Rising Voices: Career Journeys and Advocacy

Who Is Aunt Jospehine?

In this deeply moving episode, we uncover a family secret that remained hidden for years and explore how that discovery ignited a lifelong passion for advocacy. We trace the history of the 'warehousing' of individuals with developmental disabilities in Ohio and the fierce advocacy that ultimately broke down those institutional walls. From the dawn of group homes in the 1980s to modern-day policy battles in Washington, D.C., this episode is a testament to the power of sharing your story to better humanity.
This episode highlights and strengthens our mission, and we hope it lights a fire under all who take the time to listen. Thank you. 
 
If you have a family member whose story was also a hidden part of history and would like to share, please reach out to AJ and Danielle at risingvoices.info@gmail.com 
 
"Never take your foot off the gas pedal when it comes to advocacy. You have to keep it going at all times." - Tony Thomas 
Stay involved and keep the momentum going by connecting with these leading organizations:
ANCOR – The American Network of Community Options and Resources.
Note: Look out for the Disability Policy Summit held every Sept/Oct in Washington, D.C.
The NADD – An association for individuals with IDD and co-occurring mental health conditions.
NADSP – National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals, the leading voice for the DSP workforce and federal legislation.
The Arc of the United States – Promoting and protecting the human rights of people with IDD and supporting their full inclusion in society.

If Their Dream is to Travel, We Can Make This Possible

Does the thought of navigating an airport or a crowded theme park with a neurodivergent child feel more like a mission impossible than a vacation? You aren't alone—and you don't have to do it without a map. We sit down with Rachel Morelli, Board Certified Behavior Analyst, Accessible Travel Agent, and Co-Founder of the Learning Escape LLC.
Rachel blends her clinical expertise with a passion for exploration to help families move from "we can't" to "we're going!"
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Are you ready to take a family vacation or travel solo? Connect with Travelmation and learn more about Accessible Travel. 
Are you a BCBA ready to earn CEU's onboard a cruise ship? Reserve your spot here and get ready to set sail in February 2027. Experience where professional growth meets real escape. 
Follow and connect with Rachel on LinkedIn
Other ways to connect: Facebook  join the Facebook Accessible Group and by visiting online at Rachel Morelli Travel Co
 

Rivers Of Information

This conversation goes beyond inspiration, the time is now or never to make an impact that shapes the world for generations. "As the great philosopher Kendrick Lamar once said, "Sombody Gotta do it" - Carlos Del Rio. Join us as we continue to empower professionals by sharing our "why". Carlos opens up about his personal story that transformed his professional careerl. How he translates the strategies of his academic studies and professional skills to leave the world a better palce than he found it. Learn more about the autism community in the Dominican Republic, cultural bias, stigmas, representation, cultural competence, and more. For more ways to get involved follow and connect with Carlos on Social Media. 
Connect with Carlos on LinkedIn and follow his journey on Instagram by following @Itscarlosdr and for more ways to stay connected, Linktr-CarlosDelRio
 
Carlos' book is available NOW: Relaxed and Awake
 
Thank you for the many mentors that are supporting the next generation of leaders and change makers. Thank you to Black Men in Behavior Analysis (BMBA) an organization that continues to bless black professionals through mentorship and more. 

Celebrating National Disability Employment Awareness Month with Haley Moss

Join us this month as we celebrate and recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) in the United States! We're sitting down with special guest Haley Moss, an attorney, artist, author, advocate, speaker and proudly autistic individual, for a candid conversation that emphasizes the powerful impact all kinds of minds make on society. Haley is a neurodiversity expert and leader on disability inclusion, autism, and neurodiversity in the workplace.
Haley introduces herself and dives into her experiences navigating the professional world, discussing past workplace accommodations and the big leap she took toward self-employment. We explore how she manages her time to refuel and the vital role that setting boundaries plays in her personal and professional life, all while celebrating her opportunity to thrive.
You can connect with Haley on her various social media channels, including LinkedIn, X, and Instagram. to learn more visit Haley's website: HaleyMoss.com
 
MORE ABOUT WORKPLACE INCLUSION AND NDEAM:
October 2025 marks the 80th anniversary of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), an annual observance recognizing the positive contributions of people with disabilities to the American workforce. Despite ongoing progress, employment disparities remain stark: the unemployment rate for people with disabilities in 2024 was 7.5 percent, nearly double the rate for people without disabilities (3.8 percent). This gap underscores the powerful implications of expanding opportunities and removing barriers, recognizing that full inclusion fosters independence, dignity, and a stronger, more diverse workforce.
Local and state resources are available for individuals who are in the pivotal transition stage of life, ages 14-22, and for adults seeking employment opportunities. Some opportunities include State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agencies, the Social Security Administration's Ticket to Work Program, and the Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability. 
 
If you are an employer looking to increase operational efficiency, build trust among employees and your community, visit IBCCES.org. The International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards offers internationally recognized training and certification programs. The Certified Neurodiverse Workplace (CNW) training and accreditation program is a true partnership and opportunity that results in business success for years to come. The CNW enhances employee loyalty, trust and sense of belonging by showing a commitment to understanding the different ways people think and work. The practices that support neurodivergent employees, like flexible work arrangements or clear communication and expectations, often improve the work environment for everyone. 
 

Beyond the Leash: How Service Dogs Enable Independence

September is National Service Dog Month!
Join AJ for a conversation with Allison "Alli" Romano on the independence she's achieved through her partnership with her hearing service dog, Poppy.
In honor of National Service Dog Month, this episode highlights how a service dog can support a young professional's journey. Alli shares how Poppy helps her with crucial daily tasks, like waking her up for work, which has given her a newfound sense of independence. And if you don't already know her, Poppy is also a bit of a social media star herself!
Follow Poppy and Alli @poppythepup26
Follow Dogs for Better Lives @dogsforbetterlives

A Unique, Progressive Approach

Elissa is a late-diagnosed autistic ADHD speech-language pathologist, autism expert, and entrepreneur who’s redefining what leadership looks like in the therapy and education world. After years of running a successful in-person practice, Elissa turned her lived experience as a neurodivergent woman into a driving force behind Speech Works By Elissa, an online coaching and parent course membership platform that empowers parents of nonverbal and speech-delayed children to teach their kids to speak and live independently.
 
Elissa is proudly leading the way for other neurodivergent professionals by breaking down barriers in healthcare, building scalable solutions, and creating safe spaces where innovation and inclusion go hand in hand. Her work has reached thousands globally and earned her recognition as a ClickFunnels Ambassador, a featured expert on the national TV series Legacy Makers, and a speaker at the ICAN International Conference alongside Temple Grandin.
 
She is also the co-founder of ClimbRx, the world’s largest sensory community for neurodivergent parents and professionals, and a founding host of ClickFunnels Connect Las Vegas. Through her strategic online funnels, her top-selling parent coaching programs, and her partnerships with industry leaders like TalkTools, Elissa is building a legacy of access, empowerment, and transformation,  not just for families, but for the neurodivergent community at large.
 
Follow Elissa on IG @itselissarenee and visit her website SpeechWorksbyElissa.org 

My Life's Purpose is Having an Interesting Career

Discover how starting small can open up unexpected doors leading to opportunities that fuel your purpose in life with Dr. Temple Grandin.
Dr. Grandin is back for Part 2, sharing invaluable career development advice for young adults. Hear personal stories, reflections, and hopes for the future of autistic individuals and young professionals.
Thanks for celebrating one year of Rising Voices with us! 
Thank you Dr. Grandin for your time, and for leaving us with this unforgettable conversation. 

It's a Big World Out there, and It Changes Your Perspective

Rising Voices turns ONE today! In celebration of our podcast anniversary, we are releasing a very special bonus episode featuring our special guest, Dr. Temple Grandin. Join us as we hear her perspectives, as she shares stories from her childhood, adolescence, and beyond! Discover Dr. Gradin's passion, career journey, and personal experiences as an adult diagnosed with Autism in 1950. We welcome you to Part 1 of our Anniversary Special. Thank you for your continued support; we hope to continue to inspire you. 

Inspiring the Next Generation of Leaders

Join us as we welcome Lara and Maya Hammound, twin sisters, who at 17 have began making a global impact in creating sensory spaces.
To learn more please visit their website, https://www.perceptionfoundation.com/.

Big and Bold and Unapologetic

This month's episode, we're joined by the incredible Dr. Deshanna Reed for a deeply moving and insightful conversation about her personal story and professional journey. Dr. Reed offers a unique perspective, shaped by her experiences as a sibling and an upbringing that truly defied the norm. Now Dr. Reed and siblings carry out their family's spirit to be big, bold and unapologetic in the world in which we live. 
Dr. Reed shares what it was like being raised by parents who wrote their own playbook when it came to caring for individuals with higher support needs. As part of a Black family with four children, her parents were true pioneers, courageously and unapologetically embracing their community while navigating the complexities of their children's needs.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Reed's unwavering commitment makes it possible for other families in the community to share the beauty of their family members, leaving an inspiring legacy of love, resilience, and advocacy. Her work extends beyond her home state of Texas, and as a mother of four, she also reflects on the next generation of courageous minds. 
Follow Dr. Reed on social media and connect with her on LinkedIn where she actively shares stories, insight and updates on her professional endeavors.  
Books: 
https://a.co/d/d3IfhMc
https://a.co/d/6gbGQLB
https://a.co/d/bfIcrPG
 
TEDx Raleigh: 
https://youtu.be/gsCfXucmSlU?si=Si7gLFtXxAINtEkE
TEDx Columbia College SC:
https://youtu.be/83upuKXLi6E?si=T1TANET9-JL-T6NC