SKSF Special Conversations
A SPEAKER’S BUREAU
Special Conversations is an SKSF innovative initiative launched through the generosity of community stakeholders including donors, foundations, and volunteers that serves as both a speaker’s bureau and a public outreach effort to build greater awareness of people with disabilities (PWD) and advocate for healthcare equity.
This program, driven by a partnership of staff, clients, and health experts, equips people with disabilities to engage directly with the public and healthcare providers in impactful ways. Through coaching in storytelling and presentation, the program aims to:
- Train diverse individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) as ambassadors
- Equip PWD caregivers and allies with the tools to increase reach and effectiveness
- Create and communicate branded outreach materials, unified under the powerful messages:
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- PWD voices, views, and experiences should be valued and heard.
- Health equity should be shared by our whole community.
- Well trained advocates amplify and empower vulnerable people to promote real and positive change
About Special Conversations
Special Conversations provides clients and community with layers of lessons, story sharing experiences, and expertise in real-world hands-on application to generate and garner excitement, support, and understanding for PWD. Special Conversations provides an opportunity for stakeholders to learn about:
- PWD and their unique journeys
- Diverse perspectives and backgrounds
- Educating truths and dispelling myths surrounding PWD
- Socialization skills and independence building
- Advocacy, Inclusion, and Empowerment
- Best practices in education, integration, and support
- And much more!
Why a Speaker’s Bureau?
Special Kids Special Families created Special Conversations to further our mission to promote, strengthen, and support individuals with disabilities and their caregivers. By sharing real stories, lived experiences, and expert insights, our speaker’s bureau fosters understanding, breaks down barriers, and advocates for healthcare equity. This outreach effort not only raises public awareness of the challenges and triumphs faced by people with disabilities but also inspires meaningful action and community support that helps individuals and families thrive.
Community Immunity
Special Kids Special Families is excited to partner with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to educate our community on how to stay healthy this cold and flu season.
Hear from our SKSF clients! Our SKSF Community Immunity Committee is spreading the word to our community and presenting ways to understand how illnesses impact the well being of individuals with disabilities.
FAQs About Special Conversations
Anyone—schools, businesses, community groups, healthcare providers, faith organizations, and civic clubs—can request a speaker to share insights, stories, and expertise related to disabilities and caregiving.
Our speakers address a wide range of topics, including living with a disability, caregiving experiences, accessibility, inclusion, healthcare equity, best practices in education and integration, and personal advocacy journeys.
Both. Our bureau includes people with lived experience of emotional, cognitive, and physical disabilities, caregivers, and professionals who work in disability support and advocacy.
While there is no set fee, we welcome donations or honorariums to support the bureau and our mission to promote, strengthen, and support individuals with disabilities and their caregivers.
We recommend submitting your request at least 6–8 weeks in advance to ensure the best match for your audience and topic needs.
All speakers receive training and support to share their stories effectively, ensuring presentations are engaging, respectful, professional, and tailored to the audience’s needs.
WAYS TO GIVE
VOLUNTEER
