Welcome to our first episode – This is your backstage pass into the lives of our hosts, Heather and Steve! Heather, a Rochester native, discovered her passion for advocacy through supporting her sister with autism. Now a mother of four children with varying disabilities, Heather is known for her compassionate, tenacious approach, and is affectionately referred to as the "polite, but effective badass next door." Serving as Director of Advocacy at AutismUp, Heather spearheads initiatives like their groundbreaking housing project for individuals with autism and other developmental differences.

Steve, hailing from Utica, learned the value of hard work early on, starting his own business at just 12 years old, which grew into a thriving contracting firm employing over a dozen people. His advocacy journey began when he fought for and secured full custody of his children, including a son with autism. Steve’s unique backdoor approach to advocacy has profoundly impacted his son's life and countless others in his community, earning him the nickname, "The Godfather of Advocacy." His extensive experience providing respite and foster care for nearly 180 children has given him deep insights into systemic issues and inspired innovative solutions that unite communities.

Steve and Heather first connected through NYADD, one of New York State’s largest family-led advocacy groups, which sparked the idea for this podcast. In this episode, they share personal stories—from pivotal legal battles to forming unexpected alliances—that have shaped their advocacy approach. Get a sneak peek into their innovative strategies and practical tips that you can apply in your own advocacy efforts.

These two everyday, ordinary people are here to share their "secret sauce," empowering their audience to advocate effectively for themselves and the greater good. Want to join forces? Join the Finding Common Ground Supporters' Club. For just $12/year (that's only $1 a month), supporters gain access to exclusive content, receive discounts at our online merch store (coming soon), and help cover production costs, ensuring uninterrupted delivery of meaningful content for the A/I/DD community.

If traditional advocacy has left you feeling unheard and undervalued, this podcast welcomes you to a new era of advocacy! Beyond the podcast, Heather and Steve offer personalized consultations, workshops, and speaking engagements to support advocates globally. Reach out, find common ground, and together let's empower positive change.