Find out on this episode of the Breaking the Ice Lets Talk Inclusion podcast.

Joining host Steve Nearman are his guests:

Brooke Avakian, Board Chair, Island Autism

Kate DeVane, Executive Director, Island Autism

Jen Woods, Special Education and Transitions teacher, Martha's Vineyard High School

In addition to talking about the fundraiser, we also discuss the symbiotic relationship between Martha's Vineyard schools and Island Autism, including students making dog treats, working with horses and hanging out with chickens!

They told the parents of Andrew Roberts when he was a baby that he would never speak. 

On this episode of the Breaking The Ice - Let’s Talk Inclusion podcast, host Steve Nearman discusses Andrew's recent graduation from Ithaca College's Sport Media program.

He received an autism diagnosis shortly before his second birthday and is the first and youngest Flutie Foundation Fellow, only 14 years of age when he started with the organization.

As a junior announcer for the Boston Red Sox, Andrew’s fandom grew over the years, and when he was 10 years old, (after borrowing a book at the library called “How to Start a Blog”), he started his own sports website, bostonsportsmania. com. It now has over 750 posts.

On the podcast, Andrew discusses his time at Ithaca and his incredible depth of sports media work in just 22 years of life.

On this episode, host Steve Nearman sits down with Andi Genser, Organizer of Second Summer Cycle Charity Rides and Robert Goydas, Great Blizz supporter and past rider.

This show takes a deep dive into Andi's long and passionate career of championing those in need, especially women who need supports. And her long love affair with bicycling which came together during her years at the helm of Cape Cod non-profit We Can. Plus a sit-in by Blizz fundraiser Robert Goydas, on the staff of our production company Marshfield Community Media, as he reviews his successful Second Summer ride last year.

The Blizz again will be participating, along with 18 other non-profits, on September 13. Learn more: Secondsummercycle.com

Find out more on this episode of the Breaking The Ice - Let’s Talk Inclusion podcast, hosted by Jim Coughlin, Executive Director of PCFS, with Dakota Phillips, Agency with Choice Coordinator.

They discuss what their function is, along with upcoming programs, services, and resources for adults ages 22 and over who have aged out of the school system. PCFS serves the numerous towns of Plymouth County.

On this episode of the Breaking The Ice - Let’s Talk Inclusion podcast, host Steve Nearman sits down with Darcee Edwards, organizer of the 6th annual "Don't Hide the Pride" event next month in Hanover, MA.

A member of Hanover Pride, a mother of three and full-time school nurse, Ms. Edwards explains how the event, which celebrates Pride Month, germinated from the tearing down of a pride flag at Hanover High School in June 2021.

Within days, the Hanover Board of Selectmen chose "to turn a hurtful incident into a unique moment for reflection leading to growth," including the creation of a Pride event which took place shortly after and ever since.

The discussion also delves into the world of LGBTQ+ people and the world around them, which is becoming more and more harsh. The Blizz has welcomed LGBTQ+ players since its inception.

Nora Bent, Director of Government Affairs & Strategic Partnerships for the ARC of Massachusetts, discusses the PROTECT Act Amendment #6, which the ARC is strongly advocating for.

Rapidly evolving federal immigration policies and expanded enforcement actions are creating fear and instability across immigrant communities in Massachusetts. These developments are affecting not only immigrant families, but also the families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and autism who rely on an already-strained human service workforce, of which immigrants make up a huge percentage of staff.

This amendment seeks to include disability programs as "sensitive spaces" to protect a critical segment of the disabilities workforce.

Host Steve Nearman sits down with two major Great Blizz supporters, Skip Frieling and Dick Thibeau, as they look forward to their inductions into the USA 80+ Hockey Hall of Fame on Sept 25 and 26 in Superior, CO.

✨ Tony Sansone Jr. – founder of the first special ice hockey team in America ✨ Joe Rizzuto – Tournament Director of SHI Toronto 2026 and longtime leader of the Grandravine Hockey team

Together, they share the powerful story of how special hockey began in Toronto in 1992… expanded to St. Louis in 1994… and sparked a global explosion of teams that continues to grow today.

From the very first Special Hockey International Tournament in 1994 to the worldwide community we see now — this episode is about courage, vision, and what happens when inclusion takes the ice.

Listen in as host Holly Flanagan take a deep dive with Jim Coughlin and Jessica Gonsalves into the services of PCFS and why this organization is a regional jewel.