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Finding Common Ground

Finding Common Ground

By: ROC Vox Podcast Network
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About this listen

 Many families feel like they're treading water, especially those living with autism and other developmental differences. As your hosts, we get it, and we know this frustration all too well.

In response, we've created tried-and-true strategies that help everyday people achieve extraordinary things. Even those who might have doubted themselves can borrow our confidence, follow one of our "blueprints," and with a supportive community cheering them on, make the impossible happen.

Each success inspires those coming up behind us, creating a ripple effect of positive change—Which is why we'll never run out of content!Our podcast tackles tough issues head-on with unfiltered conversations focused on solutions.

We won't avoid "the elephant in the room"—in fact, we'll invite it to dinner! Our unique format appeals to people from across the globe, offering strategies that turn efforts for one into advocacy for the greater good. We breakdown topics like innovative housing, effective self-advocacy, and healthcare complexities, guided by our audience on what to cover next.

Each episode offers fresh perspectives, featuring many guests you won't find on mainstream platforms. We intentionally invite differing viewpoints because finding common ground with those we see as obstacles is the surest way to create new and innovative solutions.

Join our Supporter's Club and check out our merch. Let’s ensure the A/I/DD community's voice is heard. If you want to dig deeper, schedule a session with us. We happily work one-on-one, develop trainings, and offer public speaking engagements to assist individuals and organizations in promoting things like inclusivity and equity.

Join our community, plant seeds of positive change, and before you know it, you'll be moving mountains with us! Want to support our mission and access exclusive content? Join our Supporter's Club and check out our merch.

Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.Copyright ROC Vox Podcast Network Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • FCG ON LOCATION - Walk for Autism Acceptance

    FCG ON LOCATION - Walk for Autism Acceptance
    May 15 2025
    Join hosts Heather and Steve as they take Finding Common Ground on the road to Utica, New York for the annual Autism Walk. Despite drizzly skies, the energy was electric—over 50 resource tables, $150,000 raised, and hundreds of families, self‑advocates, service providers, and local leaders coming together in solidarity.In this special on‑location episode you’ll hear:
    • Personal Journeys: A conversation with an author who has turned his lived experience with autism into a series of children's books.
    • Advocacy in Action: Diane Tanner of Healthy Minds, Healthy Kids on mental‑health funding and Assemblyman Miller’s vision for policy change.
    • Community Impact: Dr. Kelberman reflects on 20 years of grassroots growth and future plans.
    • Self‑Advocate Voices: Christian and Veronica share how they’re forging independence through employment and peer‑led initiatives.
    • Local Innovation: Highlights from Books, Art & More and LifePlan/ACA on creative supports and care management.
    Whether you’re an ally, a family member, or simply curious, this episode captures the resilience and unity of the autism community—and shows why our work continues year‑round. Tune in to discover inspiring stories, practical resources, and how you can help keep the momentum going. Subscribe now and be part of the conversation!

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
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    20 mins
  • From Tragedy to Technology – Protecting Vulnerable Loved Ones with Guardian Watch AIfinal

    From Tragedy to Technology – Protecting Vulnerable Loved Ones with Guardian Watch AIfinal
    May 7 2025
    Today, as the perpetrator (Garnet Collins) is sentenced for his crimes, we release this episode to stand in solidarity with Anil and Shalini Babbar’s family and amplify their fight for justice and protection. Their journey from heartbreak to hope explains the development of Guardian Watch AI and how technology—combined with community involvement—can not only hold perpetrators accountable but also prevent future abuse.Impactful Quotes from the ParentsShalini Babbar: "To get a call from a strange number and shortly thereafter receive a video of my son's physical and sexual abuse has been by far the most devastating thing I've ever experienced. My son screaming in pain, howling in agony, saying he wants to call his mommy. It echoes in my head all the time. A selfless whistleblower staff member could no longer tolerate the abuse he was witnessing and felt compelled to alert us. We will forever be grateful to him. This man took matters into his own hands and if not for his courage, my son would still be a victim."Anil Babbar: Listen as we put to rest the tired argument that "privacy rights" are why cameras should not be permitted in group homes. The truth is, cameras are already in place in many settings to protect us. Those who cannot testify to the abuse they’ve endured deserve the same safeguards as everyone else, not less. "We need to create a grassroots campaign to ensure cameras are installed in these facilities. It's the only way to protect our most vulnerable."The Shocking Reality of AbuseThe prevalence of abuse in care facilities is staggering:The Justice Center investigates 90,000+ cases of potential abuse or neglect each year in the state of New York.80% of abuse goes unreported.Disabled children are 5 times more likely to be sexually assaulted.4 out of 5 disabled females have experienced sexual violence.Many vulnerable victims cannot testify, making convictions difficult without video evidence.Taxpayer money funds facilities where abuse goes unchecked for decades.The System Needs to Change: In other care sectors, like nursing homes, facilities are penalized for abuse—through fines and adjustments to reimbursement rates when patterns of abuse are identified. Why doesn’t this happen in residential facilities for people with disabilities? Medicaid dollars should not fund abuse. If facilities were required to repay Medicaid for timeframes when abuse occurred, it would create a powerful incentive to improve safety protocols and oversight.Learn how this wasn't the first time the Anderson Autism Center has faced scrutiny. Twenty years ago, at the same residential option for children under 21, unchecked abuse resulted in the death of Jonathan Carey. How are these tragedies still happening decades later? This podcast digs into why we need systemic change to protect our loved ones.A Call to Action: Be Part of the SolutionParents, caregivers, and advocates can actively participate in this mission. By submitting video footage of behaviors—like stimming or common reactions—families can help train Guardian Watch AI to distinguish between typical movements and potential signs of abuse. Your contributions will help protect countless vulnerable individuals from harm.This isn’t just about detecting abuse but proactively creating an ecosystem that prevents it. Imagine an AI system that detects elevated heart rates or distress signals, allowing for early intervention, alerting staff, and calling for backup. It’s not just a documentation tool—it’s a safety net that supports the staff as much as the disability community. In cases where staff are falsely accused, video footage can serve as a safeguard, providing context and proof of proper conduct.This platform has the potential to protect everyone involved. Many staff members feel undervalued and disrespected, which makes it harder for them to step forward when they witness travesties. Guardian Watch AI can help document events accurately, providing clarity in ambiguous situations and ensuring that the truth prevails. Law enforcement and The Justice Center have acknowledged that having video evidence would be extremely helpful in clarifying cases where witnesses have difficulty communicating and/or fear retaliation.Visit the official website to learn more and get involved: https://app.guardianwatch.ai/Learn More: For more about the case and the family’s journey, watch the news coverage here: https://www.fox5ny.com/news/autism-facility-faces-abuse-allegations-after-shocking-video-surfacesThis episode is more than just a story—it’s a call to action. Be part of a movement to create safer environments for our most vulnerable. Listen to this powerful episode, hear Anil and Shalini’s story, and find out how you can join the effort to protect those who cannot protect ...
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Backstage Pass: Nearly One Year of Unscripted Advocacy

    Backstage Pass: Nearly One Year of Unscripted Advocacy
    Apr 30 2025
    Pull up a virtual backstage chair—this episode is just Heather & Steve, nearly one year in the making. No guests, no scripts, just two advocates who refuse to let the conversation end at “cut.” We revisit our most powerful moments, unpack the “quiet parts” that echo long after the camera stops rolling, and give you the inside scoop on what’s coming next. A heartfelt thank you to everyone for rallying around CDPAP topics lately. We know this platform has been CDPAP-heavy—and we appreciate your understanding. Remember, every issue matters here: home care, federal funding, community innovations, and more.In this free-wheeling episode, you’ll:
    • Relive Standout Moments: Revisit some of the debates that have shaped Finding Common Ground and hear why they still matter: “On his 21st birthday, every single program stops. There is no fallback, no transition to adulthood for these same kinds of programs that he still needs. It took quite an undertaking trying to get him somewhere. At the very last minute we got the miracle, and he moved in yesterday.”
    • Explore the Camera Conundrum: Why aren’t group homes outfitted with the same camera technology we see in every other sector? “If you’re in a hospital, there are cameras. If you’re in a school, on a bus, if you’re in a store, if you’re in a nursing home, we even use cameras to keep our cars safe. Why not our most vulnerable?” We dismantle the tired privacy arguments and sketch out how we could make it work for everyone’s safety.
    • Meet Our Newest Allies: Learn how a horrifying abuse case at the Anderson Autism Center forged Heather’s bond with Shalini (the boy’s mother) and led to a collaboration with his Dad, Anil. Their pioneering AI platform will not only document and expose abuse, it aims to prevent it before it happens. Stay tuned for a deep-dive episode on how you can help train this technology, so it’s designed with your family’s needs in mind.
    • Follow Steve’s Foster-to-Family Mission: After welcoming nearly 200 children into their home, Steve and his wife are finalizing their last adoptions—and you’ll be astonished by the stories they’ll share once their family is complete. Buckle up for an upcoming mini-series of eye-opening revelations and groundbreaking solutions they couldn't discuss until now.
    Why Listen to this Episode?
    • Respectful Dialogue: We tackle the issues blowing up other platforms. Just last month, nearly 80,000 people engaged with our RFK Jr. autism post with only three comments that "crossed the line" with a disrespectful tone. Which shows us what’s possible when we welcome raw truths and diverse perspectives.
    • Common Ground = Real Change: Every voice matters. By sharing honest stories from every side, we pave the way to solutions that last long after we are gone.
    • Your Voice Matters: Tune in, then dive into the discussion. Tell us which topics you want us to explore next—home care, housing, policy, or something entirely new.
    Listen now on your favorite podcast app or watch on YouTube. The backstage door is open—come join the conversation that keeps going long after the cameras are off.

    Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/finding-common-ground--6199849/support.
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    36 mins
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