Episode 29: Lynn McNamara and the Nature Conservancy Vermont

In this episode of Green Mountain Disability Stories, we welcome Lynn McNamara, from the Nature Conservancy Vermont. Lynn joins CDCI Communications Manager Audrey Homan to talk about what the Nature Conservancy Vermont learned in building accessible natural outdoor areas in Monkton, and Hartland Vermont. Lynn is the family member of someone with a disability.

“I think the trails that we’ve improved accessibility on also seem to protect the natural features more. We’ve found that our accessible trails and boardwalks hold up better to increased traffic. We have less erosion, and even with some of the storms that we’ve had in the last couple of years, they hold up better because they’re designed to have better drainage so that the surface stays level and firm for folks with disabilities. But it’s also protecting the natural areas around them a little better.”

Episode 28: Mel Houser

https://cdci.w3.uvm.edu/blog/cdciresources/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/09/episode-28-mel-houser-and-winnie-looby.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 44:17 — 81.1MB)Get new episodes by email RSS In this episode of…

Episode 27: Mary Anne Lewis

https://cdci.w3.uvm.edu/blog/cdciresources/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/07/Episode-27-Adrienne-and-MaryAnne.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:06:04 — 0.1KB)Get new episodes by email RSSIn this episode of Green…

Episode 24: Phoebe Chestna and Ben Wimett

In this episode, occupational therapist Phoebe Chestna interviews Ben Wimett.

Ben is a lifelong Vermonter, living down in Brandon, Vermont, with his dog, Pepper. Ben also has cerebral palsy, and works as an assistive technology provider with the Vermont Assistive Technology Project. And Ben’s here to share his stories of navigating Vermont schools (and snowbanks!), how power wheelchairs have changed over the years, and his advice to children with disabilities — and their parents. “The biggest advice I can give you is that if something happens, it’s not your fault. The biggest thing I can tell you is deal with the cards that you’re dealt. And I think the way my family did that is, yeah, I had to do things differently, but if I wanted to do something, we did it.”

Episode 23: Emerson Wheeler and Jan H.

https://cdci.w3.uvm.edu/blog/cdciresources/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/03/Episode-23-Jan-and-Emerson-audio-with-bumpers.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:07:34 — 123.7MB)Get new episodes by email RSSJan H. lives in Southern…

Episode 21: Michele Streeter

In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Michele Streeter to the show, to talk with show producer Audrey Homan. Michele Streeter is mom to Ocean and April Streeter, two siblings you met in Episode 20. Michele talks about what it’s been like to provide support and guidance for a child with a disability as they navigate the transition to adulthood, post-secondary education, and independent living.

Michele Streeter is also a Family Resource Consultant for the Vermont I-Team.

Episode 17: Winnie Looby & Nicole Villemaire

Dr. Winnie Looby, director of the UVM Graduate Certificate in Disability Studies, connects with disability self-advocate and researcher Nicole Villemaire. Nicole has been working in Dr. Looby’s Disability Studies courses as a teaching assistant, and she shares what that experience has been like, along with more of her own story as a passionate self-advocate.

Episode 14: Adrienne Miao & Michael Shor

In this episode of our podcast, CDCI Community Services Coordinator Adrienne Miao connects with Michael Shor. Shor is an autistic psychologist, an advocate for people with autism, and a member of the CDCI Community Advisory Council.