Born in France in 1809, Louis Braille lost his sight at the age of three—but that didn’t stop him from leaving a lasting mark on the world. In this inspiring episode, we explore how a tragic childhood accident led to one of the most transformative inventions in history: the Braille writing system. As a student at the Royal Institute for Blind Youth in Paris, Braille was introduced to a military code called “night writing.” Finding it overly complex, he began developing a simpler, more intuitive system of raised dots. By age 15, he had created the foundation of the tactile writing system that now bears his name. The Braille system revolutionized communication for blind and visually impaired people, opening doors to literacy, education, and independence across the globe. Today, Braille is used in nearly every language and found on everything from books and menus to elevator buttons and banknotes. Join us as we uncover how one young man's resilience and innovation sparked a movement for accessibility and empowerment that continues to impact millions of lives. Louis Braille’s legacy is a powerful reminder that adversity can lead to extraordinary breakthroughs. 🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more stories that changed the world. #LouisBraille #BrailleSystem #Accessibility #Invention #DisabilityAwareness #BlindCommunity #InspirationalStory #HistoryMatters #EducationForAll

In this insightful episode of IDD Health Matters, Dr. Craig Escudé is joined by nurse educator Michael Sigelman, who brings a wealth of experience and passion to improving healthcare practices for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Michael shares how his early experiences shaped his career and how he now plays a crucial role in training registered nurses and direct support professionals across his state. Together, they discuss the importance of structured nurse education, the value of trained medication employees (TMEs), and the essential role of accurate documentation in providing consistent and person-centered care. Michael also emphasizes the power of listening, knowing individual baselines, and taking time—three simple yet impactful practices that can vastly improve health outcomes. Through real-world examples, Michael and Dr. Escudé highlight the challenges and opportunities in achieving health equity, the significance of interprofessional collaboration, and the critical need for increased clinical training in IDD care. Whether you're a clinician, DSP, policymaker, or advocate, this episode offers actionable insights into creating a more inclusive, responsive, and informed healthcare system. 👉 Learn more about the tools and training mentioned in this episode at replacingrisk.com 👉 Explore career opportunities in IDD services at friendsforliferc.com 🎧 IDD Health Matters is a joint production of Friends for Life and IntellectAbility. Subscribe for more conversations on health, wellness, and equity for people with IDD.

Megan Bomgaars is a trailblazing advocate, entrepreneur, and star of the Emmy-winning show Born This Way. Born with Down syndrome, Megan rose to national prominence through her viral video Don't Limit Me, where she passionately called for inclusion, opportunity, and respect for people with developmental disabilities. Her message has inspired millions: see potential, not limitations.

In this video, we explore Megan's journey—from public speaking and fashion design to business ownership and national advocacy. Megan continues to challenge stereotypes and redefine what it means to live boldly with a disability.

#MeganBomgaars #DontLimitMe #BornThisWay #DownSyndromeAwareness #DisabilityAdvocate #InclusionMatters #DevelopmentalDisabilities #Inspiration #DisabilityRepresentation #SpecialNeedsAdvocate