Hey, welcome to an episode of Crippled by Culture, where we talk about everything in life and relate it to the disability and chronically ill community. My name is Sean Gold and I am an author, advocate, and nonverbal public speaker for the disability community.

Guest bio: Derek Canas (AKA D-REK), born a sweet, cute, seemingly healthy baby, had everything going for him until the age of 3 months, when he was surrounded by many doctors talking about transposition of the great arteries, pacemakers, and blood transfusions. His parents now had, what they called a “battery operated son”. This was a scary scenario for his parents with so many touch-and-go moments. 16-years later another illness that Derek had been living with started to show symptoms: HIV. This only brought on a more terrifying roller-coaster ride. With courage, unconditional love and sheer determination, Derek was not going to let any one of his health issues get in the way of his dream of becoming a DJ! Spinning music is the passion of his soul. Today, taking his fight against HIV to new hope, He can be found on WEGO health as a patient leader. A survivor of both open heart surgery and HIV, his doctors refer to him as "The Terminator." And that he is!! He is also the creator of the #EndTheStigma Campaign and D-REK's Angels and Warriors. On the weekends he turns into the crazy DJ – living his dreams!!

FOLLOW DEREK

https://www.angelsandwarriors.org/

https://www.facebook.com/DREKSANGELSANDWARRIORS

https://www.instagram.com/dreksangelsandwarriors_/

https://x.com/DREK912

https://www.tiktok.com/@angelsandwarriors

Sean's links:

https://linktr.ee/authorseangold

Hey, welcome to an episode of Crippled by Culture, where we talk about everything in life and relate it to the disability and chronically ill community. My name is Sean Gold and I am an author, advocate, and nonverbal public speaker for the disability community.

Today I would like to thank Josh Rettig for being my voice in this episode. In this episode, we are talking about the intersections of disability and parenting from a nondisabled’s perspective. Now Let’s get to today’s amazing guest(s),

Guest Bios:

Stone Kaufer is an 18-year-old non-speaking autistic individual who, after years of not being able to communicate reliably, found his voice through a spelling methodology at the age of 16. This breakthrough has transformed his life, empowering him to share his unique perspective on the world. Stone’s journey is a powerful testament to resilience, determination, and the belief that everyone has a voice worth hearing. He now speaks to inspire others, offering hope and encouragement to those facing similar challenges.

David Kaufer is Stone's Dad. As a passionate advocate for inclusion and presuming competence, David has become a voice for other parents navigating similar challenges. His experience as a father, coupled with his professional background in marketing and storytelling, equips him to share insights on how families, educators, and healthcare providers can create more inclusive environments. David’s personal journey inspires and encourages others to see potential where others may not.

FOLLOW DAVID

https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidkaufer/

https://www.instagram.com/davidkaufer/

https://www.facebook.com/david.kaufer/

Sean's links:

https://linktr.ee/authorseangold

Hey, welcome to an episode of Crippled by Culture, where we talk about everything in life and relate it to the disabled and chronically ill community. My name is Sean Gold and I am an author, advocate, and nonverbal public speaker for the disability community.

Today I would like to thank Josh Rettig for being my Voice Transcriber in this episode. In this episode, we are talking about the intersections of disability, accessibility, and writing.

Guest Bio: Dr. Jasmine Simmons is a deafBlind audiologist born with Usher syndrome, affecting her hearing, vision, and balance. She received cochlear implants at age two and now advocates for accessible healthcare and inclusion for individuals with sensory impairments. An author and public speaker, Dr. Simmons raises awareness about Usher syndrome and inspires others through her work and advocacy.

FOLLOW DR. SIMMONS:

https://linktr.ee/drjasminesimmons

Book: https://a.co/d/7rkLSsR

Sean's links:

https://linktr.ee/authorseangold

Hey, welcome to an episode of Crippled by Culture, where we talk about everything in life and relate it to the disabled and chronically ill community. My name is Sean Gold and I am an author, advocate, and nonverbal public speaker for the disability community. Today I would like to thank Josh Rettig for being my voice in this episode. In this episode, we are talking about the intersections of disability and being a vocalist. Guest bio: With a sound that has been coined as "Gangster Musical Theatre" by Qveen Herby, Durand Bernarr is one-part Little Richard, one-part Rick James, plus a heavy dash of powerhouse vocals & witty lyrical storytelling. The result is uniquely Durand - your favorite singer’s favorite singer! In 2020, Durand made huge waves with his self-titled album DUR&, which debuted at the #1 spot on the Apple Music R&B charts. Featuring collaborations with the likes of Ari Lennox, KAYTRANADA, Anna Wise, & bassist, “Buddah” Foster Jr., DUR& is as playful, witty & sonically imaginative as it is packed with infectious hooks and just plain GOOD singing. FOLLOW DURAND https://www.instagram.com/durandbernarr/ https://soundcloud.com/durandbernarr https://www.facebook.com/DurandBernarr/ https://www.tiktok.com/@durandbernarr Sean's links: https://linktr.ee/authorseangold

Hey, welcome to an episode of Crippled by Culture, where we talk about everything in life and relate it to the disabled and chronically ill community. My name is Sean Gold and I am an author, advocate, and nonverbal public speaker for the disability community. Today I would like to thank Terry Briscoe for being my Voice Transcriber in this episode. In this episode, we are talking about the intersections of disability and writing. GUEST BIO: Jennifer is a member of the San Diego Memoir Writers Association, where she was member of the month in September, 2023. Her writing has been published in Shaking the Tree, volumes 3 and 4 and in Six Feet Apart..In the Time of Corona. Her debut memoir “My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis” was published on September 7, 2023 and is an Amazon Best Seller, received Honorable Mention in Biography/Autobiography category at the Hollywood Book Festival, is a Notable 100 Book in the 2023 Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Competition, and won a Gold Book Award from Literary Titan. She is Author of the Month for April 2024 at San Diego Central Library and won a Red Ribbon from The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. FOLLOW JENNIFER www.instagram.com/jennygwriter www.jennygasner.com Sean's links: https://linktr.ee/authorseangold

Today I would like to thank Jonathan Moore for being my voice in this episode. In this episode, we are talking about the intersections of disability and advocating through literacy.

GUEST BIO: Tylia L. Flores is a twenty-seven-year-old born with Spastic Cerebral Palsy. Despite her condition that affects her mobility, she does not allow it to affect her will and determination to make a difference in the world. Through her many life challenges and obstacles, she discovered her passion for writing. Tylia’s goal in life is to share her stories with the world. In doing so, she hopes to help others with disabilities realize that they, too, have the potential to make their dreams come true. Previously, Tylia was nominated to Diversability's list of the most influential Disability Impacts of 2022. Tylia is not only an author. She's a radio show personality and disability activist.

FOLLOW TYLIA:

https://tyliaflores.com

https://www.tiktok.com/@tylialflores

https://www.instagram.com/stomping_on_cp_with_tylia/

https://www.instagram.com/tylia_l_flores/

https://www.instagram.com/stompersinlovepodcast/

Hey, welcome to an episode of Crippled by Culture, where we talk about everything in life and relate it to the disabled and chronically ill community. My name is Sean Gold and I am author, advocate, and nonverbal public speaker for the disability community.

Today I would like to thank Jonathan Moore for being my voice in this episode. In this episode, we are talking about the intersections of disability and ableism within nonprofits.

Guest bio: Emma Farley is a 30 year old woman based in Brooklyn who is a wheelchair user with a form of muscular dystrophy. She’s currently enrolled in the Disability Studies program at CUNY, and host of a podcast called Unsilent set to be launched in early 2024 where she will take an intersectional approach to discussing disability related topics with guests.

FOLLOW EMMA:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-farley/

Sean's links:

https://linktr.ee/authorseangold

Today I would like to thank Jonathan Moore for being my voice in this episode. In this episode, we are talking about the intersections of disability, media representation and Humor

GUEST BIO: Laura is 33 years old and was born with cerebral palsy. When entering adulthood, she knew that it was ultimately up to her to create the future she'd see fit for herself. So, she began persevering and advocating. Laura made sure her needs and desires were addressed and they became true. With perseverance and self-advocating mindset under her belt, she soon discovered her passion to one day be able to help individuals like her accomplish chasing after the things they'd see fit for themselves. If it wasn’t for her being determined and really speaking up for the things she wanted, Laura’s life would look completely different. Her infamous quote is: "You are the Creator of your own future! No one else will do it for you!"

FestAbility: https://www.festability.org/

FOLLOW LAURA:

https://www.instagram.com/andert_laura/

https://linktr.ee/lauraandert

Sean's links:

https://linktr.ee/authorseangold