In this episode of the Demystifying Diversity Podcast, Daralyse Lyons interviews members of the autism community and those who actively work with individuals with developmental disabilities about the importance of centering the voices of people with disabilities. Daralyse explores the sad and shameful history of persecuting difference in the United States, and the many structures of systematized erasure and abuse impact the lives of those whose ways of thinking and/or moving deviate from societal perceptions of “normative.” She explores the concept of neuroplasticity as a way to emphasize the constantly changing and dynamic nature of the human brain and speaks with others about the spectrum of thoughts and emotions that become available when we widen definitions of “normalcy.” This episode explores the harm that occurs, and the huge amount of human potential that we fail to recognize, when we try to force people into thinking and behaving in uniform ways.

In this episode, you will be asked to consider the incredible gifts that come not in spite of our differences, but because of them.

Learn more at:

https://www.demystifyingdiversitypodcast.com/

-Voices featured:

-Melissa Tsuei

-Marta Rusek

-David Clizbe

-Larry Rubin

-Steve Mallon

-Nancy Schwartz

-Stacey Cunitz,

-Matthew Newell

Episode sponsors:

Next Level Trainings. For $50 off on Shift, their introductory virtual training (and a FREE voucher to their in-person Discovery training), go to nextleveltrainings.com/diversity and enter the promo code diversity.

Lavin & Associates, a branch of Primerica. Contact Jon Lavin directly at 610-453-2331 or email him at Jonlavin@me.com for a free Financial Needs Analysis.

Demystifying Diversity: Embracing Our Shared Humanity Buy the Book