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.
Joy and discomfort
Lauren Culbertson has been on a learning journey with Starfire over the past year. First, she spent a few days with us on assignment from
How to Know if You’re On the Right Track | A conversation with John McKnight (Part Two)
This is part two of Starfire’s conversation with John McKnight. He talks about his what he learned about community working
The 6 Gifts of a Community | with John McKnight (Podcast Episode pt 1)
Having a big name in local community building seems to go against the rules. But my guest in this podcast
What Families are Up Against
Among the barrage of back to school paperwork for a preschooler and a kindergarten there it is was. An unassuming invitation for after school dance classes.
Primary and Secondary Purpose
At a recent celebration of a past teacher of mine, a keynote speaker told a story of a purpose.
Guardian of the Light
I found this proclamation at an antique store a few years back and immediately purchased it to bring home to the Starfire office.
The World of Lolita, a Japanese Street Fashion
When Carole and I became community building partners I had never heard the word “Lolita.”
Live Storytelling: Believing in a Different Story | with Kathleen Cail
Kathleen shares her story about her families’ belief in a life with big possibilities and dreams - and not being defined by disability.
Timeless Way of Building – Italics Only
Christopher Alexander’s book, The Timeless Way of Building, is one of my very favorites. It is primarily seen as a book about architecture, but is also a book about a way of life.
