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In the second episode of our five-part series, Kevin and Allison reflect on the vital role that community plays in the life of a family caring for a child with disabilities. They share candidly about the strong network of support they built when their son, Jameson, was young—and the profound challenges they faced when a move to a new state meant starting over from scratch.

This episode explores the unique difficulties of building and maintaining a supportive community when caring for someone with a disability, especially as children grow older and the differences between them and their peers become more pronounced. Kevin and Allison discuss how advocating for an older child brings new social hurdles, and how the sense of isolation can intensify when typical milestones—like driving or gaining independence—are out of reach for their son.

They also offer insight for friends and extended family: Even when caregivers can’t make it to social events, the invitation still matters. Kevin and Allison encourage listeners to continue reaching out to caregivers, emphasizing that feeling included and remembered makes a meaningful difference in their lives.

Whether you’re a caregiver or someone hoping to better support a friend or loved one, this episode offers valuable perspective on the importance of community, the realities of social isolation, and the small gestures that can help bridge the gap.

Key Moments in This Episode

[00:00:50] Why Community Matters: Allison and Kevin explain the importance of community when caring for a loved one with a disability.

[00:05:46] Personal Impact: Both share stories about how community support has shaped their lives.

[00:10:24] Building Connections: They describe what their community looked like when Jameson was young and discuss the challenges of rebuilding after moving to a new state.

[00:21:31] Finding Support: RuthAnn asks for recommendations on resources and groups to help others build community.

[00:24:12] Lessons Learned: Allison and Kevin reflect on what they wish they’d known about support networks before moving, and if they would do anything differently.

[00:26:23] Advice for Families: They offer practical tips for families navigating disability and relocation, focusing on building a new support system.

[00:30:13] Fostering Inclusion: The conversation turns to how communities can be more inclusive and welcoming to families affected by disability.

[00:37:33] Communicating with Sensitivity: RuthAnn asks how to become more comfortable asking questions and how to better communicate with people living with disability, and Kevin and Allison offer practical suggestions.

[00:44:59] Final Takeaways: Kevin and Allison close the episode with advice for listeners who may not have direct experience with disability.