Hi Jennifer, we’re so glad you could join us today, and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our neurodiverse community and readers. To start, what are some things you wish people knew about living with a disability?

First of all, I’m the EMCEE JAM— that’s what they call me — here at Game On State. I’m the EMCEE for Karaoke on Fridays with Tyler. Some people have disabilities, and it’s very hard for us to be together sometimes. We used to work in a workshop, but there are no more workshops now. Our motto is BFF — best friends forever.

We then asked Jen if she felt like Karaoke was a new place for her and her friends to be BFFs, and she said:
“Yes!”

Can you share a personal experience where you felt included or excluded because of your disability?

[I felt included when I was] in the Special Olympics, and went to China twice for it. I have quite a list of events I did, but if I break it down to three, it would be track and field, bocce, and swimming. It was tons of fun, but it was also very hard work.

Everybody loves the Special Olympics! There are all kinds of great sports, and we take trains from practices to games.

What would you say is the most important thing people can do to be more inclusive and supportive of those with disabilities?

Some of us with disabilities are in a singing troupe called the State Street Miracles, and we have meet-ups here at Game On State. Some of us are also part of Inspire [Home and Health].

We then asked Jen if she would like people to come out to support the State Street Miracles, and she said:
“Yes!”

What resources from ANEWAY have been most helpful to you in your personal and/or professional journey?

 I love Game On State. It’s a great place to volunteer or work — especially during Karaoke. Everyone has a great time.

We then asked Jen if her favorite thing at Game On State was volunteering at Karaoke, and she said:
“Yeah!”