The Dadvocating Podcast - Episode 4

The Art of Advocacy: Inclusive Casting in the Entertainment Industry with Robin Carus

A candid conversation with Robin Carus, legendary casting director whose career spans theater, film, and television. Robin shares her journey into casting, what drives her, and the gratitude she finds in discovering and nurturing authentic talent. We explore the groundbreaking New York City Accessibility Fund and its promise to reshape inclusivity across the entertainment industry. Robin discusses why lived experience matters in casting, and how authentic representation of disabled and neurodivergent artists enriches storytelling for everyone. With warmth and humor, she also reflects on advocating for siblings with developmental disabilities and wraps up with a hilarious Sacha Baron Cohen/Borat story that’s guaranteed to leave you laughing.

Autistic Jewish Community Zoom Discussion Circle

Nervous System Responses to Tradition, Practice, and Mitzvot

Sunday Nov 16th
Pacific 12.30pm - Eastern 3.30pm - London 8.30pm

Article: Celebrating Dadvocates on Father's Day

I also want to share a piece I recently wrote for Autism Spectrum News, honoring dads, dovavcating and fathers day. If it resonates, please consider sharing it in your networks:

Up, Up, and Aware: What Superman Can Teach Us About Mental Health

In the early part of the 21st century, when life felt simpler, I wrote a book that brought together years of geeky enthusiasm and thoughtful reflection, Up, Up and Oy Vey! Recently, I’ve come to see my fascination with masks as deeply connected to neurodivergence and advocacy.

My latest article, "Up, Up, and Aware: What Superman Can Teach Us About Mental Health," explores the lessons Superman offers—the man has returned, and we need him more than ever.

Family Empowerment Day in Albany

Here's a snapshot of me at Family Empowerment Day in Albany, advocating for inclusive policies and support for families across New York State.

Intro

Our Story

We’re a Brooklyn-based couple on a mission to make our community a more comfortable place for Autistic individuals and their families.

Together, we founded the Jewish Autism Network, a global shtetl where you can kvell and kvetch with people who get it!

Pics:
Kathy Hochul, Governor of New York State
Ambassador Deborah Lipstadt, Special Envoy to Monitor & Combat Anti Semitism

Attending Governor Kathy Hochul's Rosh Hashanah gathering at the Center for Jewish History on September 19th. Among the many initiatives highlighted was a commitment to recognizing the unique issues surrounding Jewish Americans’ Mental health.

The New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) created the Spotlight on Jewish Americans Campaign to provide resources to develop a webinar to the existing equity series that will preface cultural and religious considerations, address antisemitism and its effects, and provide best-practice approaches in the provision of behavioral health services for this community.

Over the last year, we’ve embarked on a series of advocacy trips to Albany. Our mission? To meet political figures and engage in discussions about developmental disabilities legislation.

We had the incredible opportunity to voice our concerns, share personal stories, and advocate for change. Working towards a more inclusive and equitable future for all is an empowering experience!

Pics:
Angelo Santabarbara, Assemblyman & Dadvocate
John W. Mannion, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Disabilities Rebecca Seawright, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Disabilities
Simcha Eichenstein, Assemblyman
Kerri Neifeld, Commissioner of the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD)
Shelley Mayer, Chair of the Senate Committee on Education

We provide a warm, independent, nonjudgmental place to connect, community outreach, and practical support for Autistic self-advocates.

We're neither establishment nor experts: we’re families, and we’re stronger together.

Intro