Making Connections and Changing Lives

In this episode of the True Tales by Disability Advocates Podcast, hosts MsBoye, Jennifer McKinney, and Adam Griebel present stories from disability advocates. The episode includes a reflection on Mesko's early advocacy and a reading of his story "Glen," followed by an interview with advocate Kyle Cox, highlighting the importance of community connections and perseverance. Guest host Toby Al-Trabulsi engages with Kyle about his advocacy journey, emphasizing the need for self-advocacy and the role of supportive relationships.

Podcast logo ID: Bottom left Mesko wearing glasses and a flat cap smiles into the camera. Bottom right Kyle Cox male with short brown hair smiling, seated wearing a light blue button-down shirt, red tie. All above TRUE TALES BY DISABILITY ADVOCATES SEASON 3 Art Spark Texas

Guest Bio

Kyle Cox graduated from Texas A&M in 2018 with a degree in Political Science, then received his Master of Public Administration from the Bush School of Public Service and Government in 2020.

Born in El Paso, Texas with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a progressive muscle disorder that is the leading fatal genetic disorder in children, Kyle has learned to navigate a world not designed for people with disabilities. He has fully immersed himself in both the disability and the “abled” communities and has adopted the mantra “It’s not the disability, it’s the ABILITY” choosing to focus on his abilities.

While at Texas A&M, Kyle was involved in numerous campus organizations including the Diversity Commission, Beta Upsilon Chi (BYX) Christian fraternity, Aggie Adaptive Sports, the Bush School Ambassador's Council, the Symphonic Band, and the Hullabaloo Pep band. He was twice elected to the Student Senate and was elected to the Bush School Ambassador Council. He was also Chairman and Founder of the Disability Subcommission.

Kyle served on the Student Advisory Board for Disability Services and the planning committees for the Student Services Building and the 21st Century Classroom Building. Kyle served as a delegate for the MSC Fall Leadership Conference and the Abbott Family Leadership Conference and has worked with many Texas A&M officials, Disability Services, and the Center on Disability and Development to improve inclusion and accessibility on the A&M campus.

In the Spring of 2018, Kyle received the Gary Grey Accountability, Climate, and Equity (ACE) Award for his work in advocacy, and in the Spring of 2020, the Buck Weirus Award.

Upon graduation, Kyle chose to remain in Aggieland and launched his own consulting company, Cox Consultants, which offers policy consulting and analytics to businesses and agencies.

Links:

https://www.facebook.com/KylesKomrades/

https://kylecoxeportfolio.weebly.com/

https://www.facebook.com/CoxConsultants/

Videos:

https://vimeo.com/269928141/236823631

https://vimeo.com/269928141/269928141

Highlights

00:43 Welcome

01:23 Episode Intro

03:10 Mesko Intro

06:32 Story - "Getting Older" by Mesko

07:44 Hosts & Chris Chat

07:47 Phenomena, not Conclusion

12:15 Toby Welcomes Kyle

14:02 Story - "Advocacy, Education, and Relationships" by Kyle Cox

18:32 Toby & Kyle Chat

18:32 Being a Self-Advocate

22:23 Creating a Community & Being of Ser

Click here to listen with the full transcript.

For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

Laughter, Legacy, and New Voices

"Who Will Remember Us? The Warrior Spirit of Disability Advocates" is the kickoff episode of Season 3 of the True Tales by Disability Advocates Podcast, coming to you during Disability Pride Month. The new host team of MsBoye, Jennifer McKinney, and Adam Griebel bring fresh energy and humor to the show. Together, they introduce listeners to the impactful legacy of early advocates celebrating the legacy of early disability advocates with heartwarming and playful storytelling. Featuring guest Chris Strickling, one of the original creators of Actual Lives Austin, the episode shares engaging and humorous stories about advocates who have passed, like Terrell and Felix Briones. Their personal narratives provide a raw and honest glimpse into their lives, highlighting the power of storytelling as an advocacy for the right of people with disabilities to live full adult lives. Produced by Art Spark Texas' Speaking Advocates Program, the podcast highlights the importance of humor and authenticity in advocacy through storytelling while underscoring the importance of reclaiming lost voices and celebrating the contributions of those who have paved the way for future generations.

Introduction to True Tales by Disability Advocates

​Welcome to True Tales by Disability Advocates Podcast, authentic voices of people thriving with disabilities, where individuals use the art of storytelling to change the world....

Meet the Hosts of Season 3

Hello, everyone, I'm MsBoye....

Honoring the Pioneers of Actual Lives Austin

We are starting Season 3 by looking back at folks who have paved the way for us ....

Chris Strickling on the Power of Storytelling

Tell us a little about those early days and the power of storytelling as a form of advocacy....

Terrell's Morning Routine

If you're ready, let's hear the first story. " Morning Routine" by Ter-rell...

Felix Briones' Speed and Humor

The next, uh, stories are from Felix....

Memories and Impact of Actual Lives Austin

Chris, do you have a favorite memory or story from your time with Actual Lives Austin?...

Final Thoughts and Farewell

Well, you know, this has just been so great....

Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Thank you for listening to episode one of the third season of True Tales by Disability Advocates Podcast....

Click here to listen with the full transcript.

For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.

Hey there, listeners! Welcome back to episode twenty of our podcast 'True Tales by Disability Advocates'. Ready for a deep dive into the theme of 'Smashing Ableism: Tales of Resilience'? Well, we've got two fantastic disability advocates with us - the brilliant Alina Arredondo and the charming Peter Richter. In this episode, they open up about their own life journeys filled with challenges, advocating for disability rights, supportive grandparents, and above all, demonstrating immense resilience. Alina pours her heart out about standing up for her rights and Peter shares golden nuggets on how gratitude supports his resilience. So, tie your seatbelts, folks! Tune in, and get ready for these genuinely enlightening narratives. Trust us; it's not just an episode, it's a vibe that will
spark transformations!

Guest 1
Alina G. Arredondo is a native El Pasoan who was diagnosed with Phocomelia. She does not allow her disability to be an excuse for why she cannot do certain things. Alina has a license Master in social work and currently works at the local independent living center where she empowers adults with disabilities to live as independently as possible. During her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, dogs, and friends, panting, and singing. However, what she enjoys the most is helping out her community by volunteering with multiple agencies around the El Paso area.

https://www.gograd.org/resources/students-with-disabilities/

Guest 2
Peter Richter grew up in San Antonio and attended school and graduated from the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. He has two brothers and one sister and a dog he loves named Winnie. He lives with two roommates and enjoys working at his job at Whataburger. Peter has been involved with Art Spark and was an original actor with TILT Performance Group where he was in productions for 10 years.

Hosts: Jennifer Howell and Joey Gidseg

Click here to listen with the full transcript.

For more details about our programs go to Art Spark Texas, True Tales Podcast Page.