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 - a blog from Michelle Fischer, host of "A View from My Window." Find it at arcind.org/podcasts and subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!
Showing posts with label podcast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label podcast. Show all posts
Thursday, December 22, 2016
A look back through the Window of the past year!
Thursday, December 8, 2016
Cleared for take off! - Nathan's Story
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
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
''My disability doesn't define me, and I don't want it to define you." - 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
Wednesday, September 16, 2015
Handicap This: Promoting Cerebral Palsy Awareness and giving you a glimpse into a real deal friendship!
Every interview I do has an impact on me, and when I interviewed Tim Wambach and Mike Berkson of the wildly successful stage show, Handicap This, it was no different. The impact has been a very positive and personal one. Tim and Mike have a way of inviting you into their company and making you feel like you've known each other for years. They wanted to meet me and I reeaally wanted to meet them, so it was a very easy comfortable flow when we met and said hi and what made it even more unbelievable was that our interview was over the phone! I really related to one of the things Mike said... he said that he didn't know if anyone outside his family would accept him for who he was. Enter stage left, Tim, a 27 year old who became Mike's aide when he was 12. Soon after, Tim began to realize that his job as Mike's aide was turning into a friendship! This is a friendship that transcends any barriers! It's inclusion at it's best! Mike and Tim are BEST friends and it doesn't take you long to recognize their unbreakable bond. In fact, I was honored that I got to hear it with my own ears! Handicap This helps you understand that there is more to a person than just what's on the outside, it's what's on the inside that counts. Tim decided that he was going to open his mind and his heart and get to know who Mike really was, which meant Tim would see Mike go through rough, painful times and happy, incredible times... But, no matter what, Tim showed that he would be with Mike through it all... He wasn't going anywhere! He values Mike's friendship and Mike values his! Now, and since 2010, you can see their journey play out on stage, where you will laugh, cry and be INSPIRED!
This interview will be one of the ones that will stay with me through my career as an anchor! Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.
Tim-
Thank you for opening your heart and your mind all those years ago and having a passion for helping those with disabilities and special needs and continuing to make minds "handicap accessible"! You truly are a one-of-a-kind person! Thank you for being you!
Mike-
Thank you for showing all of us what having a physical challenge can look like. We don't have to let limitations define the possiblities of what we CAN DO! Because you ponder the infinite possibilities, all of us who have the privilege of meeting you, also ponder our own possibilties! Thank you for sharing your positive journey that is the essence of you!
Listen to Mike and Tim on my podcast! We had so much fun! http://www.arcind.org/a-view-into-handicap-this/
Want a sneek peek of the show? Watch Mike and Tim's TEDx Iowa speech! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfVCgRVMBRc
Michelle Fischer is host of A View from My Window a podcast produced, by The Arc of Indiana
This interview will be one of the ones that will stay with me through my career as an anchor! Improvise. Adapt. Overcome.
Tim-
Thank you for opening your heart and your mind all those years ago and having a passion for helping those with disabilities and special needs and continuing to make minds "handicap accessible"! You truly are a one-of-a-kind person! Thank you for being you!
Mike-
Thank you for showing all of us what having a physical challenge can look like. We don't have to let limitations define the possiblities of what we CAN DO! Because you ponder the infinite possibilities, all of us who have the privilege of meeting you, also ponder our own possibilties! Thank you for sharing your positive journey that is the essence of you!
Listen to Mike and Tim on my podcast! We had so much fun! http://www.arcind.org/a-view-into-handicap-this/
Want a sneek peek of the show? Watch Mike and Tim's TEDx Iowa speech! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfVCgRVMBRc
Michelle Fischer is host of A View from My Window a podcast produced, by The Arc of Indiana
Monday, July 6, 2015
The Ups and Downs of being a teenager while dealing with Cerebral Palsy: Zach's Story
After I read "Off Balanced" by Zachary Fenell, I was amazed by his writing ability and the way he was able to describe to his readers, the challenges of being a teenager with a disability. I could really relate to his story, since I was born with cerebral palsy, also. I'm not a teenager anymore, but the frustration resulting from cerebral palsy has no age limit. It was such a comfort to find this book and know that someone else struggles with the same feelings. He said something when I was interviewing him that I had never thought of when describing cerebral palsy, but after he said it, I knew it was the perfect description! He said, "cerebral palsy has a way of playing mind games with you." I thought that was a brilliant statement that should be inscribed on a coaster or cross stitched on a pillow! Throughout this book, you experience the journey of almost crumbling under the pressure of being different and feeling like an outcast, to feeling liberated and ready to live life to the full! You will smile, laugh, cry and cheer all at the same time as you read this book! I appreciate books like this that are so candid and at times, raw. Zachary Fennell was not afraid to expose the vulnerable roller coaster ride that is called, cerebral palsy. It's not easy for those of us dealing with this disability to talk about how it really makes us feel. We are just so used to talking about the happy, less rocky times, but this book shows you that there are two sides to the story and it's perfectly fine to acknowledge both sides, and in turn, help others find their voice and realize that they are not alone.
Thank you Zachary for sharing your story! Cerebral palsy may make you feel "Off Balanced", but your book shows that you can regain that balance and achieve more than you could ever imagine!
Listen to Zachary Fenell's interview here: http://arcind.org/view-zachary-fenell-author-balanced/
Michelle Fischer is host of A View from My Window, a podcast produced, by The Arc of Indiana
Thank you Zachary for sharing your story! Cerebral palsy may make you feel "Off Balanced", but your book shows that you can regain that balance and achieve more than you could ever imagine!
Listen to Zachary Fenell's interview here: http://arcind.org/view-zachary-fenell-author-balanced/
Michelle Fischer is host of A View from My Window, a podcast produced, by The Arc of Indiana
Monday, June 16, 2014
An Autism Awareness story that is close to my heart....
| Autism Awareness Superheros! |
| The first day of first grade! Lookin' super! :) |
This family and their heart warming experience is very close to my heart!
| Swimming like fish! :) |
For more information on Little Star Center click here: http://www.littlestarcenter.org/carmel/
there are also Little Star Center locations in Lafayette and Bloomington.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Love and Marriage: A dream that can become a reality for everyone!

I often dream of my wedding day. I want a vintage wedding... Ah, yes! I love all things vintage! A vintage dress with a touch of whimsy and a touch of elegance. Roses and daisies will adorn my bouquet.. in bright reds, pastel pinks and burnt oranges. Four of my closest friends who have laughed, cried, and supported me through the ups and downs of life, the bonds of friendship deepening each year, standing beside me on this most sacred day. The bond between mom and daughter is unflinching as you see the bond strengthen, yet now your relationship becomes deeper. Her advice becomes even more the essence of you. The advice that you scoffed at as a kid, viewing it as “uncool” or “cramping your style”, becomes so precious that you wondered why you turned a deaf ear to it to begin with. Realizing that as the years of your marriage progress, you will most likely do things like your mom, your grandma, your aunts and your friends- giving the indication that you may not have turned a deaf ear to everything they lovingly taught you, after all. I continue to be so grateful for the women in my life. They are examples of strength, compassion and love. I learn so much about what marriage means from examples of women in my life. Whether its a look, a touch, or a kiss... They show respect for their husbands for taking the lead in their family ...an incredible gift that we have been given in marriage! I’ve seen evidence so many times that this gift is not taken for granted, but highly valued. Think about it: Because you have listened and learned, observed and perhaps questioned... these are the things that shape you as a person to be ready to be a wife and a partner. Then a potential husband catches your eye and has qualities that match your personality well, but also most important, he fits in with your goals, values and dreams. Your dedication to each other becomes more solid through times spent together with conversations, laughter, tears, time with friends and families. All of these building blocks become the stepping stones to a strong foundation of a firm, rich mutual love and respect....that can last the test of time. The handling of this gift takes much effort, but when that effort is made....you are rewarded endlessly!
People with disabilities feel the same about marriage. They want to be able to tell people how the girl met the boy, how they cooked together for the first time, had their first kiss...the first moment they realized they are crazy about each other and you can’t imagine life without them there. The butterflies in your stomach when you know you have found the perfect dress. I’ve been told by many of my friends that we are all “disabled” in some way, its just that some disabilities are more visible then others. That’s what makes the accomplishment of a goal like finding that special someone so sweet! Marriage is not a fairytale, its a building project...building a team, a foundation of trust and support.....a unified and fortified wall against anything that is a threat to undermining this gift. A challenging, yet rewarding journey. Everyone, disabled or not, should have a chance to have this gift. The gift of love and marriage doesn’t just have to be a dream....it can be your reality!
*Picture Courtesy of Angela and Matt Sharp :)
**Article Originally appeared in Unique Me Magazine
Michelle Fischer is host of A View from My Window, a podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana
*Picture Courtesy of Angela and Matt Sharp :)
**Article Originally appeared in Unique Me Magazine
Michelle Fischer is host of A View from My Window, a podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana
Thursday, August 15, 2013
People with disabilities want to say: "I have a Job!"

"This business is an Equal Opportunity Employer". That very statement is music to the ears of someone who is looking for a job. Looking to spread their wings by being responsible for themselves as they make the transition from a being a child to an adult. People with disabilities want to be seen as everyone else and having a job is just as much a desire for them as someone without a disability.
Employment equals Empowerment for people with disabilities, and many people have hopped on that train (for which we are ever grateful!!) to see that it continues to happen. Gone are the days when people with disabilities are not employed, or working in a sheltered workshop was the only option. They are being integrated, accepted and embraced more and more, as people who can offer a great deal to their employers and co-workers!
Why should I hire people with disabilities?...you may ask. There is a warm fuzzy side to the story that can be told. You, as the employer, are contributing to their emotional well-being, their self-confidence, and breaking the barriers of what people with disabilities are perceived to be able to do. Fantastic, really! What's more fun? Let's take the warm fuzzy feeling side of the story out of the equation for just a minute and look at the facts. Whether you are a self-employed business owner or are managing a business for someone else, you, as the boss, need and want employees that will uphold your standards, provide good customer service, good work ethic, etc.... You may chime in: They can be hard to find! Yes, they can be hard to find, but, people with disabilities quite often meet all those qualifications! No kidding! They are individuals who are committed and dedicated to their jobs, love to be part of the team and actively giving back to their communities...... What's better than that? I'll tell ya: NOTHING!!
As with any anticipation of reaching a long awaited goal, there are always hurdles to get around! One of the biggest hurdles for those with disabilities is transportation. Transportation? That's the easy part, you may laughingly say to yourself. What if, though, their car breaks down or they don't have the money at the moment to buy a car... Take the bus! you say without hesitation... What if the bus doesn't run their route until after they have to be at work? Several situations can rear their ugly heads making it a struggle to think about doing it one day, let alone several days in a row! But, with determination, the individual can find a way to work if they continue to look. Maybe a friend or relative can take them to work. Many times people are willing to help, if asked. As the employer, you may be able to suggest viable options, as well. Taking a genuine interest in this regard goes a long way!
Would you like to know of some businesses who are shining because they made the decision to hire people with disabilities? The Arc of Indiana had the privilege of recognizing people who were described as the "top of the building block" in hiring people with disabilities. They were presented with the Keystone Award! Congratulations to Walgreens of Kokomo, Turkey Run Inn, Bits and Bites of Evansville, Community Access Television Service out of Bloomington and Nathaniel Butell, a photographer out of Columbia City!! My warmest congratulations go out to all of you!!!
What's your definition of success? Hiring people with disabilities who will work hard and bring their attitude of striving for their best, is one of the stepping stones needed. Won't you please consider hiring them? I promise, adding them as part of your team will be the greatest success you will ever experience!!
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| Being part of a team.....having a job = SUCCESS!! :) |
Michelle Fischer is the host of A View from My Window, a podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana
Bloggers Note: This blog was written from notes taken after the interview on Employment. :)
Listen to the my full interview will Jill Ginn, Rebecca Scherpelz and Melody Cooper from the Arc of Indiana at this link: www.arcind.org/upload/media/A%20View%20into%20The%20Arc%20&%20SAI%20Employment%20Campaign.mp3
If you are interested in working and interning in a government position you will want to check out this podcast show on the INTERN program Listen here to Emily's experience with the program and what she's doing now! http://www.arcind.org/upload/media/A%20View%20into%20the%20Intern%20Program_Show%20One.mp3
Friday, August 9, 2013
Autism Awareness Profile: HANDS in Autism
When a child is diagnosed with a spectrum disorder such as autism, it can be an emotional roller coaster like no other. The sad part is watching your child have to struggle with having to "learn" the very things that give us closeness as human beings... a touch, a hug, holding hands, a kiss and countless other social interactions that are so vital to our emotional and physical well-being.
What is incredibly comforting to most of us, can be awkward and uncomfortable to someone on the spectrum. In going through this puzzling process, there are many uncertain times. Times where you may ask yourself - Where do we go from here? On my podcast, I have had the privilege of interviewing some outstanding people who help those with autism. One of these, Hands in Autism, is an organization that seeks to help families in making their way through what seems to be the never ending dark tunnel of the diagnosis. They provide a listening ear while being proactive in starting the process of seeing light at the end of the tunnel - with hope and help. One of the keys to providing help for families and those who have ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder), is being able to provide resources that answer questions for families and caregivers. They need answers as they cope with different stressful and challenging circumstances that they and their loved one may go through. All of these topics are covered, and more, on the Hands in Autism website. I was blown away and delighted to see that Hands in Autism goes far beyond the call of duty when it comes to resources. They are rockstars in the resources department! Once you see this website, you'll see what I mean!! Just as the name of the organization suggests, you are not ever alone...they are with you every step of the way!
Here are just some samples of the treasures you will discover on this site:
This section deals with Visual Supports and Practical tools: http://www.handsinautism.org/tools.html
Here's a handout that talks about 10 things you can do to support those living with ASD:
http://www.handsinautism.org/pdf/10Dos2SupportIndividualsASD.pdf
Hands in Autism has wonderful information Cards to help people understand more about ASD and it helps promote Disability Awareness These are Fantastic! www.handsinautism.org/pdf/AutismInfoCards.pdf
There is life after the diagnosis of autism, and Hands in Autism wants to show you how to achieve that life... Autism is not the end, in fact, it can be just the beginning of finding out that you can reach your dreams and goals and let your disability know that you are in control of YOUR life!
Michelle Fischer is the host of A View from my Window a podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana
For more information on Hands In Autism, Follow them on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/HANDSinAutism.
Listen into my interview with Assistant Director Tiffany Neal talking about the great things Hands in Autism does! http://www.arcind.org/upload/media/A%20View%20into%20Hands%20in%20Autism.mp3
http://www.handsinautism.org/pdf/10Dos2SupportIndividualsASD.pdf
Hands in Autism has wonderful information Cards to help people understand more about ASD and it helps promote Disability Awareness These are Fantastic! www.handsinautism.org/pdf/AutismInfoCards.pdf
There is life after the diagnosis of autism, and Hands in Autism wants to show you how to achieve that life... Autism is not the end, in fact, it can be just the beginning of finding out that you can reach your dreams and goals and let your disability know that you are in control of YOUR life!
Michelle Fischer is the host of A View from my Window a podcast produced by The Arc of Indiana
For more information on Hands In Autism, Follow them on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/HANDSinAutism.
Listen into my interview with Assistant Director Tiffany Neal talking about the great things Hands in Autism does! http://www.arcind.org/upload/media/A%20View%20into%20Hands%20in%20Autism.mp3
Friday, December 7, 2012
A Behind the Mic Reflection: World Cerebral Palsy Day 2012
Cerebral Palsy: An umbrella term encompassing a group of non-progressive, non-contagious motor conditions that cause physical disability in human development, chiefly in the various areas of body movement. Wow, that's the dictionary definition used to describe people with Cerebral Palsy! I mean really.... what's up with "non-contagious motor conditions" as part of the definition? The things that are contagious about me are my laughter, my smile, my humor, my hugs, my heart, my imagination, my need to be with friends and family (btw, I cherish these relationships deeply. They have kept me level and focused and able to deal with the changing landscape of my cerebral palsy). My love affair with news is extremely contagious...(I know it is in my blood... I'm just sure of it!). What about my excitement to try new things and my desire to travel the world? I want to be an actress, live in New York City, work at CNN (Anderson Cooper will think I'm FANTASTIC!) :)) I love to meet new people and I'm really interested in who they are. Encouraging people is my forte. When I see a friend with a tired, sad, at their wits end expression on their face, I love to turn it into laughter and a smile! All of these aspects to my personality make me proud of who I am. But, I'm even more proud that I didn't let all the hardships and struggles that CP has tried to beat me down with, squash my spirit!
Have I always been this positive? NO. I was hit like a ton of bricks ten years ago and thought my life was over... that I was worth absolutely nothing! I was shocked, I mean, I went from this carefree, high spirited girl to this shell of a person that, when I looked in the mirror I didn't even recognize the reflection staring back at me! I was shattered, my heart broken...all the hopes, dreams and goals I thought were right in front of me were actually miles away, and it would take a tremendous amount of work to get there! As I look back now, even though the journey was hard, and trust me, some days it still IS, I have learned to love myself day by day and appreciate my own unique way of accomplishing my goals. (And the people who have helped me get to those goals - you all know who you are, and I thank you from the very depths of my heart!). So, to all of you who may be going through this journey of self-discovery - I am here to tell you, you can do it!! It will make you stronger, better and more resilient. Rely on those who love you and feed and nurture your potential, and never let negative thoughts cloud the beautiful person you know you are!! Don't let the disability define you. YOU define what's possible even with the disability... With your incredible ABILITIES!!! :)
So, on this Cerebral Palsy Day 2012, even though the actual day is now distant, I leave you with this: Educate, Empower, Inspire - Show everyone how Brillant you are!!
Michelle Fischer is the host of A View from My Window, a podcast produced by the Arc of Indiana
So, on this Cerebral Palsy Day 2012, even though the actual day is now distant, I leave you with this: Educate, Empower, Inspire - Show everyone how Brillant you are!!
Michelle Fischer is the host of A View from My Window, a podcast produced by the Arc of Indiana
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Jumping into the Twitter-sphere! (tweet, tweet!!)
| Twitter is complicated! So thought my brain :) |
The plunge into Twitter has been a long time coming. Why, you ask? It was due to my own thinking that it was going to be too complicated. Trust me, it happened with Facebook, too. Fear of the unknown and getting accustomed to "the lay of the social media land". Hashtags, @symbols, tweets..... What if I put a hashtag in the wrong spot in a tweet? Or what if I don't put the @ symbol in the tweet that let's a person know I'm talking to them? Will they feel ignored? What in the world is a retweet? Is it loud? Will someone be offended if I retweet something that is now old news, but to me, is something I think looks cool? Kinda like....if a friend of yours goes to the mall and buys a hip dress and then you go to the mall two weeks later, and realize the next time you see your friend that you have the EXACT SAME DRESS!! (gasp!!) HA!...Ok, Twitter for me, wasn't quite life-altering, but it was much easier then I thought it was going to be and REALLY fun! I have met and connected with a lot of nice people so far, and hope to keep connecting more and more!
I'm an internet podcast show host of a podcast called AView from My Window. The podcast takes you inside the lives of people with disabilities. Their stories in their own words, the services they receive, and the organizations that help make their lives better through their advocacy and hard work! I'll tell you more about how AView from My Window got it's start in another blog post, but that's why Twitter has come into the life of this podcast show host and I'm certainly glad I get to share the podcast with all of you! I hope you enjoy listening as much as I love hosting! It's truly a dream job!
I'm Michelle Fischer, Host of AView from My Window....and I have entered the TWITTER-SPHERE!!!!! (Tweet, Tweet) :)
| This Twitter-shere is not like Facebook!?! WHOA...... |
| If you forget this when talking to someone, will they feel ignored?!?! |
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