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.
Moving Boulders
In 2011, I was at a conference around disability and inclusion in Toronto. On the day I arrived, I walked into a shared hospitality room for conference attendees.
Love and Other Superpowers – with Rita Covington
This podcast with Rita is about planning a garden party in tandem with her local Rec Center’s back to school picnic.
If Community is the answer… – with Bridget Vogt
In this podcast, you'll hear how the Vogt Family thought if community is the answer, then they needed to figure out what community looked like, and how they might be active in theirs.
Winging it: with The Stauber Family
This conversation with the Stauber family takes you into their story of what it was like to connect with more people who love birding.
You’re Never Ready – with Mieke
Ever felt stuck? Or like you don't know where to begin? This conversation with Mieke will help you conquer some of your own doubts around just getting start.
Jean Vanier – Philospher, Theologian, Intellectual, Human.
At the age of 90, Jean Vanier died last month leaving behind a remarkable legacy in this world. If you’ve not heard of
Reaching Toward Belonging: with David Hsu, Lynda Kahn, Jack Pearpoint, and Jo Krippenstapel
Starfire brought in L.A. based social innovator, David Hsu to talk about the impact social isolation is having on American life at our last un-conference event.
Live Storytelling: Saying “Yes” to More
This is Carol Combs’ story of “awakening” – told live at our BYOB(reakast) event. Carol shares how her family went on a journey
Live Storytelling: An Employer’s Evolution | Sean Barnes
Sean Barnes is the owner of Ladles Soup, a family-owned restaurant specializing in soup, sandwiches and salads.
