Friends For Life Podcast

Megan Bomgaars is a trailblazing advocate, entrepreneur, and star of the Emmy-winning show Born This Way. Born with Down syndrome, Megan rose to national prominence through her viral video Don't Limit Me, where she passionately called for inclusion, opportunity, and respect for people with developmental disabilities. H

In this episode, Tony Stuart, CEO of Friends for Life, shares practical, experience-based strategies for individuals with developmental disabilities looking to increase their waiver hours. With over 20 years in the field, Tony explains why using your current waiver is essential, how to properly document medical and fun

Zack Gottsagen is breaking barriers and reshaping Hollywood. In this inspiring video, we explore Zack’s groundbreaking journey as an actor with Down syndrome—from his unforgettable leading role in The Peanut Butter Falcon alongside Shia LaBeouf and Dakota Johnson to making history as the first person with Down syndrome

On this episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé sits down with two remarkable nurses—Patty Haberkorn and Deanna Cox—at the Illinois Developmental Disabilities Nurses Conference. With a combined four decades of experience supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), Patty and Deanna

In this episode of the Friends for Life Podcast, Tony Stuart—CEO of Friends for Life and a veteran Direct Support Professional with over 20 years of experience—explores a critical but often overlooked skill in the field: emotional intelligence. Tony shares personal stories and practical insights on how DSPs can better

Ludwig van Beethoven's legacy goes far beyond his music—it's a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit. Though he began to lose his hearing in his late 20s, Beethoven refused to let disability define him. Instead, he found new ways to compose, using vibration, intuition, and innovation to craft some of t