Well-Being: A Boundless Podcast

Listen to learn how authors with autism are writing books who have autistic characters as they share their own voices.  How have libraries changed to become more inclusive to those with disabilities? They are no longer just quiet places. Kristen Messer, autism clinic director at Boundless, and Kris Hickey, youth services manager at the Whetstone branch of the Columbus Metropolitan Library, join host Scott Light to discuss neurodivergent characters and authors. You will want to add these books to your reading list.

Let's be honest, that momentous road trip where everyone sang songs, counted license plates from multiple states, and no one asked, 'Are we there yet' -- was still stressful.  Factor in a child or adult with intellectual and developmental disabilities and that stress can be amplified. On this episode, you'll hear from two travel experts, who are also advocates for travel inclusivity. Ohio and every other state need more accessible restrooms with adult changing tables. Kim Boulter from the Ohio Changing Spaces campaign shares how they are helping make that happen and where you can find an interactive map.  Plus, Boundless Community Integration Specialist, Hope Johnson, provides her best food, beverage and mental health tips for loading up the car and heading out. She has learned lots of lessons taking adults with disabilities out in the community for years!    

Dr. John Ackerman, Nationwide Children's Clinical Manager for the Center for Suicide Prevention and Research joins Dr. Jamie Jones, Clinical Supervisor at Boundless Health, for a broad and frank discussion on mental health and suicide prevention, with special attention paid to those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  Both John and Jamie discuss effective ways to have tough conversations on these subjects with people you love.  Host, Scott Light, also asks them about the state of mental health in America: what concerns them?  And what gives them hope?   

This episode follows Timothy Blackwell through his journey as an artist with autism. He has been drawing since he could hold a pencil. Next year his creations will be displayed in a solo art show! Learn how he recently became a paid freelance artist. Boundless has provided Tim with counseling, peer mentoring, community outings, and now MAX coaching services. A call for local artists helped him reconnect with The Awesome Company and earn income by selling his designs. Join Tim and his mom, Rebecca, Angela Bellin (MAX coaching specialist at Boundless) Kelli James (peer and transitions supervisor at Boundless) and Jacquie Mahan (CEO of The Awesome Company) and be encouraged by the power of connections and partnerships. Learn how more people can get involved in assisting adults with autism find self-reliance and economic inclusion. 

Focusing on your fitness doesn't mean you have to do something you don't like. Learn how having choices can increase your desire to get moving. Join Peggy Mills, owner of Valemee Fitness, Amy Finkle, behavior analyst at Boundless, and Ryan Burnett, assistive technology manager, to hear how individuals with disabilities are working out all around town and at Boundless. They join our host, Scott Light, to discuss why it's important to give yourself grace in your exercise journey. We also share how BoundaryCare has partnered with Boundless to use technology to monitor health and enhance quality of life. 

Let's be honest, we're hearty folks here in Ohio as our winter months bring loads of cold weather, gray skies, and frozen water of several iterations. All of which send the sun back into the shadows. Yes, we're used to it, but it doesn't mean we're not truly affected by it. Those factors and more lead to seasonal affective disorder and it's real.  It's not just the 'winter blues'.  SAD has symptoms and even direct correlations to major depressive disorder. Join Julie Battaglia, clinical lead supervisor at Boundless and Rejeana Haynes, chief clinical officer at St. Vincent Family Services to learn what awareness, exercise, self-care, medication, counseling and other changes in lifestyle could do to help you or someone you know with SAD.     

Learn how our Parent Directed Program (PDP) lifts the weight off parents’ shoulders. Join Amanda Ryther, PDP parent, as she shares how she learned to best support her daughter Maddie and find time for herself again. Matthew Chapman, PDP administrative team member at Boundless, joins host Scott Light and explains how this unique program allows parents to get paid for caring for their loved one or hire people they choose to care for them while Boundless handles all the administrative tasks behind the scenes. 

Finding the right Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) technologies improve overall health, build confidence, and help with verbal language. When can you get a language and device consultation? What is the process of pairing the right device with an individual? Join Brad Whitmoyer as he uses his eye tracker technology and a mouse/clicker activated by his knee to share his experiences both personally and professionally. It's pretty amazing!  Along with Brad, you'll hear from Jennifer Monahan, senior AAC consultant from PRC-Saltillo who talks about technology today and what we may see in the technology of tomorrow.  Also, Abby Harris, a speech language pathologist from Boundless shares the profound impact she's seen these devices have on individuals and their families. 

With the holidays on the horizon, it is officially the season of giving and philanthropy. How do businesses build partnerships with organizations? What is “trust philanthropy”? And how does it benefit nonprofits? Join us to hear how Central Ohio businesses are helping the community. Erin Shannon, corporate relations manager of White Castle, and Christina Brown, regional director of community philanthropy and engagement at Huntington Bank, join our host Scott Light to share how they are putting their passions into practice helping others.

Did you know that being grateful can change your brain chemistry? What is a gratitude jar? Join us to learn practical things that you can do to embrace gratitude, improve your attitude, and enhance your life. Tammy Battle, state nursing director at Boundless, and Rachelle Martin, executive director of NAMI Franklin County, join our host Scott Light to share tips on being thankful this holiday season and all year long.