back with more incredible stories and inspiring voices in the world of disability inclusion. 💪✨
🎙️ Be sure to give it a listen and hear from Dave Bulkowski as he shares his journey and the history of DAKC!
Join us as we chat with Phil Tower local Radio veteran as we discuss his life with a disability, accessibility in the community, and his career in media
Join us as we sit down with K Rock (Keegan Russel & Keanan Miller) the winners of the 2024 Discover Ability Award. These 2 young men with Autism combined their love of Drums and Guitar to form a band that performed at our annual ADA celebration
Join us as we chat with Cam Young about his journey with aquiring a Disability and becoming a champion for accessibility
Join us as we chat with Jennifer Keelan-Chaffins an iconic figure in one of the key protests of the Americans with Disabilities Act. New Logo art provided by Ashley Kadwell and Jackson Botsford
We sit down with Angela Andrews and learn her perspective of life. Mother of 5 children on the spectrum, data scientist, and nero-divergent herself. Angela helps us better understand a mile in her shoes.
Join us as we talk to High School student Faith as she breaks down barriers. Wheelchair basketball, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and more!
Join Host Jon Cauchi as he sits down with Nick Vanderwall. Learn about the accident that changed his life but failed to derail his passions. We discuss topics such at Blind Hunting, service dogs, audio books, and more
Join host Jon Cauchi and Author Sean Spence as we discuss his new book and the history that inspired it!
Jon Cauchi interviews Paralympian and Two time Hall of Famer Lee Montgomery. Lee is a Pioneer and powerhouse in adaptive sports.
Host Jon Cauchi chats with the Employment Navigator at the Association for the Blind and Vision Impaired Osman Koroma
Host Jon Cauchi speaks with National Library for the Blind and Print Disabled Director Jason Broughton
Host Nathan Slauer met with Julia LaGrand, an accomplished musician and disability advocate.
Host Nathan Slauer discusses the future of assistive technology with healthcare architect Noam Platt. Platt is the founder of MakeGood, Inc.
Host Nathan Slauer discusses accessibility practices with Pulitzer Prize-nominated journalist Steve Wright.
Host Jon Cauchi discusses an upcoming special event with Disability Advocates Board Member Marcus Fairfield.
Host Nathan Slauer speaks with Kelly Mendenhall, author of Skin in the Game: The Stories My Tattoos Tell.Mendenhall tells her story of living with chronic pain and facing medical gaslighting. She discusses how art can be an effective tool for addressing pain and challenging life circumstances.
Host Jon Cauchi discusses health and advocacy with Pete Rigney. Rigney is a disability and DEIA advocate and employee at Corewell Health.
Host Jon Cauchi discusses stand up comedy with D.J. Demers, a comedian who performed at the Special Olympics Michigan Unified & Sports Inclusion Center during LaughFest.
Host Jon Cauchi connects with Disability Advocates Absolutely Accessible Business Coordinator Patrick Parkes.
Host Jon Cauchi interviews Disability Advocates' Independent Living Specialist Kristen Kelling.
Join us for a special episode of Flattening the Curb! Our host, Jon Cauchi, shares his disability story.
Host Jon Cauchi met with Renee Thompson to discuss her work as a Registered Occupational Therapist at Disability Advocates.
Host Jon Cauchi met with President and CEO Meghan Distel and Marketing Director Jennifer Pascua from Broadway Grand Rapids.
Host Jon Cauchi met with Casey Ries, Engineering & Facilities Director at the Gerald R Ford International Airport, to discuss accessibility.
Host Jon Cauchi met with City of Wyoming's Director of Community Services Rebecca Rynbrandt to discuss park accessbility.
Guest Patrick Parkes discusses the upcoming Absolutely Accessible Kent event with Jon Cauchi.
Host Jon Cauchi talks about hunting and adaptive spors with Hunt 2 Heal founder Carson Nyenhuis.
Host Jon Cauchi speaks to Executive Director Dave Bulkowski about the move away from Disability Advocates' former home on Camelot Drive.
Jonathan Cauchi discusses the past year of Disability Advocates with Executive Director Dave Bulkowski and Producer Joel Campbell. The three chat about what to expect in the new year, how to get involved, and what they're excited about!
Jonathan Cauchi discusses the Absolutely Accessible Kent program with Jackson Botsford and Patrick Parkes of Disability Advocates. The conversation about universal design and AAK's annual program continues with John Rizor of Progressive AE. To learn more about AAK, follow the program on Facebook or visit dakc.us/aak.
Jonathan Cauchi sits down with staff members of Disability Advocates and Dirk Bakhuyzen, executive director of Beyond 26, to discuss issues around disabilities in the workplace.
Jonathan Cauchi sits down with staff members of Disability Advocates and the Rapid to discuss transportation in west Michigan.
Jonathan Cauchi sits down with staff members of Disability Advocates to discuss the American with Disabilities Act turning 31! He goes over its history, how it's used day to day, and our upcoming celebration on July 28!