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Quillo Pod

Quillo

A podcast supporting the Quillo Connect App.

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  • 20 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 19 min
  • English
  • #189
    Thursday · 23 min

    DSPs Make the World Go Round: Inside California’s Workforce Research with Teresa Anderson

    This week on QuilloPod, John Dickerson and Cynthia Morraz talk with Teresa Anderson, executive director of the California Policy Center on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (CPCIDD). Teresa started her career as a DSP close to 40 years ago. Listen to this episode to learn how the workforce shortage impacts the lives of people with disabilities, families, service coordinators, and the economy. Did you know many DSPs work second jobs just so they can keep doing the work they love? Cynthia and John ask Teresa about the future of the DSP workforce. Episode Transcript Report: The Impact of Direct Support Professionals Workforce Shortage Learn more about DSP.CAFE To learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

  • #188
    October 29 · 13 min

    Dream Out Loud: Why Your Voice Matters in What’s Next

    In this week's episode, Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson continue the conversation about What’s Next, Quillo’s national community survey for people with IDD and their families. John walks through the survey’s three questions: what a really good day looks like (at school, at work, at home, with friends), what supports would make that day possible, and what needs to be accessible in your community. The conversation explains why this matters now, when many IDD families feel uncertain about the future. The project’s goal is to gather a shared vision for the future, not to debate budgets and rates. 🔗 Take the survey and download the flyer: MyQuillo.com/whats-next Episode Transcript To learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

  • #187
    October 1 · 19 min

    What's Next : A conversation about the future of the IDD community

    In this week's episode, John and Cynthia introduce the What's Next community survey. The survey invites the IDD community (self-advocates, families) to describe the life they want. Calls out community members to share the survey and help spread the word. Participate in the survey: What's Next To Learn More Visit: myquillo.com/Whats-next Episode Transcript To learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

  • #186
    September 17 · 23 min

    Replay: A Conversation on Mental Health

    In this week's episode, John and Cynthia discuss mental health and the importance of staying connected. Resources mentioned in the episode: CDC: The Mental Health of People with Disabilities Suicide Prevention Hotline Episode Transcript Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

  • #185
    September 10 · 15 min

    Replay: Breaking the Stigma: Mental Health in the IDD Community

    In this episode of Quillo Pod, Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson shed light on the often-overlooked intersection of mental health and the IDD community during Mental Health Awareness Month. They discuss the persistent stigma surrounding mental health challenges, share personal stories that illustrate the importance of being an ally, and offer practical guidance on supporting those experiencing difficulties. The importance of creating spaces where it's "okay not to be okay," and how small acts of kindness and connection can make a meaningful difference in someone's journey. Resources mentioned in the episode: Call or text the Suicide and Crisis Prevention Line at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org Episode Transcript Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect, visit MyQuillo.com

  • #184
    September 3 · 16 min

    A Labor Day Conversation on Direct Support Professionals

    In this week's episode, John and Cynthia review a powerful new report from the California Policy Center for IDD on the direct support workforce shortage, and what it really means for individuals, families, case managers, and providers. "It feels like death to me. I feel like I'm mourning a death because I know I will never get to see them again." That's how one person described losing a DSP. Listen to this episode to understand the DSP workforce and gain a deeper understanding on their impact on daily lives. Review the Report: The Impact of Direct Support Professional Workforce Shortage on Individuals and Families Served by Regional Center Systems in California. Episode Transcript To learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

  • #183
    August 27 · 18 min

    All About Gratitude

    In this week's episode, John and Cynthia discuss ways to practice gratitude and how to make it a daily habit to improve your life. Episode Transcript To learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

  • #182
    July 20 · 24 min

    How to experience more hope with Mike Mecozzi

    This month, John and Cynthia interviewed Michael Mecozzi, a licensed clinical psychologist, author, and speaker. He shares how we can tap into our community to develop a new relationship with our anxiety and feelings of being overwhelmed to experience more hope in our lives. During the conversation they discuss how to overcome the feeling of being overwhelmed and tools to use, as well as the importance of building a team to encourage and support each one another. Resources mentioned: Hope With Me Episode Transcript Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

  • #181
    July 16 · 16 min

    Replay: Beyond the Budget: Building a Good Life

    If your loved one is on a Medicaid waiver, it's time to get informed and get involved. In this episode, Cynthia and John break down what's actually in a waiver budget, why understanding it matters more than ever, and the three steps families can take right now to prepare. In this conversation, they explore why a good life isn't just about dollars and services, it's about community and connection. Episode Transcript To learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com Episode Transcript Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

  • #180
    June 25 · 25 min

    Uncovering Common Ground: I am more than what you see

    This QuilloPod episode previously aired in August 2025 In this episode of Quillo Pod, hosts Cynthia Morraz and John Dickerson explore the importance of listening deeply and seeing people beyond their labels or diagnoses. They discuss the practice of sharing “birth stories” as a powerful way to understand identity, build connection, and uncover common ground. Through personal reflections and real-life examples, the conversation highlights how asking meaningful questions—and truly listening—helps us discover what people really need and value in their lives. Episode Transcript Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

  • #179
    June 18 · 26 min

    Replay: Caregivers, support and community - A conversation with Lynda Anderson

    Cynthia and John are hosting a new episode this week with Lynda Anderson, Ph.D. Research Associate with the Institute of Community Integration at the University of Minnesota. The episode is dedicated to discussing the 2023 Community Report of Family & Individual Needs for Disability Supports. During the show, they will be reviewing the survey findings and discussing the impact of the research on the IDD community. Resources mentioned in the episode: Disability Scoop FINDS Community Report 2023 Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

  • #178
    June 11 · 30 min

    The Future of Disability Support: What you need to know about family caregiving

    In this week's episode, John and Cynthia go over some of the latest headlines about family caregiving and budget cuts impacting IDD families throughout the nation. John explains the history of family caregiving and all that goes into it for families, self-advocates, and the IDD community. This episode is for everyone, whether you're a family caregiver, a provider, a policy advocate, or simply someone who believes that people with disabilities deserve to live, work, and thrive in their communities. Because as John reminds us, the question of family caregiving affects all of us, and will shape the future of disability support for the next 20 to 30 years. Episode Transcript To learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com Episode Transcript Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

  • #177
    June 4 · 16 min

    Beyond the Budget: Building a Good Life

    If your loved one is on a Medicaid waiver, it's time to get informed and get involved. In this episode, Cynthia and John break down what's actually in a waiver budget, why understanding it matters more than ever, and the three steps families can take right now to prepare. In this conversation, they explore why a good life isn't just about dollars and services, it's about community and connection. Episode Transcript To learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com Episode Transcript Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

  • #176
    May 22 · 16 min

    Replay: It's Not Who I Am: The Impact of Language

    In this week's episode, John and Cynthia discuss the power of words and their impact on the disability community, exploring how language can both harm and heal. Resources mentioned in the episode: To learn more about Positive Exposure, visit positiveexposure.org To learn more about Cody Clark's magic shows, visit https://www.codyclarkmagic.com/ Episode Transcript Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

  • #175
    May 14 · 11 min

    Turning Hard Times Into Action

    In this episode, Cynthia and John tackle the overwhelming moment so many families, self-advocates, and organizations are living through and explore how community connection can fuel action. Together, they discuss why hope isn't passive, and how tools and resources like MyQuillo are helping people move from survival mode to advocacy. To learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com Episode Transcript Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

  • #174
    April 30 · 10 min

    MyQuillo For Organizations

    During this week's episode, John and Cynthia discuss the many ways organizations can use MyQuillo as a tool to help families and self-advocates learn, discover, and connect. To learn more about MyQuillo, visit MyQuillo.com Episode Transcript Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com

  • #173
    April 16 · 16 min

    MyQuillo & Families

    During this week's episode, John and Cynthia discuss the many ways families can use MyQuillo as a tool to learn, connect, and discover. To learn more about MyQuillo, visit MyQuillo.com Episode Transcript Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com

  • #172
    April 9 · 17 min

    Breaking the Silence: Understanding and Preventing Sexual Abuse for People with IDD

    In this episode of QuilloPod, Cynthia and John discuss sexual abuse prevention, response, and survivorship. Research suggests that three out of four adults with an intellectual disability will experience sexual abuse in their lifetime. Yet it remains widely underreported, misunderstood, and underprepared for by the very organizations and families meant to provide support. John and Cynthia break down three essential areas every family member, caregiver, and professional should know: How to recognize the signs, including behavioral and emotional changes, that may indicate abuse How to respond when someone discloses abuse, what to say, what not to say, and why your reaction matters How to support healing and justice. Resources mentioned in the episode: MyQuillo Authors Cierra Olivia Thomas, founder of Indiana Disability Justice Dr. Karyn Harvey Learn more about her work Dr. Nora Baladerian Learn more about her work To learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com Episode Transcript Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

  • #171
    April 6 · 19 min

    Replay: Strengthening Our Bridges : A conversation on inclusion ft. Lisa Drennan

    Special guest Lisa Drennan joins John Dickerson and Cynthia Morraz to discuss the importance of inclusion and community. “Inclusion is not a destination it's a journey.” Connect with Lisa Drenan on LinkedIn or Facebook Learn more about the Merge Inclusion Project or visit her website Pathway to Friendship Project : www.mergeconsulting.orglisadrennan@mergeconsulting.orghttps Episode Transcript Want to share your stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect, visit MyQuillo.com

  • #170
    March 26 · 20 min

    What Are Natural Supports? Finding Joy and Community

    You might have heard the term "natural supports" in meetings or in IDD spaces — but what does it actually mean in everyday life? In this episode, Cynthia and John break down the concept of natural supports: what they are, where the term comes from, and why they matter for people with IDD and their families. Together, they explore how finding your "village" starts with one simple question: What brings you joy? To learn more about MyQuillo visit MyQuillo.com Episode Transcript Want to share stories with us? Email us at Quillopod@myquillo.com To learn more about Quillo Connect visit MyQuillo.com

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