Belonging Is More Than Being Allowed in the Room | Brooks Herring on Disability & Music

From Inchstones with Sarah | Autism Advocacy & Caregiver Stories · 00:18:58

Show by Sarah Kernion | Profound Autism Mom and Caregiver Advocate

What does disability inclusion look like when nobody is trying to make a statement—they're simply helping someone fully enjoy the moment?Nashville singer-songwriter, Navy veteran and former physical therapist Brooks Herring joins Sarah Kernion after a video of him singing a young woman's favorite song directly to her reached millions of people. Brooks shares how his relationship with disability was shaped by his younger brother Mark, who has Down syndrome, and why music has become one of the ways he creates connection across disability, veterans' communities and live audiences. Sarah and Brooks talk about accessible experiences, controlling the environment when outings feel overwhelming, the power of favorite songs and why the smallest moments can become enormous.Because belonging isn't simply being allowed into the room. It's getting to fully live in the room once you're there. Topics Discussed:disability inclusion, disability family stories, sibling relationships, Down syndrome, special needs siblings, inclusive communities, music and disability, accessible live music, disability advocacy, nonverbal communication, caregiver experiences, sensory-friendly outings, community participation, sibling advocacy, veterans, physical rehabilitation, joy, belonging, inclusion, sobriety, role models and meaningful moments. Key Questions Answered1. What does authentic disability inclusion look like in everyday life?2. How did having a brother with Down syndrome shape Brooks Herring's perspective?3. Why did Brooks' interaction with a young woman with disabilities resonate with millions of people?4. What can music offer when spoken language isn't the primary form of connection?5. How can caregivers make live music experiences more accessible or manageable?6. Why can quieter times and smaller environmental changes make community participation easier?7. What can artists do to help people with disabilities feel genuinely welcome?8. Why are seemingly small moments sometimes enormous for people with disabilities and their families?9. What's the difference between access and belonging?10. How can siblings and allies become meaningful advocates without making disability about themselves?ResourcesBrooks HerringFollow Brooks Herring for his music, live performances and work connecting with audiences through music.Watch the Viral VideoINCHSTONES Podcast Subscribe to the INCHSTONES Podcast for caregiver stories and honest conversations about special needs parenting, profound autism, disability, inclusion, communication, caregiver wellbeing and building meaningful lives for people with significant support needs. Chapters (00:00:00) - Introduction to Brooks Herring and the viral moment(00:01:24) - Growing up with brother Mark and finding connection(00:04:04) - The story behind the viral 'Every Rose Has a Thorn' video(00:06:02) - Nonverbal communication and the power of the moment going viral(00:07:36) - The Buddy Cruise and gaining perspective through disability community(00:08:56) - Presence, music therapy, and the healing power of music(00:11:48) - Making music venues welcoming for people with disabilities(00:13:37) - Sobriety and being a positive role model(00:14:03) - Controlling environment and celebrating small joyful moments(00:16:38) - Closing reflections on moments, meaning, and gratitude

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