The Bigger Picture: Designing a Life Beyond Diagnosis

Katrina Hazel is a dynamic motivational speaker, life coach, and author, known for her inspiring book "Special Education to College the Katrina Story, Breaking Those Glass Ceilings". As the founder and Executive Director of Disability Champion Mentoring Network Incorporated, Katrina is dedicated to empowerment, self-direction, and disability advocacy. She holds the position of Vice Chair of the Council on Developmental Disabilities and serves as an advocate lead for the Regional Centers for Workforce Transformation. Katrina is also a graduate of Kingsborough Community College, where she earned her Associate's degree.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of DSP Talk, host Asheley Blaise welcomes Katrina Hazel, a prominent motivational speaker and life coach, to discuss self-direction for people with disabilities. As individuals set new goals for the year, Katrina delves into the significance of self-directing one’s life, focusing on using one's unique gifts and strengths rather than conforming to external expectations. Katrina shares how she navigates the systems designed for individuals with disabilities and underlines the importance of supportive relationships with Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to foster true independence.

Throughout the episode, Asheley and Katrina explore how being in control of one's own goals translates into daily life, highlighting the need for a balance between independence and support. Katrina shares her experiences advocating for herself, such as her journey with supported decision-making, and the impact it has had on bolstering her confidence. By underscoring the importance of emotional support and positive reinforcement, Katrina emphasizes building empowering partnerships rooted in trust and accountability. As Katrina shares her vision for a life that transcends societal limitations, Asheley encourages listeners to focus on the bigger picture, creating a life guided by one's own aspirations.

Key Takeaways:

• Self-Direction Empowerment: Katrina emphasizes that effective self-direction begins internally and is strengthened by supportive networks that truly recognize and believe in one's goals.
• Daily Goal Control: Effective DSP relationships enable individuals to retain control over their goals by offering accountability and positive support, ensuring alignment within provided systems.
• Partnership Dynamics: Empowering DSP partnerships involve sharing goals, fostering trust, and providing accountability support, ensuring that individuals can achieve their aspirations.
• Bigger Picture Perspective: Katrina advises that both individuals and DSPs should focus on creating and pursuing a holistic vision for life, transcending system-imposed limitations.

Notable Quotes:

1. "I do not allow myself to feel limited or dwell on my disability. Instead, I focus within my gifts, abilities, and superpowers." - Katrina Hazel
2. "I knew I didn't want guardianship, but a village to support me along the way." - Katrina Hazel
3. "A truly empowering partnership with a DSP is having accountability support where you can see yourself thrive." - Katrina Hazel
4. "Create the bigger picture of the life that you want to see within yourself, not what the system sees for you." - Katrina Hazel

Resources:

• Episode Transcript
• Special Education to College The Ketrina Story: Breaking Those Glass Ceilings
• Disability Champion Mentoring Network
• The Regional Centers for Workforce Transformation

For more inspiring discussions and insights into disability advocacy and self-direction, tune into the full episode and stay engaged with DSP Talk for future episodes.

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