Some people collect souvenirs. Oscar collects people. Oscar is a storyteller whose love of filmmaking begins—and ends—in conversations with all the characters whom he has collected throughout his life. Spend just a minute with Oscar and you’re immediately lifted by his infectious enthusiasm. Every conversation quickly turns to something he’s excited about: a film festival,
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If I Can, Then You Can: Tonya Helps Empower Others with I/DD
Tonya uses advocacy, poetry, and lived experience to help empower others with intellectual and developmental disabilities “People with Autism are easy-going. You just need to give us a chance and get to know us,” says Tonya with a gentle, playful giggle. Her words are straightforward and warm, exactly like her. Tonya is a CFS participant,
Read moreThe Courage to Rise and the Heart to Give Back: Nancy’s Extraordinary Journey
From the moment you meet Nancy, you can feel her warmth—even before you hear her voice. Yet it’s her voice—kind, steady, and full of conviction—that has carried her through a truly awe-inspiring journey of self-advocacy, independence, kindness, and community leadership. Nancy, who has intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and uses a motorized wheelchair because she
Read moreP.A.G.E.S. Self Starters: Advocacy, Impact, and Making a Difference
Action, independence, and impact are just a few words that define CFS’ P.A.G.E.S. advocacy efforts — and the powerful work of its Self Starters group, made up of CFS participants like Jackie, Jeff, Kasheena, and Oscar. P.A.G.E.S. is one of three self-advocacy groups supported by CFS. Focused on political engagement, education, and community action, the
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