In this episode of the IDD Health Matters Podcast, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with John Silfies, keynote speaker at the Kansas InterHab Conference and founder of Silfies Media, a company dedicated to making the developmental disabilities (DD) field famous.

John shares his journey from Direct Support Professional (DSP) to marketing expert, emphasizing the power of storytelling in raising awareness, attracting new professionals, and celebrating the lives of individuals with disabilities. He discusses how his media company helps provider agencies, government organizations, and local communities by crafting impactful videos and social media campaigns that highlight the real stories and achievements within the IDD field.

Throughout the conversation, John and Dr. Escudé explore the importance of mental health and gratitude in a field that is often stressful but deeply rewarding. They discuss how sharing stories fosters connection, increases retention among DSPs, and strengthens community support for IDD services.

John also shares a powerful success story of how his company’s videos have helped counties pass critical funding levies and amplified the voices of individuals with disabilities, proving that visibility and awareness can drive real change.

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about the impact of storytelling, the importance of celebrating even the smallest victories, and the dedication of those working in the IDD field.

🔗 Learn more about John’s work at Silfies Media
🔗 Explore resources from IntellectAbility at ReplacingRisk.com