When did you discover your love for writing?
My love for writing began at a very young age. I won my first poetry contest at the age of 9 and my first essay contest at 10. Writing has always been a very natural form of expression for me and provides a wonderful creative outlet as well as being cathartic and a source of inspiration.
What have you learned as a TV Writer, Producer, and Director?
Being involved in that part of the industry has taught me about patience and persistence, as well as believing in and following one’s dreams and passions. Let’s not forget that it takes a lot of teamwork to take a project from a seedling of an idea to a completed creative endeavor. Working together, getting along, respecting others’ viewpoints and supporting your co-workers are all talents that were definitely honed by my experiences!
How important is “Giving Back” to you?
I believe that the art of giving back is something that everyone could and should be involved in. You don’t have to donate money, although many people do and that is certainly something that nonprofits and charities need to survive. There are other ways to give, which include donating material goods, time and expertise. Doing my podcast is a project that comes straight from my heart, and provides a service to the special needs community that I feel is greatly needed. I am honored and proud to work with the GIFT Global Initiative nonprofit organization with regard to my podcast as well as other projects that help to make this world a little better. I think that giving makes a person stronger as an individual, and brings great fulfillment and peace to one’s soul.
How does the non-profit GIFT Global Initiative fit into the equation?
GIFT supports my project in terms of providing an avenue for those who wish to sponsor the effort via a financial donation or by donating in-kind resources like time or technical assistance. GIFT is also instrumental in helping me spread the word about the podcast.
What led you to launch your “Podcast for the Special Needs Community
with Gilda Evans?”
I have a son with special needs and have spent over 20 years relentlessly researching mountains of rules, regulations, paperwork, and websites looking for answers on how to get him the things he needs for his education, health, and life in general. I watched the parents of other kids with certain challenges going through the same ordeal, reinventing the wheel each and every time they had a question or issue. One of the biggest problems we face as a group is not only a lack of certain resources but also the lack of a knowledge base on how to access and use the resources that are out there. So, I became my son’s self-taught advocate and decided to create a series of podcasts designed to offer one solution to that dilemma that deal with all sorts of topics and issues; from education, to government benefits to housing and almost everything in-between.
Can you share a few memorable guests?
California Assemblywoman Christy Smith discussing how to advocate with your legislator for change; Chance Raspberry, lead animator for The Simpsons who talked about following your dreams and finding employment as a person with special needs; and Dr. Elizabeth Laugeson, founder and director of the PEERS Clinic at UCLA who shared tips about dealing with bullying and making friends are a few that come to mind. That said, all my guests are terrific, knowledgeable people who give of their times and expertise to help provide some vital information for the special needs and disabled communities.
What is it that you want people to know about people with special needs?
That they are people with hopes, dreams, desires, talents, intelligence, and emotions, and they are filled with the wonder of life just like everyone else. Their set of challenges might be different that yours or mine are, but isn’t that what makes us all individuals on the spectrum of humanity? They want acceptance and to be a part of that human spectrum just as much as any other person does.
Share your vision for your podcast.
My goal is to create a comprehensive database comprised of hundreds, if not thousands of podcasts that will serve as a place for those with special needs, their parents, educators, and advocates to begin looking for answers to whatever question or issue they might have concerning the care and wellbeing of their loved one. Examples of some episodes include ones on music therapy, special needs financial and legal planning, summer and day camps, and natural approaches to various intervention techniques. As you can see, a wide variety of topics!
Do you have any additional thoughts?
I want to thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my voice and my passion for what I do. I’d like to invite anyone who feels they have something to contribute or are interested in knowing more about my podcast or my other projects to contact me on any of my social media links that are listed here.
www.facebook.com/gildaevansauthor
www.linkedin.com/in/gildaevans
Instagram: @gildaevans2
