Voices and Reflections
Stories, Ideas, and Perspectives
This section brings together writing from Inclusion Seekers and our partners on community life, disability, social isolation, and the relationships that shape stronger communities.
Alongside stories from local projects and learning experiences, we publish essays, reflections, and commentary from contributors and partner publications in the U.S. and internationally.
The goal is simple: to share practical ideas, real experiences, and broader conversations about connection, participation, and everyday community life
Find the stories that matter most to you. Search our blog.
Tim Vogt has spent his whole career providing support for people with disability labels. He thrived as the Executive Director of a legacy organization called Starfire in Cincinnati. Their work was highly regarded, but Tim began to wonder if it was actually delivering a full life to all the people being supported. His answer was deeply distressing, so he decided to transform the organization to do whatever would be needed to give people full lives in the community. This book is the story of that remarkable transition – the struggles, the complexity, and the emerging results. It is a leading-edge example of what can be done to reform and refresh hundreds of organizations so all of us can be full citizens together.
Purple Backpack
Maggie, started school this year with a bang. With literal kicking and screaming and banging on things. What was designed for modern parental convenience
“Time” | with Tim Vogt
How do you want to spend your time? How does the way you spend your time impact others? When is time with others “wasted”?
A Family Story
We don't say it enough, but without families, our work at Starfire would not be possible. Every connection made in the communit
A Plan that Came True
A few weeks back, Starfire received an email that reminded us of the importance of making room for "the spark" to happen.
“The Spark” | with Tim Vogt
Close your eyes and think of a time you felt a "spark" with someone or something. Was it the first time you held a microphone?
The Data.
Data plays an important part in the fidelity and growth of our work. Tracking outcomes gives us the ability to share our success in a way that looks concrete, less subjective.
Four years later…
The group originally connected as part of Michelle's work with Starfire, where they did a writing project together.
“Staying” | with Tim Vogt
Katie: So, why is the concept of staying important to Starfire’s work?
Integrated Employment Series #2
Follow our stories and learn more about our approach to getting more people with developmental disabilities into the workforce where they can contribute!!
