Check out this incredibly inspiring conversation with teachers and students of Galileo Adult Education Center, about their I Belong Project, and how this digital storytelling journey led them to the Hands On Media Film Festival!Joining us on this episode:Martina Schaivone - Galileo PrincipalLisa Trotto - SIS TeacherJessie Curell- Hands on Media Founder Alexis Gerin Lajoie - SIS Student & film creatorAlex Ponte - SIS Student & film creator Important links: Film festival playlist: https://...
Apr 28, 2021•25 min
Our 2 part series on Montreal social enterprises continues, with an in depth chat about the importance of social enterprise in our society and what it takes to launch. Joining Mark Bergman are founder and director of Zera Cafe- Eve Rochman, as well a Zera Cafe cook- Ricky Malus!
Mar 09, 2021•24 min
In celebration of Jewish Disability Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion Month in Montreal, GenMTL's Pay it Forward for Purim initiative, along with DeLaMie Bakery saw 200 Purim Baskets go out to people in the Montreal community. Listen, as Mark Bergman chats with fundraiser organizers and members of the DeLaMie bakery, about the importance of social enterprise in Montreal!
Feb 25, 2021•23 min
Casey Remrov Vormer, is an award-winning artist, autism advocate and new author of "The Autism Spectrum: How To Talk, How To Listen, And Why You Shouldn't Call It High-Functioning". Listen, as Mark Bergman chats with Casey about his new book, and what life has been like during the last 6 months during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Oct 20, 2020•15 min
Take a listen behind the scenes, about what inspired the Friendship Revolution. The film follows the year long journey of sixty teens and young adults, with and without disabilities, co-creating innovative projects to break down the barriers to inclusion. Listen, as Mark Bergman chats with Leibel Rodal, Steven Abad, Dr. Liz Cooper, Eva Levin, and Mushka Rom.
Aug 27, 2020•27 min
The last few months have been a challenge for us all. But how did the sudden break in routine, affect those living with autism? Listen, as Mark Bergman chats with Kelly Bron Johnson, founder and consultant at Completely Inclusive, and Steve Atme, singer, producer, writer, and the director of the movie, the Power Of One. They'll discuss the challenges, but also some of the good that's come out of this pandemic!
Jun 08, 2020•19 min
Alison Levine is ranked #1 in the world in boccia, a sport for physically disabled athletes. As she was in the final stages of preparation for the 2020 Paralympics, COVID-19 hit, and it was decided that the games would be postponed until next summer. Join Mark Bergman, as he chats with Alison about how learning to adapt has been crucial in preparing her for how to deal with isolation and preparation for summer 2021.
May 14, 2020•12 min
Five friends, all diagnosed with autism/aspergers, created a film where they share their accomplishments, hoping to inspire viewers to follow their dreams. The Power Of One, is about inclusion and diversity despite differences with special needs, beliefs, race and rough backgrounds. Listen, as Mark Bergman chats with Steven Atme (producer & director), and Fareed Gul (co-writer, actor & songwriter).The film premiers March 13th & 14th at the Vanier College Auditorium.
Feb 24, 2020•18 min
This Valentines's Day, we decided to visit the amazing students and staff at the Mackay Centre & Philip E. Layton schools. Mark Bergman asked them about a person they love, why they love that person so much, and how that person makes them feel? Have a listen! You're going to LOVE what they had to say!Special thanks to the following students and staff members for making this podcast so awesome:Paul Michael + DanaEwan, Ainsley & DebraAviBennett & GianninaMacksimMicaiahMarioMichaelNikis...
Feb 11, 2020•5 min
This year on the Inspirations News Podcast, we will be highlighting difference makers within Montreal's special needs community. Our first Inspirations Difference Maker is well known in the community for his superb fundraising, and his friendly & positive personality. Mark Bergman chats with Ariel Mechaly as well as his sister Naomi Mechaly, about his fundraising for the Walk For Friendship, as well as his employment at Le Chateau.
Jan 20, 2020•13 min
Mark Bergman visited the Lounge Group at the Friendship Circle of Montreal, to find out about their New Years resolutions. New goals! New foods! New hopes for 2020!❤️🎧You can now subscribe to The Inspirations News Podcast on: Apple Podcasts: https://tinyurl.com/InspirationsAppleGoogle Play: https://tinyurl.com/InspirationsGoogle
Jan 08, 2020•7 min
Vanessa Grimaldi, best known for winning The Bachelor Season 21, has always focused her attention on bringing awareness to students with learning disabilities. Host Mark Bergman chats with Vanessa about the reason why the area of special needs is so important to her, the benefits of the amazing sensory rooms that she has donated, and news about her new podcast! We'll also meet her podcast assistant, Alexander Ferla Coirazza, who opens up about austim and anxiety. Hear Alex's story, and how Vanes...
Dec 04, 2019•16 min
Now in their 41st season, Le Hiboux De Montreal is a team composed of visually impaired people in the greater metropolitan area. The team is recognized as a leader in team sports for people with visual disabilities. Mark Bergman chats with players Francois Beauregard and Bruno Hache about the growing popularity of blind hockey, and some of the incredible challenges involved in playing a high intensity sport while being visually impaired.
Nov 19, 2019•16 min
The Centre for the Arts in Human Development (CAHD) at Concordia University, established in 1996, is an educational, clinical and research centre serving adults with developmental disabilities and other special needs populations. On this episode, Mark Bergman will chat with Director of Clinical Services and Public Outreach, Lenore Vosberg, as well as CAHD member, Robbie Zunenshine. They'll chat about all the amazing services offered at the centre, as well as the big Nikki Yanofsky concert coming...
Nov 08, 2019•16 min
Mark Bergman chats with Clinical Director of the SCERT Conference, Ed Cukier. We'll be covering everything from independence & autonomy, to sexuality, parental stress, and more! Find out about all the amazing sessions you'll be able to attend, by listening to this episode. Thanks to Marathon Souvlaki for sponsoring this episode of the Inspirations News Podcast!
Oct 22, 2019•17 min
You'll be inspired and uplifted by discovering the I Can Dream Theatre, a theatre group created for those with special needs. Host Mark Bergman chats with Musical Director/Choreographer Michele Matthews about their latest production "Saving Marvel", and how the group was created. Mark also chats with cast member Julie Myhr about how the I Can Dream Theatre has helped her grow & thrive throughout the years, as well as her inclusive journey thus far.
Oct 11, 2019•16 min
Host Mark Bergman chats with Cantor Danny Benlolo about Montreal's incredible Shira Choir! Listen to their incredible talent, and find out how singing brings out the amazing potential of people with disabilities.
Sep 18, 2019•23 min
Mark Bergman chats with META-nominated Concordia University professor, Audrey-Anne Bouchard, about her stunning multi-disciplinary show called CAMILLE. This unique project has been specifically designed for people living with a visual impairment.
Aug 29, 2019•18 min
Host Mark Bergman chats with Krista Leitham & Matthew Moses about why the Autism Speaks Canada Dog Walk Montréal is more than just a dog walk! This podcast will walk cover increasing awareness, understanding, acceptance and inclusion for the autism community, and what it's like to live day to day with autism.
Aug 14, 2019•15 min
Mark Bergman speaks with Marla Cable about the incredible services at the Giant Step Resource & Training Center!
Jun 28, 2019•16 min
In this episode, Mark Bergman chats with a grade 6 student and her teacher at Coronation School, about how the EMSB's assistive technology has helped her thrive and succeed in school!
Jun 19, 2019•16 min
On our second episode of the Inspirations Podcast, Mark Bergman sits down with world renowned, special education expert, and motivational speaker Rick Lavoie. This episode deals with Rick's "theory of fairness", how to better communicate within a special needs family, and the one thing a parent needs to deal with a child with learning disabilities.
Jun 13, 2019•17 min
I Christopher deals with the struggles of finding and maintaining a job with our lead character Christopher on the autism spectrum. The struggle also goes into depth in asking questions such as what’s his role in society? What can he contribute to society? Can he be loved or accepted in a world that’s moving too fast for him to catch up? Christopher is played by Claudio Tamburri, who has not only written this production but is making his solo performance debut at the 2019 Montreal FRINGE.
Jun 06, 2019•14 min
