Trigger warning: This episode discusses childhood trauma, sexual abuse, medical trauma, paralysis, and societal discrimination.

Living with a disability and neurodivergence while defying the odds, Malaika (MK) proves that medical expectations don't define your journey and achievements.

"Find your spark. Go make your soul happy. Do what you love, and let's heal this world together." - Malaika (MK)

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob chats with Malaika, a multi-creative advocate who shares their journey of navigating multiple disabilities, childhood trauma, and discovering healing through creativity and community.

From professional football to working with UNICEF, Malaika opens up about boundaries, self-care, and advocating for the Black disabled community. This honest and raw conversation is for anyone seeking to live authentically and find what makes their soul spark - and how we're soul-beings not human beings.

"We treat each other like we're money beings, not human beings. We're more than that, we're soul beings." - Malaika (MK)

Key takeaways:

• The body keeps score. Childhood trauma, whether physical, emotional, or sexual, lives in the body. Healing requires acknowledging pain and creating safe spaces for release.

• Learning to set boundaries as an adult is a process of reparenting yourself. Not everyone will like your boundaries, but they're necessary for your wellbeing.

• Find what makes your soul spark. Discovering activities that bring joy and balance is crucial for managing physical and emotional regulation.

• Community and connection heal us. Sharing stories, building authentic relationships, and supporting each other reduces isolation and creates collective healing.

About Malaika:

Malaika is a multi-creative advocate, disabled person, and neurodivergent individual living in the UK. Born in Uganda in 1988 and raised in Britain from age two, Malaika has worn many hats, from playing professional football and working with UNICEF and UNAIDS to advocating for Project Red and challenging childhood trauma patterns. Living with multiple disabilities including paralysis, autism, and ADHD, she uses their platform to speak about the intersections of race, disability, neurodivergence, and spirituality. Through creative expression and community building, she champions the message that our voices matter and that healing is possible when we find our spark.

Where to find Malaika:

Learn more about Achievable Journey.

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Trigger warning: This episode includes honest discussion about isolation, stigma, and the challenges of living with chronic illness.

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob speaks with Belinda Moscoso, a passionate advocate for the neurodivergent and SEND communities.

Belinda shares her journey of receiving a late diagnosis of ADHD and autism alongside her son, as well as her experiences of living with chronic illness.

Together, they explore the importance of acceptance, resilience, inclusivity, and the power of advocacy in breaking down stigma. This episode offers encouragement, practical insight, and hope for families and individuals navigating neurodivergence.

"Being positive is the key. I really do. Because if you're going to be negative about it, how are you going to get people to accept it? How are you going to get people to want to learn?" - Belinda Moscoso

Key takeaways:

• Neurodivergence and chronic illness can overlap, creating unique challenges that require compassion and understanding.

• Advocacy and community support are powerful tools for creating change.

• Acceptance without judgment is essential for building an inclusive world.

• Positivity and openness can encourage others to learn, understand, and support neurodivergent individuals.

Learn more about Achievable Journey

Follow Your Voice Matters and connect with Asma on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

Remember to subscribe to Your Voice Matters wherever you listen to podcasts!

Share this episode with someone who could benefit from hearing the voice of the SEND and neurodivergent community.

Trigger warning: This episode touches on themes of trauma, isolation, and the impact of the pandemic on children's mental health. Please take care while listening.

In this episode of Your Voice Matters, Asma Jacob chats with Mick Collins, a storyteller, theatre practitioner, leading practitioner in Trauma Informed Practice, and educator.

Mick shares his creative and compassionate approach to working with SEND children and children with trauma backgrounds, showing how theatre, play, and sensory experiences can open up communication and connection.

Together, they explore the importance of safe spaces, understanding behaviours, and rebuilding communication between children, families, and schools. Listeners will gain practical ideas and inspiration for supporting children in joyful, strength-based ways.

"It's not just the kids we work with. We work with the families, and we work with the schools, because for me, what's happened is communication's broken down." - Mick Collins

Key Takeaways:

• Follow children's interests. Bringing their passions into learning spaces helps them feel safe and engaged.

• Play builds connection. Creativity and play are powerful tools for communication.

• Families matter too. Supporting parents and schools is just as important as supporting children.

• Safe spaces help healing. Environments like sensory gardens and interactive theatre allow children to express themselves.

About Mick:

Mick Collins is a storyteller, theatre practitioner, leading practitioner in Trauma Informed Practice, and teacher with over 30 years of experience and passion in theatre and education. His speciality is technical theatre, specifically light, sound, and AV. He believes stories are imaginative learning experiences that can be accessed through the senses. His work combines technical theatre, sound, light, and movement with a love of dance and play. Mick currently teaches at Root'n'Branch Acres, an 18-acre woodland stage and working farm in the UK, where he helps children, many from trauma backgrounds, build confidence and connection through storytelling and creativity. When a story is interactive, he knows it becomes play, which is how he teaches.

Learn more about Achievable Journey

Follow Your Voice Matters and connect with Asma on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X.

Remember to subscribe to Your Voice Matters wherever you listen to podcasts!

Share this episode with someone who could benefit from hearing the voice of the SEND and neurodivergent community.