The Didlake Difference

How do you make a positive impact in someone's day?In this episode of The Didlake Difference, we meet Sam Baisas, a Project SEARCH graduate who now works in guest services at UVA Health.Sam shares his journey from intern to employee, reflecting on how Project SEARCH helped him gain real-world work experience and prepare for a successful career. Today, he helps patients, visitors, and families navigate a large healthcare environment, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported when they need it most.Through his dedication to service, Sam demonstrates how meaningful employment creates opportunities to contribute, advocate for others, and make a lasting difference.Listen as Sam discusses his role, the lessons he learned through Project SEARCH, and why inclusive employment benefits everyone.Learn more about Didlake and our mission to create opportunities for people with disabilities.

Kim shares her inspiring journey of overcoming self-doubt, embracing her disabilities, and pursuing her dreams with the support of her family and workplace. This episode highlights the importance of self-advocacy, confidence, and community support.

This episode delves into the powerful impact of addiction and the transformative journey of recovery. It explores the challenges faced before and after recovery, highlighting the critical turning point and the importance of support and understanding for individuals struggling with addiction. The conversation with Ms. Ruth highlights the themes of resilience and empathy. She overcame challenges and obstacles, emphasizing the importance of financial stability and determination. Ms. Ruth shared her experiences dealing with relapse and the process of reintegration and personal growth. She discussed the significance of support, advocacy, and grassroots efforts, emphasizing the importance of breaking down barriers and inclusion. Ms. Ruth's leadership style reflects empathy, compassion, and mentorship, leading to the fulfillment and positive impact on the community.TakeawaysThe power of addiction is profound and requires understanding and support.Early life and family play a significant role in shaping an individual's journey and experiences.Recovery from addiction is a challenging and transformative process that requires support and a turning point.The impact of addiction is far-reaching and the importance of support cannot be overstated.Programs like Ability One and Diversified provide opportunities for individuals to rebuild their lives and find purpose. Empathy and compassion are essential in leadershipSupport and compassion can uncover personal giftsExpressing gratitude and impacting change are powerful actsChapters00:00 The Power of Addiction10:29 Rocky Journey and Second Chance19:16 Turning Point and Recovery30:22 Impact of Addiction and Support35:53 Rising from Janitor to Crew Lead50:10 Leading with Empathy and Compassion58:44 Impact on Individuals and Community01:05:05 Closing and Gratitude

In a world where vision shapes our perceptions, what happens when that vision is compromised? In this enlightening podcast episode, we dive into the life of Nathaniel, a remarkably resilient individual who has navigated the challenges of low vision while pursuing his passions. From his fascinating interests in history and air traffic control to his rewarding job experience at NIST, Nathaniel's journey offers valuable lessons about adaptability and determination.

In this episode of The Didlake Difference, Ivette, who is hard of hearing, shares her inspiring story of building confidence, navigating communication barriers, and advocating for herself in the workplace. From starting in part time work to earning a full time administrative role with the support of Didlake job coaching, Ivette highlights the power of disability employment, inclusive hiring, and self advocacy. She challenges misconceptions about people with disabilities and shows why true inclusion means creating real opportunities for everyone. Ivette’s message resonates with job seekers, employers, and advocates: if I can do it, anyone can. Her journey reflects the importance of accessibility, workplace inclusion, and respect for individual abilities. AI Disclaimer: This episode includes the use of artificial intelligence assisted tools to support communication and accessibility for our guest. AI technology was used to generate a Spanish-to-English voice dub and to adjust mouth movements, improving clarity and inclusivity for all viewers, including individuals who are hard of hearing or use lip reading. These innovations helped enhance communication without altering the meaning or intent of the guest’s words. All perspectives, experiences, and personal insights shared in this episode remain authentic to the guest. Our use of AI reflects a commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and innovation, ensuring that every voice can be clearly understood and fully heard.

In this episode, Erica sits down with Bernice Martin Lee, President & CEO of the Epilepsy Foundation of America, a nonprofit leader with more than 25 years of experience in healthcare and philanthropy. Bee shares her powerful journey as a woman of color living with epilepsy, from her first seizures in college to becoming the leader of a national organization dedicated to making sure no one faces epilepsy alone.Together, they unpack what true health equity looks like, how storytelling can fight stigma, and why centering lived experience changes the way we design services and supports for people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. You’ll also hear how the Epilepsy Foundation is innovating with technology, data, and partnerships to better serve the 3.4 million people in the U.S. living with epilepsy—and what all of us can do to be better allies in our own communities.

In this episode of The Didlake Difference, we sit down with Lisa Duvall, a passionate advocate and leader at Didlake, Inc. Lisa shares her journey within the organization, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and the impact of her work in advancing opportunities for people with disabilities. From her personal motivation to her professional achievements, Lisa reflects on the importance of building a workplace where everyone can thrive.

In this inspiring episode of The Didlake Difference, we sit down with Brandon, a former Project SEARCH student whose journey is a testament to resilience, growth, and the power of opportunity. Alongside him is Theresa, his dedicated support throughout the program, who shares her perspective on Brandon’s development and achievements. Together, they reflect on the impact of Project SEARCH, the importance of personalized support, and what it means to discover your potential in the workplace and beyond.

In this special episode, we sit down with Paul Gravley, CEO of Didlake Inc., to explore his leadership approach and the future of disability employment. Paul shares the values that drive Didlake’s mission, the power of purpose-driven work, and how innovation and advocacy intersect at every level of the organization. From big-picture strategy to personal reflections, this conversation offers insight into what it means to lead with impact — and why Didlake’s mission matters now more than ever.

In this inspiring conversation, Dr. Rachel Payne, Vice President of Advocacy and Public Policy at Didlake Inc., shares how advocacy drives real-world change for people with disabilities. Dr. Payne discusses her journey into public policy, the challenges and victories of shaping inclusive legislation, and why changing minds is the first step to changing policy. Join us for an inside look at how passionate leadership and purposeful advocacy can transform communities — and lives.