How does the upcoming Island Autism Gala on June 19th aid in providing services to its autism community, including day and residual programing?

Find out on this episode of the Breaking the Ice Lets Talk Inclusion podcast.

Joining host Steve Nearman are his guests:

Brooke Avakian, Board Chair, Island Autism

Kate DeVane, Executive Director, Island Autism

Jen Woods, Special Education and Transitions teacher, Martha's Vineyard High School

In addition to talking about the fundraiser, we also discuss the symbiotic relationship between Martha's Vineyard schools and Island Autism, including students making dog treats, working with horses and hanging out with chickens!

It's no secret that people in the medical community don't always get it right.

They told the parents of Andrew Roberts when he was a baby that he would never speak.

On this episode of the Breaking The Ice - Let’s Talk Inclusion podcast, host Steve Nearman discusses Andrew's recent graduation from Ithaca College's Sport Media program.

He received an autism diagnosis shortly before his second birthday and is the first and youngest Flutie Foundation Fellow, only 14 years of age when he started with the organization.

As a junior announcer for the Boston Red Sox, Andrew’s fandom grew over the years, and when he was 10 years old, (after borrowing a book at the library called “How to Start a Blog”), he started his own sports website, bostonsportsmania. com. It now has over 750 posts.

On the podcast, Andrew discusses his time at Ithaca and his incredible depth of sports media work in just 22 years of life.

How does Second Summer Cycle help raise thousands of dollars for charities on Cape Cod? Find out on the Breaking The Ice - Let’s Talk Inclusion podcast!

On this episode, host Steve Nearman sits down with Andi Genser, Organizer of Second Summer Cycle Charity Rides and Robert Goydas, Great Blizz supporter and past rider.

This show takes a deep dive into Andi's long and passionate career of championing those in need, especially women who need supports. And her long love affair with bicycling which came together during her years at the helm of Cape Cod non-profit We Can. Plus a sit-in by Blizz fundraiser Robert Goydas, on the staff of our production company Marshfield Community Media, as he reviews his successful Second Summer ride last year.

The Blizz again will be participating, along with 18 other non-profits, on September 13. Learn more: Secondsummercycle.com

What happens when your loved one with special needs turns 22? It’s major quandry, but one of the places to turn to is Plymouth County Family Support (PCFS).

Find out more on this episode of the Breaking The Ice - Let’s Talk Inclusion podcast, hosted by Jim Coughlin, Executive Director of PCFS, with Dakota Phillips, Agency with Choice Coordinator.

They discuss what their function is, along with upcoming programs, services, and resources for adults ages 22 and over who have aged out of the school system. PCFS serves the numerous towns of Plymouth County.

How did the tearing down of a pride flag turn into a popular community event?

On this episode of the Breaking The Ice - Let’s Talk Inclusion podcast, host Steve Nearman sits down with Darcee Edwards, organizer of the 6th annual "Don't Hide the Pride" event next month in Hanover, MA.

A member of Hanover Pride, a mother of three and full-time school nurse, Ms. Edwards explains how the event, which celebrates Pride Month, germinated from the tearing down of a pride flag at Hanover High School in June 2021.

Within days, the Hanover Board of Selectmen chose "to turn a hurtful incident into a unique moment for reflection leading to growth," including the creation of a Pride event which took place shortly after and ever since.

The discussion also delves into the world of LGBTQ+ people and the world around them, which is becoming more and more harsh. The Blizz has welcomed LGBTQ+ players since its inception.

Host Steve Nearman sits down with MA Sen. Dylan Fernades, who discusses legislation he is sponsoring for our community, including a cleaner environment and a focus on autism services and housing.

Nora Bent, Director of Government Affairs & Strategic Partnerships for the ARC of Massachusetts, discusses the PROTECT Act Amendment #6, which the ARC is strongly advocating for.

Rapidly evolving federal immigration policies and expanded enforcement actions are creating fear and instability across immigrant communities in Massachusetts. These developments are affecting not only immigrant families, but also the families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism who rely on an already-strained human service workforce, of which immigrants make up a huge percentage of staff.

This amendment seeks to include disability programs as "sensitive spaces" to protect a critical segment of the disabilities workforce.

What was it like to be in the crowd when Bobby Orr scored that unforgettable overtime goal in the 1970 Stanley Cup playoffs? Listen to find out!

Host Steve Nearman sits down with two major Great Blizz supporters, Skip Frieling and Dick Thibeau, as they look forward to their inductions into the USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame on Sept 25 and 26 in Superior, CO.