Inspire ND

10/16/2026

Behind every mission is someone who believes in it! 💡💛

Today, we're giving a little shoutout to our Founder & Executive Director, Jennifer Dantzler, whose passion for inclusion continues to inspire the work we do at Inspire ND. Thank you for leading with purpose, thinking outside the box, and always finding new ways to shine a light on neurodiversity!

Happy National Boss's Day! 💪

10/14/2026

Building Awareness. Strengthening Safety.

These heartbreaking numbers shared by the National Autism Safety Council are a powerful reminder of why autism safety awareness, education, and prevention are so important.

These critical topics have been highlighted on our Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism podcast through three important episodes:

🎙️ Season 4, Episode 32: Survival First: Water Safety & Autism with Emily Hansen of All Things Swim

🎙️ Season 4, Episode 36: More Than Swim Lessons: Practical Water Safety Solutions for Families of Autism with Swim Angelfish

🎙️ Season 4, Episode 37: When Every Second Counts: Autism, Elopement & Search and Rescue with Blue SAR

We encourage parents, caregivers, first responders, and community members to listen, share, and explore the valuable safety resources provided by the National Autism Safety Council.

💡 Awareness saves lives. Preparation matters. And safety is everyone's responsibility.

We’re continuing to outpace 2025 from this same time last year. We urge all communities to know the risk and act on it.

If a child or dependent with is missing, call 911 immediately while heading to the nearest water, including ponds, pools, creeks, and retention ponds. Tell responders the person has autism, not "special needs" or another general term, so the search can focus on water.

Dispatchers, use the word "autism" in alert language. Sample language is available at AutismWEA.org. People in the immediate area should search water before moving on to sheds and other structures on the property. Even children described as disliking water have been found in water. Water aversion is not protective.

Prevention starts with our SAFE Framework:

S: Supervise, secure, and safeguard: Maintain hyper-vigilant supervision during transitions, stress/commotion, and unfamiliar settings. Install locks and door alarms, use baby monitors and tools like white noise machines and ear defenders, consider a locative device suited to your child’s needs, and start swimming lessons early.

A: Address triggers and anticipate vulnerable times, like holidays, parties, and disrupted routines.

F: Form a Safety Circle and emergency plan: Alert neighbors and school staff, map the nearest water by looking up the address on Google Maps and walking the neighborhood, and create an emergency plan ahead of time.

E: Emergency response focused on nearby water: Activate your Safety Plan and search water first.

Download SafeSteps and more prevention resources at AutismSafetyCouncil.org. Explore the data at AutismDash.org.

10/14/2026

Love listening to Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism? We have one tiny favor to ask! 😊🎙️

Take a minute to leave us a rating or review wherever you listen. Your feedback helps more people discover the stories, insights, and conversations our guests share—and helps us keep shining a light on neurodiversity. 💛

Pick your favorite spot:
⭐ Apple Podcasts: Rate & review Shining Through on Apple Podcasts
🎧 Spotify: Search Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism in the Spotify app and tap the ⭐ on our show page.
🎙️ Another podcast app: Find Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism wherever you listen and leave us a rating or review there!

Already rated or reviewed us? THANK YOU! 👏🏻 We can’t always see who leaves a rating, but we appreciate every one. 🫶

10/13/2026

Planning, getting started, staying organized—there’s a lot happening behind everyday tasks! 💡

Today, our Executive Director, Jennifer Dantzler, presented “The Power and Struggle of Executive Functioning,” helping participants better understand executive functioning and explore practical ways to support different needs.

Thank you to WorkFaith for making time to learn with us. Understanding opens the door to inclusion! 💛

Interested in training on inclusion or neurodiversity in the workplace for your team? Reach out to us at [email protected]!

10/13/2026

We had a wonderful time at Bloom Community Services’ 3rd Annual Hocus Pocus Gala! Inspire ND was proud to be a Silver Sponsor and celebrate alongside others who share a passion for building more inclusive communities. ✨💜

Thank you, Bloom Community Services, for a magical evening! 🪄

10/12/2026

💛 New safety resource added!

The Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office Take Me Home program helps law enforcement identify and assist individuals who may have difficulty communicating or identifying themselves when alone or in an emergency. Its database includes a photo and caregiver contact information to help officers connect with their support person.

Know a family in Fort Bend County who could benefit? Share this resource!

Learn more 👇
🔗 https://www.fortbendcountytx.gov/government/departments/sheriff-s-office/programs/take-me-home

Find this and other resources on our website’s Community Resources page.

10/10/2026

💛 Our Voices Are Reaching Further! 🎙️

We’re excited to share that Shining Through: Inspiring Voices of Autism has been selected as the Featured Podcast on the Special Needs By State – Podcast Corner! 💛

We’re grateful for the opportunity to reach more families, caregivers, and advocates through meaningful conversations that educate, inspire, and shine a light on neurodiversity.

A big THANK YOU to Special Needs by State for highlighting our podcast and for creating a space where families can discover helpful resources and support!

💡 Check out their Podcast Corner, explore their resources, and give us a listen!

🔗 https://specialneedsbystate.com/texas/podcasts.html

Listen to podcasts and conversations for parents and caregivers, with perspectives on disability, family life and support.

10/09/2026

Introducing the new Lake Houston Area Disability Coalition as a part of the Fundraising Accountant Community, an online platform that helps nonprofits use data to create impact stories. Stay tuned for some amazing events coming up as we all work to build truly inclusive communities.

Thank you The RISE Community, The Village, and Bloom Community Services for being a part of this amazing group!