So, why did we create this series?
At its core, this series was created to:
- Challenge the idea that disability is one story, one look, or one set of limits
- Move beyond one-dimensional narratives and make room for more nuance
- Highlight joy, humor, frustration, ambition, and the realities of everyday life
- Encourage people to listen more deeply and talk more openly
Our goal is simple: to create a space where people with lived experience feel seen, and where others can better understand what belonging looks like in everyday life.
What’s next?
More conversations are on the way. Future episodes will feature a wider range of voices from the disability community, each bringing a unique perspective and lived experience.
As the series grows, it will continue to explore identity, connection, family, and belonging—creating more opportunities to listen, learn, and better understand one another.
Part of a bigger movement for belonging
Open Up, Listen Up connects to the broader Every1 With Autism Belongs campaign from Easterseals Southern California, which promotes inclusion, visibility, and the idea that belonging is not one-size-fits-all.
The campaign was created collaboratively with people with autism and parents of children with autism, centering lived experience and encouraging communities to listen, learn, and create more inclusive spaces.
Open up the conversation
Join us in our mission to ‘Open Up’ the conversation and make your own voice heard:
