A look back through the Window of the past year!

It's hard to believe that another year has come and is almost gone.  What has never left, though, is the love I have of interviewing, meeting new people, hearing their stories and bringing them to you... It truly never gets old or boring!  If my Grandpa Applegate could see me now... he would be beaming with pride!  He was my mom's dad.  He was always such a stable, caring man in my life! I was proud to call him one of my grandparents!  He was the one I was sitting with in my living room the day I decided I was going to be in news. When I looked back at him and said: "Grandpa, I want to be a news anchor", I knew that I would have his support.  He's been gone for 22 years and still to this very day, I wish I could call him or sit with him and celebrate the achievement of the goal of doing what I love!  He was my loudest cheerleader and my most sought after support...just like my mom is....her daddy taught her well!  How I was raised and how my family treated me and others around them, really shaped not only myself as a person, but also the kind of anchor I have become.  I was always included in family activities, never excluded, but loved, and very much embraced.  In all the interviews I do, that is the mindset I come in with, striving to make the person feel at ease.  An interview style that allows the the person's voice and story to shine through, showing them dignity and empathy, as the story takes shape and starts to unfold.  Reflecting over this past year, my emotions and heart are always touched to see the resilience of the human spirit and the determination of those whom I have the pleasure of meeting.  I want you to know that all the interviews I've done this year and for the past 7 years, have all had a great impact on me.

Another major milestone of the Arc of Indiana, was the opening of the Erskine Green Training Institute and Teaching Hotel in Muncie.  It's been the first year for the training program to teach students a variety of skills in the hospitality industry.  It's been amazing to see what this institute has done for all those who have taken the leap to climb out of their comfort zone and realize what they are truly capable of.  It's been incredible to see!

THANK you so much to all of you who have listened to the podcast over these last seven years.  I'm truly grateful for all of you!  Thank you for allowing me to bring you the important issues and inspiring stories that the podcast covers.  Thank you for taking the time to meet me and telling me why you listen to the podcast and how it has brought a smile to your face!!

Thank you to ALL of the Arc staff and especially my team... my producer Sally Morris and my sound engineer Bryce Dickerson.  Thank you for making my work so rewarding...we are truly a team!  I can't imagine this podcast without you!  You bring stability to me when I'm nervous and a pat on the back when I'm unsure of myself (which happens more often than not..right? haha!!) The best medicine we throw in though, is laughter!!  Thank you as always...The Arc is VERY special to me!!

To my Mom: You had the hardest job: raising me!  Your love, confidence and hilarious humor has always gotten us though!  I will always be forever grateful for your support!

Here's to more podcasts and much more in 2017!

Behind the Mic at the Movies: Finding Dory

"Hi, I'm Dory and I suffer from short term memory loss!" Oh, Dory, sweet, lovable Dory...yes you do!  Despite her disability, she has an excitement and zest for life that is undeniable!  The Disney crew has done it again with this vividly colorful aquarium world that draws you into the adventure to come.  One day, while she was being a helper to Mr. Ray, (who is always in the mood to break into song and happens to be Nemo's teacher), someone asks Dory if she has a family.  She looks puzzled, and with a hault to her voice, answered that she didn't know, but then saying that she must have a family because she had to come from somewhere! That triggers her memory and you are taken back into a dreamlike sequence where her mom and dad tell her she can do anything because she's smart and she will remember things.  They lovingly told her that they would help her by leaving a trail of shells for her to get home.  So, the adventure begins to find her family!  As with any endeavor, there are those who try to dissuade her by planting seeds of doubt.  Enter, Hank the Octopus. Hank is just trying to get to Cleveland to make his home there and get out of the Marine Life Institute.  He has bad memories of the ocean so he doesn't want to go back there. All Hank needs is Dory's ID tag and he'll help her find her parents.  He has a grumpy disposition, but he ends up helping Dory get one step closer to her parents.  Marlin, whom she helped find Nemo in "Finding Nemo", starts out being very supportive, but at one point, with his irritation at a breaking point as he's dealing with her short term memory, says: Go over there and just forget...it's what you're good at!  Would Dory just throw up her fins and say, "I'm done!" Nope!! Her motto is always, "just keeping swimming!"  Because she never wavered from her positivity, all those who were roped into her journey, came around and actually wanted to help her accomplish her goal.  There are several more dream sequences that show mom and dad instilling in Dory confidence to do whatever she wanted.  The things that her parents patiently and lovingly reminded her of throughout her life sustained her!  This is a must see for anyone who feels like they can't accomplish what they want because their obstacles are just too tall to overcome!  NONSENSE, I say!  Remembering to focus and be grateful for those who choose to go with you on a journey will give you the motivation to NEVER give up...No matter what obstacles come your way!!  I could go on and on in this review, but I promise, I won't.  I do HIGHLY recommend this movie though!  You'll meet many more characters that through helping Dory, help themselves.  The one huge lesson I went away with is: JUST KEEP SWIMMING!! I intend to keep at it with all my goals and endeavors and I really hope you do too!!

Michelle Fischer is host of A View from My Window, a podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana

Cleared for take off! - Nathan's Story

Nathan Mackey was a wonderful interview and a great guy all around!  I met him virtually when he sent me a message on my podcast Facebook page and told me he was a pilot, a newlywed and oh, he just happens to have cerebral palsy.  There was a point in his life where he found it difficult to find his voice.  As he started to become more confident in himself, though, he saw that he could take charge of how he felt about his condition and what effect or how much control he let it have.  Once he made the decision to be in charge of the things he wanted in life, doors started to open!  He was able to achieve the goal of getting his pilots' license!  I found out in the interview that he failed the test once, but he got back up, tried again, and passed the test!  Another special goal he achieved was marrying his wife, Karen... Aren't they just the cutest couple?? 

Nathan's story is proof that not giving up is a choice that each of of have.  He knew that if he gave in to the challenges he faced with cerebral palsy, he wouldn't be happy.  His happiness came from not giving up!  Life is a bumpy ride, but it's all in how you look at it, that sets you up to be cleared for take off!

Listen into Nathan's interview here:
http://www.arcind.org/view-pilot-nathan-mackey/

Michelle Fischer is host of A View from My Window a podcast produced, by The Arc of Indiana

Behind the Mic Book Review: Where the Light Gets In- Kimberly Williams-Paisley

The brain isn't called a ''super computer'' by accident, it really IS a super computer!  In it, we store memories that shape us as people, make us happy, make us laugh, smile and sometimes shed tears. We can reflect on these memories and they can give us confidence and strength, facing life with the most positive attitude when life gets rough.  What, though, if your ''super computer'' got a virus that completely erased all of your memories and changed you, in the worst way, so your not even close to the person you once were?  What if the person who is dealing with this condition is your mom?  The closest person to your heart whom you've relied on much of your life for advice and support... for everything!! In this heartbreakingly candid, yet positive memoir, Kimberly Williams-Paisley shows you a very personal battle that she and her family are fighting.  Her mom, Linda, being diagnosed with PPA.  "Primary Progressive Aphasia is a progressive loss of language function.  Language is a uniquely human faculty that allows us to communicate with each other through the use of words. Our language functions include speaking and understanding what others are"  Kimberly describes how her mom went from being the pillar of support, her ''private applause section", to someone who was easily frustrated, emotional, and finally left with no ability to communicate.  It became increasingly apparent that life was not going to be as easily lived like it once was.  Once the initial sadness and hopelessness left, the family banded together, supported one another, and have made the best out of life, for as long as they can!  Through the struggles and the pain, Kimberly and her family have accomplished the task of looking for the smallest silver lining.  Looking for where the light gets in, because Linda is not her diagnosis of PPA.  She is a person, and most importantly....she's MOM!

Get the book here: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/where-the-light-gets-in-kimberly-williams-paisley/1122312815?ean=9781101902950

Michelle Fischer is host of A View from My Window, a podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana

They even promote Cerebral Palsy Awareness in Australia!

Robyn Cummins, World CP Day Manager- Australia 

When your child becomes diagnosed with a disability, it can feel as if your whole world is crumbling.  The challenge that most parents face is rebuilding and re-envisioning what life will now look like for their child and the entire family.  I recently interviewed Robyn Cummins, World Cerebral Palsy Manager, in Australia.  I loved this interview so much because it really showed that Disability Awareness, especially Cerebral Palsy Awareness is a world wide effort!

 When I started receiving World Cerebral Palsy Day emails several years ago, those emails really underscored the saying that "a picture is worth a thousand words".  Within these emails, guest bloggers write about their experiences with having CP and having enough determination to show others that they can work within the confines of their situations. This means there are certain things that are part of the disability that are not changeable, but there are many variables that ARE in your power to change.
For more information on the World Cerebral Palsy Day Campaign:
www.worldcpday.org/our campaign
 I was also very touched the World CP day team allowed me to tshare my story! They did a great job! Read my story here: https://worldcpday.org/our-campaign/contribution/michelle-fischer/  Here is a little bit more about Robyn Cummins, World CP Day Manager in Australia:

Robyn Cummins is the World Cerebral Palsy Manager. Robyn’s passion is the lives and needs of people with cerebral palsy. She works for Cerebral Palsy Alliance in Sydney Australia, managing this global project that now involves 62 countries. She is excited by the opportunity to create positive and long-lasting change through the collective efforts of a worldwide community of people who care about cerebral palsy.

Michelle Fischer is the host of  A View from my Window, a podcast produced by  The Arc of Indiana

Behind the Mic Book Review: Carly's Voice- Breaking through Autism

I got "introduced" to Carly Fleischmann when I saw a video of her interview with Channing Tatum.  An instant smile came across my face.. Star struck by Channing, you say?  Well, Carly was, so that means I can be a little star struck too, doesn't it?  (Anyway, that's a totally different blog post within itself!)  I was amazed at the poised, bright, witty girl that just grabbed your attention through the screen.  Poised and in charge of the interview, yet allowing you to see that she was totally having a ''fan girl'' moment with Channing! My only indication that she might be a person with autism was her voice output device.  One thing is for certain though, when I watched that video, the consistent thought that ran through my mind was: "Oh, she is doing fantastic!! Yay!! Good for her!"  I had to pause and ask the question,"What did it take for Carly to get where she is today?"

Enter stage left, the book, Carly's Voice Breaking through Autism. Carly's dad, Arthur, gives you insight into the uncertainties of what the diagnosis of autism would mean for their precious girl while raising ''typical'' siblings, and at the same time coping with his wife's cancer diagnosis.  Quite frankly, special needs parents are superheroes, period. That's obvious from his side of the story. The last chapter is Carly's side of the story. You're the coolest Carly!  I got drawn into Carly's chapter because of her quick wit and hilarious slant on life.  By the way, how did you know, that I chose to do a combination of options 1 and 3 to get to the most awesome chapter?  It's that photographic memory of yours, isn't it?  You really rock it, girl!  In the same breath, tears flowed when I read how she remembers the day she knew she was different, yet yearning for the connection and normalcy of being just like her siblings.  One of the things she reminds you of in this chapter is, it's not that Carly never had a voice, she just needed a way to get it out.  And get it out she does!  She and her therapists, Barb and Howie worked tirelessly to find a way to let her voice be heard...Welcome to the wonderful world of typing, which allowed Carly's family to meet her and Carly to meet herself and discover her mission to show others with autism that they have an inner voice!  Once she knew herself and realized that she had valuable and relatable things to say.....her inner voice burst out and she blossomed!  In Carly's case, a quote from Hellen Keller says it best... "When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us". The Fleischmann family has certainly had their fair share of sadness, but in the end, because of sharing their story, their door of happiness opened, when they saw that, they kicked it open and used it to help others in a most eye opening, inspiring way!  Thank you all for sharing your story!

Michelle Fischer is host of A View from My Window, a podcast produced, by The Arc of Indiana

Behind the Mic Book Review : Bloom: finding beauty in the unexpected by Kelle Hampton

Bloom: finding beauty in the unexpected, by Kelle Hampton is a book that is candid, honest, raw and yet, a refreshing look into the diagnosis of a life-changing disability.  Kelle's second child, Nella, was born with Down syndrome. Kelle's heart sank the moment she saw her baby girl.  Altho she felt like she was alone, she never really was.  Kelle's husband, Brett, along with countless girlfriends, held Kelle up when everything seemed to be shattering around her.  They cheered her on as she bravely faced the yet unknown challenges that she would have to come up to the plate and conquer.  While she didn't hold back the ravages of her emotions and the pain that shook her insides to the core, you can clearly see, early on, the kind of person Kelle really is... She was able to develop deep relationships that sustained her and helped her to heal, while she changed her perspective.  She began to realize that the pain of her little girl's diagnosis seemed to blur her vision to the fact that Nella was a healthy, beautiful baby!  When the challenges presented themselves, she wouldn't be alone in surmounting them.  Dr. Foley was on the front line of support and would lovingly remind her that little Nella was already making advancement.  She passed her hearing test, her jaudice numbers were disappearing, and her heart test was fine, which not always, unfortunately, can be said of those with Down syndrome.  As you go along on the journey with Kelle, you begin to see that, despite the earth shattering change that occurred, she knew she couldn't stay down in the mire of negativity, or under the control of her "sadness demons" as she called them.  She had to begin to "flip the switch in her head" as her sister Carin called it.  She also asked her to ''discard the old glasses and put on the new ones, because, life is how you look at it."  There are countless illustrative word pictures in this book that I am going to keep in my "positive thinking memory recall list" (Yes, I made  that up....aren't you amazed?? :) )  In writing this book, Kelle, has given such a gift to all who live with a disability and their parents and caregivers.  Kelle was inspired by a statement she read while pregnant with Nella... It said:"Living a life of comfort, does nothing to help us grow, and hard times shape us into interesting, developed characters." Getting out of our comfort zone, helps us to "Bloom" finding beauty in the unexpected and "waking up to live and love fully!"

Kelle, Brett, Austyn, Brandyn, Lainey and Nella-

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your journey in this book! You all have shown that to Bloom means to embrace and accept Nella for who she is and help others to do that, too. Awareness of that kind has a ripple effect, and this book and your sharing it, has done that so beautifully! Many hugs to all of you as your story continues to Bloom!  

Want to read Bloom for yourself?? Order it here: www.amazon.com/Bloom-Finding-Beauty-Unexpected-Memoir/dp/0062045032?ie=UTF8&hvadid=3488214665&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvqmt=e&ref=pd_sl_4xk7zhgsyl_e&tag=mh0b-20

Michelle Fischer is host of  A View from My Window, a podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana

Behind the Mic Book Review: Riding the Bus with my sister

I got this book several years ago when I started hosting my podcast.  I remember being so excited about reading it, but then after crying in the first couple of chapters, (not the composed teary eyed cry, no, it's the tears streaming down, red face, UGLY cry!)...I decided that I just wasn't emotionally ready for the book.  So, back on the shelf it went for a long while.  Fast forward to the present... I'm writing this review, so you can guess what I finally did.  This book is so relatable on so many levels, for many people in varied aspects of life.  Today's fast paced life is so hurried and distracted that to slow down and take just a small breath, takes quite a bit of effort.  I related to both perspectives in this book.  I related to Rachel because I tend to want to do things or think things faster than my body can go.  If I allow myself to slow down and grasp the reality of my physical situation and it's impact, the reality is sometimes a hard pill to swallow.  When I think about it, though, stopping to look around allows me to take a better look outside my window.  What sorts of things could I get a better understanding of?  Especially from a person who possesses abilities that are different from mine?  I think the greatest lesson this book presents is the ability to push your comfort zone, ask questions, and take a good look inside yourself.  If you see something you'd like to change, like an attitude or a misunderstood perception of someone or something, you have an opportunity to do just that.  You'll find that when you make that change, you are the one who benefits the most!  Changing yourself is never a bad thing, it always produces the best outcome for you in life.  Rachel found that "Riding the Bus" with her sister, Beth, opened up new horizons.  She may have known they were there, but it just took time to bring them into focus.  When that focus was achieved, her love, respect and relationship was made new and stronger with her sister... Now that's pretty sweet for riding the bus!  Thank you Rachel for sharing your beautiful bond with your sister!  And letting readers like me, take the ride too!

Michelle Fischer is host of  A View from my Window, a podcast produced, by The Arc of Indiana

With my sister Christine  :)

Disability Awareness Month 2016: Where am I now?

March is Disability Awareness Month each year.  I have to admit, I actually kinda geek out during this month! Yes, we do get covered on the news a bit more and I get to see the cool things that others do to celebrate the month.  I especially love the the humorous and empowering t-shirts! Most importantly though, I reflect on how far I've come in my life.  From the day of my birth and my parents wondering if I would survive the first couple days of life, to being a journalist in the field of my choice! Of course, there was a lot of hard work in between.  I've come to realize that I'm the same as everyone else, but drastically different. Goals and aspirations are slow to come, at times.  My brain, I say, is able-bodied, but my body is slow to follow!  Giving up, though, would never do anything good for me so I refuse to give any time to the idea.  Instead, I look to build up! The key to helping myself is helping others. Whether it's a warm hello with a smile, spending time with friends and family, shopping for gifts for friends, sending cards, writing, working with my team on my podcast and interviewing incredible folks...all this builds me up and gives me the strength to continue to shine and be the happiest I can be everyday! So, this year for Disability Awareness Month, my advice to you is something that Scott Chesney said, an international speaker from Verona, NJ, recently interviewed on my podcast: "Don't let something life changing happen to you before you make a change". There are always going to be challenges, emotional ups and downs, bumps in the road, things that can cloud your vision, but always ask yourself: "Would you want it to be worse?" It could be worse in an instant. You have the power to choose your attitude toward whatever situation you find yourself in. Happiness is where it's at, people! :)  You are more than your disability tells you you are!  I want you to be able to look back on 2016 Disability Awareness Month and be able to say: Where am I now? I'm farther than I ever thought possible! What a GREAT choice....Right? :)

''My disability doesn't define me, and I don't want it to define you." - Scott Chesney

I was on the lookout for an interview for my podcast and it just happened that I logged on to my Facebook page and there was an advertisement for Mobility Works. The video was 58 seconds long and that's all the time I needed to know that I wanted to ask Scott Chesney if I could interview him on my podcast! I was instantly motivated by the words that make up this blog post title!  As a life coach, Scott has spoken to over a million people in 38 countries.  But, that's not all... He's been happily married for 16 years and has two beautiful kids!  Oh, did I mention that he has a condition that affects the middle to lower portion of the spinal cord called a "sleeping volcano" which means it can cause a hemorrhage at any time, causing paralysis?  Scott is definitely someone who doesn't let his disability define how he lives his life.

He was asked, "If one word was used to say who you are, what word would you want that to be?" His answer was "real".  He realized that if you're real that's how your connection to people begins to take shape and to grow.  No matter what the outside of a person looks like, now matter what their situation is, they have real potential.. They can be who they want to be!  Scott says "the only disability in life is a bad attitude".  Scott has come to the point in his life where he is confident in where he is, where he's going and how he's going to get there!!  Now, Scott has turned his story and his struggles into motivation for others!  I'm so glad I've come to know Scott and I know that when you listen to this interview you will be happy and motivated yourself!  Defining how disability fits into his life was a choice Scott had to make in order to not be stopped by his challenges... and his story is proof that GREAT things are possible and new liberating definitions of your life can be written! 

Listen to my interview with Scott here: http://www.arcind.org/view-with-scott-chesney/

Scott is also a spokesperson for Rowheels! Check out their website here! http://www.rowheels.com/

Michelle Fischer is host of A View from my Window, a podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana

I don't have Autism.. I'm just doing what I love! -Talk Time host Reid Moriarty

When I met Reid Moriarty, host of Talk Time, I asked him why he liked being a podcast show host.  His lighthearted answer was, "I like to ask questions and hear people respond!"  And what a talented interviewer he is!  I instantly loved Reid and his mom Andrea when they walked into my studio.  It was like we had known each other forever and the conversation and chitchat was as easy as pie!  What struck me right away about Reid was how quickly and easily he said hello.  He looked at me, and stayed connected and was thrilled to be meeting me.. I was so touched, and honestly, that's what drew me to Reid.  I was also drawn to his witty, unencumbered curiosity as he interviewed me.  His life challenges don't precede him, but his passion, for his work and people, does!  Reid's mom, Andrea, accompanies him and watches over him like any other special needs mom does, but, what impressed me about her is that she does it in a way that dignifies him and shows him respect.  She wants him to enjoy life and keep that delightful personality and all the things that make Reid who he is, but she stays close enough to be there if he reaches a breaking point and needs a soft spot to fall.  Andrea writes about her experience in finding Reid's special interest and how that's helped him beat the odds that could seem to be stacked against him.  Instead, because he's living his dream, and has unbelievable support from those around him, his focus can continue to be on being unbelievably AWESOME!!

Listen to me interview Reid: http://www.arcind.org/a-view-with-podcast-host-reid-moriarty/
Get Andrea's book on Amazon!

http://www.amazon.com/One-Track-Mind-Amplify-Special-Interest/dp/0692533192/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452629683&sr=8-1&keywords=one-track+mind

Michelle Fischer is host of  A View from My Window, a podcast produced, by The Arc of Indiana

Behind the Mic Book Review: Life is Short (no pun intended) Bill Kleinand Jen Arnold

Since I started watching the Little Couple in 2009, I've never missed an episode and whenever I have to wait for a new season to start, it seems like an eternity!!  I find myself missing Bill, Jen, Will and Zoey.  So, when I saw that they had a book coming out, I knew I had to read it.  This book made me cry, so hard at times, because of this family's determination to allow nothing to deter them from enjoying life, love and parenthood!  Life is very challenging and rocky at times, but it's your reaction to those challenges that determines how successful you are in overcoming them.  Bill and Jen have had their share of challenges, that's for sure.  They've had to deal with the physical challenges of their dwarfism, which included countless surgeries and recoveries, but also the challenges that come with life in an average sized world.  This book takes you through their lives, from both Bill and Jen's perspectives, including all the ups and downs.  From the highest of highs which included Jen getting her dream job of becoming a doctor in pediatric and neonatal medicine, finding the love of her life when she least expected it and having the chance to adopt two of the cutest, funniest kids from two different countries.  One of her lowest points was a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis during the time they were going through the adoption process.  Bill had felt like he wanted to end it all before he met Jen.  The overall theme of this book is there will be challenges that try to knock you down, but you can overcome them if you drown out the noise of negative thinking, feeling sorry for yourself or people telling you that you won't ever be able to accomplish what you want.  Bill and Jen have risen up to the challenge, and look how their life has turned out!!  They were both told growing up that they could do whatever they wanted in accomplishing their own individual dreams, and now together...well, the attitude of "Nothing is Impossible"  has double the power!  This book is one of the best books I've read.  You laugh, cry, cheer and smile all at the same time.  Bill and Jen's short stature hasn't stopped them from accomplishing incredibly BIG, above average dreams!!! 

Bill, Jen, Will and Zoey...Thank you for sharing your story and your lives with all your fans!  All of you are a shining example of what it means to take life by the horns and run with it!! :) :)

Hurry! Get the book here!  http://www.amazon.com/Life-Short-No-Pun-Intended/dp/1476794774/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1454977934&sr=1-1&keywords=life+is+short

Michelle Fischer is the host of A View from My Window a podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana

Sprout: Opening up the world of Acting and Traveling to the disabilitycommunity

I've always loved the nature shows on TV where the host gives you a guided tour into the sites and sounds of another country, city or culture.  I get so excited, almost giddy, to tell the truth.  I can't wait to breathe in the new surroundings as the camera angles just draw you in.  The way those shows are produced gives you the experience of a lifetime without leaving your living room!  I've always been a lover of stage shows and musicals.  In fact, you will eventually hear me say that I want to be on the stage.  Both art forms allow you to transport yourself to another place and time.  I've had the pleasure of interviewing Executive Director of Sprout, Anthony Di Salvo, and was delighted to find that he adores what he does and the impact that he and his staff have on the lives of the people they serve!!  How do they do this, you ask?  Sprout is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping people with developmental disabilities grow through challenging, creative and fun experiences that enhance socialization, self-confidence and inclusion.  Creative fun experiences and inclusion??  You had me at hello!  Their travel program offers opportunities to it's participants, in the company of their peers, with the support and supervision of Sprout Leaders.  Some of the trip options include Lake George, Cape Cod, Orlando and Washington D.C., to name a few.  Over the years, international travel to places like Mexico, Italy, France, Spain and Germany have been offered, too.  And guess what??  Not only does Sprout have a travel program, but they also have film programs where participants are taught everything there is to know about filmmaking and acting!  Something else I love is that Sprout is in New York City.  I ADORE New York City!  The MECCA of artistic expression, especially on the stage.  Really there is not enough space on this virtual paper to tell you all about this fabulous organization... You MUST find out more for yourself!  Here's the website.. http://gosprout.org/

Anthony raising Disability Awareness :)

Here's where the showing of the films happen!
Love that Marquee!

If you are someone who is looking to travel and get out of your comfort zone and experience different cultures and meet new people.. Well, Sprout is for YOU!!  Oh, and when you meet Anthony, tell him Michelle sent ya..and thank him for what he has done for the disability community.  It's truly fantastic!

Safe travels on seeing the world and I hope you continue to get many standing ovations for your outstanding performances.....                     GO SPROUT!! :)

Hear Anthony talk about all things Sprout, Here:  http://www.arcind.org/view-into-sprout/

Michelle Fischer is host of A View from My Window, a podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana